My name is Brett Essman.
And that’s my 5th grade photo. I went through a phase where I only wore jerseys and sweats paired with Harry Potter glasses. It’s a lot like working from home, except I traded my jerseys for cardigans. I’m an idea first creative that proactively brings solutions to clients before they ask for them. My personal motto is “get shit done.”
Also, I love Oreos (not double stuffed, the OGs).
Where I've Learned
Preston Spire // Creative Director // June 2023-
Associate Creative Director // May 2022-May 2023
Decker // Creative Director // Sept 2021-May 2022
Periscope // Sr. Art Director // Aug 2014-Sept 2021
Martin|Williams // Art Director // Feb 2012-Aug 2014
The VIA Agency // Art Director // Dec 2011-Feb 2012
Havas // Art Director // Apr 2011-Nov 2011
FCB // Associate Art Director //Apr 2010-Apr 2011
Brainco // Art Direction
St. Cloud State University // Advertising/Marketing
Recognition
One Show
D&AD
Communication Arts
The Webby Awards
Ad Age Probono Campaign of the Year
Clio’s
Graphis
Archive
Muse Creative Awards
Effie's
Digiday
Radio Mercury Finalist x 2
Campaign Power of Purpose Awards Finalist
National Addy’s
The Show - Minneapolis
Connecticut Ad Club
Rad Dad - 10 years running
Press
Ad Age/Creativity Editor’s Pick x 2
Muse by Clio
Campaign Live
The Drum
Adweek
New York Times
Fast Company
Ads of the World
Design Taxi
Forbes
SyFy
Collider
Fox9
Man Made - 20 Men You Should Follow on Pinterest
Judging
NY Festivals
The Hatch Awards
AdForum PHNX Awards
Brands
Arctic Cat
BASF
Basilica of Saint Mary
Buffalo Wild Wings
Change the Ref
Connecticut Lottery
Cox Communications
DuPont
Elm Creek Brewing
Finnegans Beer
Forest Carbon Works
Great Clips
Hefty
Klondike
Marvin Windows
Mass General Brigham
Medtronic
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Lottery
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG)
Minnesota Wild
NoDoz
PEMCO
RecycleCT
Syngenta
Sprint
Trolli (gummies)
WIC of Connecticut
Wolverine