Rachel Frederick: Executive Creative Director/Art Director, 22 years leading creative full-time at Johannes Leonardo, Droga5, BBDO, adam&Eve, and Ogilvy. Now freelancing at agencies like Opinionated/Tombras West, Le Truc, Said Differently, and Crispin.
About
Rachel Frederick is a freelance Executive Creative Director and Art Director. Never one to be pinned down to a single genre, she has spent more than 20 years creating award-winning campaigns across categories, audiences, and tones for some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Starbucks, Shake Shack, Oscar Mayer, JetBlue, GE Aerospace, Audi, Volkswagen, and IBM.
She is known for her exceptionally loud laugh and for combining strategic thinking with standout visual craft. Throughout her career, Rachel has led integrated campaigns across social, experiential, earned media, and brand platforms, building collaborative teams that create culturally resonant work with lasting impact.
Rachel has helped shape campaigns recognized by Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, The Webby Awards, and more. She is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of creatives. She co-founded The PrePros, a free educational meetup series that demystifies commercial production for emerging talent, and D5in10 at Droga5, a free 10-week program designed to help aspiring creatives break into advertising. She has also taught at the School of Visual Arts and mentored through MAIP.
Originally from the Midwest, Rachel has happily called Brooklyn home for more than 16 years. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family—including her dog, Otter—volunteering with New York City’s animal shelter, and championing creativity, community, and mentorship.
Website
About Me
Rachel is a huge dog lover. She has a dog named Otter, whom she is completely obsessed with, and they can often be found playing fetch in Prospect Park in the mornings. She also has a cat named Vivian—even though she is allergic.
Rachel regularly volunteers with New York City’s Animal Care Centers, helping dogs and cats find their forever homes. She is also a member of Brooklyn’s famed Park Slope Food Coop, where she is attempting to eat healthier while putting in her required work shifts.
Originally from Ohio, Rachel always dreamed of living in New York City. She moved to the city in 2010 and still loves it. Brooklyn is home.
Interests
Dogs, animal rescue, Prospect Park, creativity, community, mentorship, healthy eating, and life in Brooklyn.
Can Help With
Portfolio reviews
Art direction
Creative direction
Career development
Breaking into the industry
Leadership
Freelancing
Résumé and portfolio feedback
Networking
Advertising agencies
Managing teams
Hiring
Mentoring
Best Person to Talk to About
Networking
Getting thoughtful career advice
Portfolio questions and feedback
Breaking into advertising
Developing as an art director or creative
Understanding how creative agencies and teams work
Growing into creative leadership
Navigating freelance opportunities
Managing, hiring, and mentoring creative talent
Open to Supporting
Early-career, mid-level, and senior professionals.
Fun Fact
Rachel professionally recorded her laugh after David Droga told her he would miss it when she gave notice that she was leaving Droga5.
Background
Rachel grew up in Findlay, Ohio. She wanted to attend Pratt Institute in New York City but changed course and enrolled at a school in Anderson, Indiana. At the time, the school had an exceptional graphic design program within its art school.
Rachel studied graphic design through a Bauhaus-inspired approach, which meant her education extended far beyond traditional design classes. She also studied glassblowing, three-dimensional design, color theory, two-dimensional design, drawing, and more. That foundation taught her to think conceptually—not simply about making things look good.
Rachel did not always know what she wanted to do professionally. She chose graphic design after her mother said, “You like to draw. What about this?” Rachel found her passion and never looked back.