Jeff Gilette: Co-Director, CU Brand Studios, Ex WK, Google, Goodby
About
Jeff has worked as a copywriter, creative director and ECD over the past 20 years at some well known agencies and companies (like Wieden, Google, Goodby, Crispin, and more). He’s also made some fun work for brands like Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, Burger King; and won some fun awards in the shape of pencils and lions, in shades of gold and titanium. But the most fun he’s had in this business was actually leaving it to become a professor at the University of Colorado, where he's started a master’s program for creative advertising called The Brand Studios. He also consults and coaches on the side and loves sharing what he’s learned in this crazy business with creatives of all levels.
Website
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgillette/
Interests
Ask me about my weird hobbies... whittling, blacksmithing, knitting, personality psychology, furniture making, godzilla (ok that last one is my son's fault)
Can Help With
Portfolio Reviews, Creative Direction, Copywriting, Branding, Career Development, Breaking into the industry, Career pivots, Leadership, Interview preparation, Resume & Portfolio, Personal branding, Networking, Managing teams, Mentoring
Best Person to Talk to About
Breaking into advertising, pushing your portfolio, pivoting within advertising, discovering your personal brand/telling your brand story, networking, finding a mentor/becoming a mentor, creative blocks/burnout, learning what it means to be a creative director, branding of any and all kinds.
Best Fit For
Early Career, Mid and Seniors, Executives
Fun Fact
My wife and I eloped to Vegas and were married by Elvis. And then renewed our vows 25 years later -- by the same Elvis.
Background
I grew up on the beaches of Florida in St Pete/Clearwater... then went to college in the swamps of Florida at UF studying Social Psychology. I almost went for my PhD in Social Psych, but instead gave advertising a try. Cuz, you know, same same. In another life I would be a carpenter/woodworker making fine craftsman furniture with hand tools like the Amish.