david miazga | cd

I started with Photoshop 1 on a mac before those terms had meaning. With no internet and no tutorials, I simply read the manual—thoroughly. Realizing the deep advantages this ultimately provided, I formed a habit of continually stacking learnings from any & all graphic software packages (which continues to this day).

Applying that same tenacity towards developing marketing and advertising concepts, I have collected an enormous amount of expertise while bringing campaigns to fruition for a wide variety of brands. Being 'hands-on' allows inspiration to flow freely, especially when leading teams that are tackling difficult projects with tight deadlines, and challenging stakeholders. Over time, I found that this approach fosters an environment of trust and enhances the quality of the work.

And, although it takes time, I thrive whenever I can cultivate teamwork (especially if I’m teaching students). Because in a way, we’re all students — always evolving.

// Excellence in brand design • Image/design software excellence (most any) • Concept development • Creative direction • Team leadership

M1 finance

Creative Director/Creative Manager

Chicago, IL: 09.22 - present

Leading a small-but-nimble team to evolve marketing efforts across all channels. M1 is a Chicago-based fintech startup which quickly scaled from a few million in assets under management, to over 10 billion. M1 continues this trajectory, offering a modern and sophisticated financial experience in a crowded marketplace.

Gogo Inflight Internet (purchased by Intelsat/SES)

Creative Director/Creative Manager

Chicago, IL: 07.10 - 09.22

Joined the Gogo team (before even a startup) and helped them establish a path towards becoming the world’s first inflight internet service provider. Now sucessfully merged with larger players, Gogo made it easy to understand numerous complex and technical messages. This was accomplished with the additional complexity of migrating B2C efforts towards a stronger, more effective B2B tactic now common in the industry.

Columbia College Chicago

Adjunct Professor

Chicago, IL: 01.12 -01.14

Taught a senior-level class (Creative Strategies In Advertising Design) where I pioneered a unique, approachable system to help students develop top-notch advertising concepts and foster their ability to execute creative campaign ideas.

Plan B - The Agency Alternative

Creative Director

Chicago, IL: 07.08 - 07.10

Directed creative efforts for Plan B, a boutique agency in River North, Chicago. Set a new bar of success during a critical time at the agency by winning and supporting a wide range of clients such as Volvo, PaperMate, Wilson, Sirva Relocation, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, TetraPak, Advantage Futures, Applied Systems, Peridot Manufacturing, Mather Lifeways, BlueChip Casino and Northern Trust.

Lit Post Production

Founder/Colorist/VFX artist

Hollywood, CA: 07.05 - 07.08

Founded a post-production studio. Was involved in absolutely all phases of the business. Lit provided digital color correction and finishing services to independent filmmakers (before digital was widely adopted). This real-world experience provided unique insights into both technology and business (during the duress of a recession).

Freelance

Sr. Art Director

Los Angeles, CA: 07.03 - 07.05

Helped streamline all phases of campaign efforts for global brands such as Kawasaki, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Callaway Golf, Nestlé, Argent Financial and Gateway Computers.

Young & Rubicam

Sr. Art Director

Irvine, CA: 01.01 - 07.03

Supported global campaigns for Land Rover, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Mattel Toys, El Pollo Loco and Sony.

Hal Riney & Partners

Art Director

Chicago, IL: 06.99 - 01.01

Gained crucial agency experience with brands such as Subway Sandwiches, Del Webb Retirement Communities, Principal Financial, Whirlpool Appliances & Smuckers. Willing to put in long hours and propose original campaign ideas, I quickly learned ad agency intricacies.