Andre Vriesman
Associate Creative Director and Writer • Phoenix, Seattle, Remote
wait, you do what?
I’m an integrated creative leader with 15 years of agency and in-house brand experience. I have worked at small and mid-sized agencies around the Seattle area for a decade, and more recently at University of Phoenix.
yes, I can
Help brands to connect with audiences across traditional, digital and social media. My work has been recognized in Communication Arts, the Addy Awards and shortlisted by The One Show. I’m also proud of my role as a part-time copywriting instructor and ad student mentor.
who’s paid me
Agencies: Digital Kitchen, Wexley School for Girls, Sedgwick Rd., Publicis, VML
Brands: University of Phoenix, Microsoft, Amazon, Darigold, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle Sounders FC, Shimano, Redhook Brewery, PCC Natural Markets, Weyerhaeuser, Wilson Tennis, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
special sauce
• Storymaking: creating a story where no known story exists.
• Generating a strategically-sound idea and a delightful way to pay it off.
• Playing well with other team members; leading by example and teaching.
• Following when it’s time to get behind the charge.
• Finding the simple truth inside the lengthy creative brief.
how I got here
As a kid I wanted to be an inventor, like Doc in Back to the Future. I actually wanted to have a shed in my mom & dad’s backyard. After majoring in English at Oregon State, I applied to the VCU Brandcenter and found my calling. Since then I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented, smart and generous people.
Fans of Andre
“Andre is the type of creative who’s interested and invested in every project, every client and in every person on the team. He sees the big picture and always has something insightful or unique to add to the process beyond crafting smart creative.”
Cassidy Wilber, Strategy Director at TwofifteenMcCann
“Andre approaches each communications problem/situation/opportunity with an educated curiosity that I wish more folks in our industry possessed. He also makes a damn fine cup of coffee.”
Todd Grant, Creative Director
“I know Andre both as an ad pro and as an instructor teaching ad-pros-to-be. What strikes me is that he’s mature beyond his years in both roles, and consistently creates great work and encourages the same from his students. Do not be confused by Andre’s quiet polite demeanor. He’s a strong, wise, and articulate person who makes great ads and great ad students.”