As a seasoned Creative Director, I’ve learned that good work is the greatest threat to great work. Sure a keen eye for aesthetics is important, but breakthrough creative takes meticulous thought, brave concepts, and a willingness to always do more.
I believe brand connections are forged when people are given something of value that they can enjoy more than once. Today, that might be an interactive experience or social storytelling. Tomorrow it will be something else. But it’s worth it for brands to build relationships with people, not just get them to buy something once. As someone who truly understands what makes people tick, I’m committed to crafting content that resonates with people on a deep, emotional level. Because let’s face it, life is too short for boring brands.
My leadership style is like a good dance partner—collaborative, yet decisive, with a good dash of fun mixed in. I’m passionate about fostering creativity in others and known for my ability to bring out the best in their team members. Some have even dubbed it the “Stefanie touch”. I’ve found the best way to inspire great work is to encourage others to take risks, experiment with new techniques, and explore their own unique creative voice. Whether I’m leading a team on a major project or mentoring a new designer, I am always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible and bring fresh, bold ideas to life.
In 2019, I began Cultivate to share creative tips and have conversations on relating better to each other through our connected humanity. For a selection of my work history, check out my resume. Want to work together? Let’s chat.
But don’t just take my word for it…
``Stefanie is a creative unicorn. She brings compelling and always-relevant concepts to the table, but then has the studio background to execute on it 73 different ways, with smart detail and visual verve that stops scrolling eyeballs cold.``
Brad Perry
Executive Director of Strategy & Creative
``One of the most empathetic leaders I have ever worked with — not a moment goes by that Stefanie isn’t trying to understand where the client is coming from, where a project manager is coming from, and where her own creative team is coming from, simultaneously.``
Lindsey Monroe
Business Manager
``Stefanie is amazing! So much creative talent and such a delightful human being to work with. She makes even the most laborious projects seem effortless and fun. I could never learn enough from Stefanie, she is brilliant.``
Luke Seville
VP Customer Data, Engagement, and Loyalty
``I've seen Stefanie take on projects that look near impossible & once she gets her hands on it, the end result is truly brilliant. Her presentation skills are also incredible. Listening to her present her work & the story telling behind it, is something I (as well as clients) look forward to.``
Alex Koury
Account Manager
``Her ability to translate my copy into the perfect visual solution, no matter how crazy or far-fetched my ideas seem, is an amazing skill for a partner to have. It's like she can read my mind. (Wait, maybe she can?!?)``
Katlyn Droke
Senior Strategist
``Stefanie is a self-starter, with a great work ethic and an outstanding imagination. Stefanie stood out in her time at the paper, both for her initiative and her production.``
Lee Barnes
Richmond Times-Dispatch
``Stefanie has been an invaluable creative resource for us, quickly understanding the projects at hand and continuously producing results that exceed expectations. I have yet to come across something that she cannot do well.``
Joe Allman
Peak 10 Data Solutions
``Stefanie is a consummate professional, passionate about her work and process and and imaginative problem solver.``
Tyler Darden
Virginia Living Magazine
