WHY I TEACH
Replacing myself. The ad world doesn’t need another chubby white dude like me. Unfortunately, it’s easier for chubby white dudes like me to have access to advertising education. I’m trying to do my part to change that. (aside: I’m also trying to change my overall level of chubbiness, but I really enjoy bagels and burgers). Fear of a karmic payback. So many people helped me find my way in advertising that I deserve some special cosmic punishment if I don’t return the favor. Seriously, it keeps me up at night thinking what would be in store for me. Death by the pointy end of a D&AD pencil or something. It’s the only drug I do besides coffee. I figure If you don’t develop the skill of making other people’s ideas better, you’re only a Creative, not a Creative Director. Teaching and mentoring makes me better at the second part of my job. Also, I feed off the energy of youth and hearing new ideas. It’s addictive. Like creative meth (but it won’t mess up your face).
Experience
School of Visual Arts, New York Instructor, Advanced Advertising
Adhouse NYC Instructor, Concepting Techniques
Denver Ad School Instructor, Campaign Development
D&AD Shift Mentor and Instructor, Brand Tone
One Show’s “One School” Mentor
Manhattan Early College for Advertising Mentor
4As MAIP Program Mentor
Pratt Institute Guest Speaker
Miami Ad School Guest Speaker