Open to opportunities

Brett Essman

@brettessman

Message

Creative director and art director who turns ideas into award-winning work.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior creative roles where I can lead teams, develop integrated campaigns, and produce award-winning work for ambitious brands.

I am a creative director and art director with extensive agency experience leading campaigns for major brands across consumer, entertainment, healthcare, and B2B sectors. I have guided creative teams at agencies including Spire, Periscope, Martin|Williams, The VIA Agency, Havas, and FCB, producing work recognized by One Show, D&AD, Communication Arts, The Webby, Clio, Effie, and numerous industry outlets.

My career blends strategic thinking and hands-on art direction — from concept through execution — for clients such as Arctic Cat, BASF, Connecticut Lottery, Cox Communications, Marvin Windows, Medtronic, and the Minnesota Twins. I make ideas happen, delivering high-impact creative that earns awards, press coverage, and sustained client results.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Creative Director

Current

Preston Spire

May 2022 - Present (3 years 6 months)

Lead creative strategy and execution across brand campaigns, overseeing art direction and cross-functional teams since May 2022 to drive brand growth and creative output.

Creative Direction Art Direction Brand Strategy Campaign Development Team Leadership Adobe Creative Suite Visual Design

Creative Director

BASF Decker

Sep 2021 - May 2022 (8 months)

Directed creative programs and brand initiatives from September 2021 to May 2022, delivering integrated campaigns and visual systems to meet client goals.

Creative Direction Campaigns Art Direction Team Management Adobe Creative Suite

Senior Art Director

Periscope

Aug 2021 - Sep 2021 (1 month)

Provided senior art direction across projects during August–September 2021, producing creative concepts and executions for multiple brand clients.

Art Direction Campaign Execution Visual Design Storyboarding Adobe Creative Suite

Art Director

Martin|Williams

Feb 2012 - Aug 2014 (2 years 6 months)

Served as Art Director from February 2012 to August 2014, leading visual creative for campaigns including Connecticut Lottery and others to increase brand engagement.

Art Direction Branding Layout Adobe Creative Suite Team Collaboration

Art Director

The VIA Agency

Dec 2011 - Feb 2012 (2 months)

Art Director from December 2011 to February 2012, delivering creative assets and campaign visuals for clients including Cox Communications and DuPont.

Art Direction Creative Production Visual Design Adobe Creative Suite Advertising

Art Director

Havas

Apr 2011 - Nov 2011 (7 months)

Art Director from April 2011 to November 2011, crafting campaign creative for beverage and consumer brands and coordinating production workflows.

Art Direction Campaign Development Branding Adobe Creative Suite Production Coordination Consumer Marketing

Associate Art Director

FCB

Apr 2010 - Apr 2011 (1 year)

Associate Art Director from April 2010 to April 2011, supporting creative teams on brand work for clients such as Great Clips and Forest Carbon Works.

Art Direction Layout Adobe Creative Suite Cross Functional Collaboration