Open to opportunities

Matthew Novak

@matthewnovak

Message

Creative director and brand leader driving revenue and engagement through strategic storytelling and design.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek leadership roles where I can guide multidisciplinary creative teams, shape brand strategy, and deliver measurable growth through storytelling, UX, and integrated campaigns.

I am a creative leader with 10+ years building brand systems, scaling internal teams, and delivering brand, digital, and campaign work for global brands and high-growth startups. I have led multidisciplinary teams, launched national OTT/CTV campaigns with a 9.5× ROI, and directed a brand refresh that contributed to $1.6M in revenue growth within 18 months.

My experience spans in-house leadership and agency roles, including Director of Marketing & Creative, Creative Director, and Interim Chief Creative Officer, working with clients such as Bon Appétit, Spotify, The New York Times, and West Elm. I prioritize healthy, high-performing teams and user-centered product and UX design to create cohesive brand experiences that increase awareness, engagement, and profit.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Director of Marketing & Creative

Current

Sod Solutions

Jan 2023 - Present (3 years)

Lead creative, marketing, and brand strategy across multiple product lines and a 10+ person internal agency; launched OTT/CTV campaigns with a 9.5× ROI and directed a brand refresh contributing to $1.6M revenue growth in 18 months.

Brand Strategy Creative Direction Team Management UX UI Content Production Messaging Marketing Analytics

Creative Director

Bread & Butter Agency

Jul 2021 - Dec 2022 (1 year 5 months)

Developed branding strategies and high-impact creative campaigns for food and hospitality clients, creating cohesive visual identities that increased visibility and customer acquisition.

Brand Development Campaign Strategy Market Analysis Brand Identity Storytelling Creative Leadership

Interim Chief Creative Officer

Christian Planner

Apr 2020 - Jul 2021 (1 year 3 months)

Led a rebranding sprint and product launches, managed domestic and overseas contract artists, and directed a successful crowdfunding launch for an apparel line to diversify revenue.

Product Launches Creative Strategy Vendor Management Crowdfunding

Creative Director

Emergence Church

Dec 2014 - Jul 2021 (6 years 7 months)

Directed a 20+ person creative team to produce digital and print materials, grew attendance from 800 to 3,000+ members, and led the transition to digital services and live streaming during COVID-19.

Team Leadership Digital Transformation Event Production Content Strategy Video Production Live Streaming

Art Director

West Elm

Jan 2013 - Dec 2014 (1 year 11 months)

Managed the digital design team for email, e-commerce, and brand campaigns, overseeing 6–10 designers and directing visual assets and photography to strengthen digital brand presence and increase online sales.

Email Marketing Team Management Design Direction Cross Functional Collaboration UX

Designer

Bon Appétit

Sep 2010 - Dec 2012 (2 years 3 months)

Contributed to the relaunch of Bon Appétit and designed the first iPad issue, collaborating with art and creative directors and receiving SPD awards for Best Feature and Best Digital Publication in 2012.

IPad Publication Feature Design Adobe Creative Suite Editorial Design