Sometimes a resume isn’t enough to show the big picture. So here are some ideas I try to carry through in my day-to-day. Also, what I’ve done, how I’ve done it and what others have to say about it all.

 
 

 

STRATEGIC THINKING, CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

I appreciate beautiful art and design. My passion includes seeing it applied to purpose. To do this successfully, I maintain a strong belief in the value of strategy-driven, brand-forward creative that encourages response and engagement. Four components help make this happen.

 
 
 

DO IT RIGHT
Being a client advocate for forward thinking, starting with a plan, incorporating best practices into deliverables.

 

ROAD MAPS & REAL GUIDANCE
True audience insights that are the benefits of assessment, analysis and evaluation of markets, competition, audience behavior, and brand awareness — just to note a few.

STRONG BRANDING
A name, face and voice that champions a relevant, authentic and connective positioning.

 

PROCESS MANAGEMENT
Having an established creative process is key to harnessing the combined potential for great work, successful outcomes, happy clients and talent growth.

 

WELL-SEASONED EXPERIENCE

Passion is important. So is 20+ years of creative experience succeeding in a host of initiatives and roles involving:

 
 

BRAND
Discovery, building and identity creation

CXM
Full-scale inbound and outbound campaigns

 
 

ENVIRONMENTAL
Two- and three-dimensional wall graphics and signage, space planning, layout and decor

PRINT
Advertising, collateral, signage and direct mail

DIGITAL
Websites, landing pages, email, social, display, multimedia presentations

 

VIDEO
Storyboards, content, script, direction in unique asset creation, editing, sound and animation

EXPERIENTIAL
Attraction and engagement strategy, collateral, booth graphics, structural design, floor plans and decor

EVENTS
Presentation media, live rehearsals, scripting, audio/visual, technical staff, live talent and technical direction

 

WORKING PRINCIPLES

What makes me tick? Well, here's a few guidelines that I believe pay major dividends. They help me to provide the highest level of service while exceeding expectations.

 
 

DO GOOD, DO WELL
The new "Golden Rule" definitely has its benefits.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Practice what you preach. Hypocrisy is unbecoming.

ACCOUNTABILITY
Take responsibility and learn from decisions and actions.

 

STRONG LINKS, STRONGER CHAIN
Champion independent strength in collaborative values and efforts.

FULL TRANSPARENCY
Be open to sharing and receiving honest, direct communication and feedback.

CAUSE & EFFECT
Know there is a consequence for every decision and action.

 
 

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE
Nothing is perfect, but investing time upfront more often saves time, material and cost.

BUDGET/QUALITY/TIME PARADIGM
Every project requires a balanced expectation.

 

 

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

My career is largely comprised of full-time, staff employments—each providing invaluable growth opportunity. Reliable and dedicated, I devote my time, thought and effort into delivering results to clients, colleagues and project owners.

 
 

MERKLE INC. | DENTSU CREATIVE
2015 – Present

A leading global customer experience management (CXM) and performance creative marketing agency — driven by data and analytics, enabled by technology and rooted in business outcomes to create more meaningful, targeted customer experiences.

Roles & Responsibilities

Report to Creative and Group Creative Directors, lead creative/art for consumer, financial, healthcare, non-profit and software/tech markets. Responsible for pairing data/analytics/strategy with creative application of best practices and tested performance creative principles to drive awareness and response in award-winning, multi-channel campaigns and marketing initiatives.

Associate Creative Director, Art

• Lead, mentor, provide direction and oversee the work of creative associates and interns

• Conceptualize campaign themes, create exemplary imagery, graphics and layouts

• Present and deliver work to internal and external clients

• Advocate and drive forward best practices in process management

• Engage the creative body in team-building exercises, identify educational opportunities initiatives for organizational growth

• Spearhead and lead passion project “Dentsu Presents” to help talent development in the form of presentation practice and skill building

 
 

FREELANCE CREATIVE CONSULTANT
2014 – 2015

On- and off-site creative service, supporting independent organizations and agency clients.

Creative Director • Sr. Art Director • Designer

Work directly with business owners and report to executive-level agency directors to lead and support print and digital initiatives involving identity and campaign development, product launches, websites, e-learning modules, pitch proposals, presentations and events.

 
 

COMPLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
2008 – 2014

Full-service, brand-centric marketing and creative agency serving a broad portfolio of B2B and B2C clients.

Roles & Responsibilities

Reporting to the VP of Creative Services, I successfully moved seamlessly between various roles, tasks, clients and projects, both managing and contributing to every aspect of the creative process. Expanding my scope to include Account Director once again challenged my skill sets and continued to build upon my previous experience to ensure long-lasting client relationships and successful outcomes. As the primary contact for multiple accounts, I worked directly with client liaisons and decision makers, marketing managers and directors, VP’s and CEO’s.

Sr. Art Director • Account Director

• Employ a creative and strategic framework to plan, develop and achieve project goals leading and managing multidisciplinary, internal and external teams

• Identify project scope, develop estimates and proposals, manage timelines and budgets effectively

• Conceptualize direction in combination with strategy to address qualified target-market challenges and leverage opportunities, present ideas, concepts and design solutions to creative and non-creative audiences

• Manage the creative process and client expectations

• Champion a proactive, forethought approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving

• Embrace a flexible management style focused on personal accountability, while utilizing a straight-forward, transparent approach to communication and direction

• Execute and deliver final integrated campaigns and unique one-up projects, including identity and branding, print collateral, direct mail, OOH, interactive multimedia presentations, video, websites, social, and display

 
 

DUPAGE CREDIT UNION
2004 – 2008

Financial institution offering an extensive portfolio of banking, savings, credit cards and loans – serving members in seven branch offices/county-chartered regions in the Chicagoland area.

Roles & Responsibilities

Positioned within the in-house marketing department, I reported to the Marketing Manager. Applying multiple capabilities and skill sets, I again demonstrated fluid transition between team leading, mentoring, educating, art direction and design, copy writing and editing, managing and overseeing production, and fulfillment of campaign and promotional solutions.

Sr. Art Director & Designer

• Independently and collaboratively seek out and identify organizational and product specific challenges

• Conceptualize brand campaign and product-line promotions targeting multiple audience demographics and customer relationships

• Present, develop and execute unique and creative solutions that encourage internal productivity, expand external brand awareness and increase sales opportunity

• Apply skill sets to create and produce print and online advertising, collateral, annual reports, forms, newsletters, corporate and retail environmental graphics, signage, POS displays, direct mail, email, website and intranet

 
 

COMPASS DIGITAL MEDIA
2001 – 2004

A boutique agency focused on the creative development, production and management of live events, video, multimedia and websites.

Roles & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Producer, I worked fluidly between multiple roles and responsibilities, utilizing appropriate skill sets to direct, create and deliver solutions. Servicing a diversified client portfolio, my contributions to Compass and its clients’ initiatives enabled successful project execution while meeting predetermined goals and objectives regarding awareness, fundraising and sales.

Event, Video and Web Producer • Creative Director

• Conduct client/internal planning sessions, anticipate client needs and recommend solutions

• Determine project scope and compose estimates, lead project coordination and management

• Contract and manage hired talent and internal/external multidisciplinary teams of 5 to 50 per project requirements

• Oversee and develop all aspects of the creative process, from concept to execution to completion

• Impact all stages of video pre- and post-production

• Provide technical direction for live events, meetings and breakout sessions

 
 

NIU OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS
2000 – 2001

The Office of Publications provides graphic design and creative services to meet the communications needs of NIU clients while being consistent with university brand standards and policies.

Roles & Responsibilities

During the year-long paid internship, I reported to the department's lead designer and seized the opportunity to acquaint myself with the client/service provider relationship while leveraging and refining new skill sets acquired through my formal education.

Design Associate

Valued for my creativity and passion for design, I owned projects from start to finish, conceptualized and presented ideas to superiors and clientele, designed and produced final identity, print collateral and promotional solutions for university departments, alumni and prospective student outreach initiatives.

 

 

GRATUITOUS HIGH PRAISE

My previous employers and colleagues have generously offered an ovation of disgusting flattery on my behalf. I appreciate their enthusiasm to provide testimony.

 
 

“I am delighted to recommend Matt DeGroot for any opportunity he seeks. For 6+ years, I've had the pleasure of working with Matt, during which time he's consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, leadership, and strategic vision.

Matt’s ability to blend innovative design with effective marketing strategies has led to numerous successful projects for such brands as MINI, BMW, Atkins, T-Mobile and Intel.

His leadership skills are evident through his management of creative teams, where he inspires and guides talent to produce outstanding work. His approach is both collaborative and strategic, always pushing the envelope while aligning with client goals and brand objectives.

Matt’s strong work ethic, combined with his deep understanding of the creative industry, makes him a valuable asset to any team. I have no doubt Matt will bring the same level of excellence and enthusiasm to future endeavors.”

SHAWN SHIELDS
Creative Director, Dentsu Creative

 

“Besides being a pleasure to work with, Matt is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits. He is very knowledgeable over a wide range of job responsibilities and works effectively with others. I highly recommend Matt for employment. He is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization. I am happy to act as a reference for Matt and can speak to his interpersonal skills, work ethic and professionalism.”

KELLY O’BRIEN
President, Comply Enterprises

 

“It is our pleasure to testify on behalf of Matt DeGroot. During Matt’s employment at Compass, we found him to be an intelligent, thoughtful and dedicated person. Matt impressed us with his ability to wear many hats whether in design, project management or client relations. He works very well with others and quickly developed a rapport with our clients that was admired and respected. Matt will be a great addition to your organization.”

BRAD WHIPPLE
ANNE MCLAIN
Principals, Compass Digital Media

 

“Matt’s contributions to the USO year-end Wishbook campaign were invaluable. He was the main creative driver of the campaign, and it couldn’t have been such a success without him. Throughout the process, he showed incredible dedication and expertise, and I feel strongly that his input led directly to the client raising more funds than ever before.”

CATHY E.
Creative Director, Merkle

 

"Matt excels at the creative process. He is able to self-construct ideas as well as add value to collaborative campaigns. Matt has the ability to "step into the shoes" of his audience and create and maintain brand initiatives for products surrounding these targets. Matt has excellent communication skills. In addition, he is extremely organized, reliable and always willing to offer his assistance. Matt can work independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done. He also works well within a team environment and has built an excellent rapport with other team members. Matt would be a tremendous asset to your company and has my highest recommendation."

KRIS MILLER
Marketing Manager, DuPage Credit Union

 

“Matt is a dedicated, thoughtful creative who approaches each project through a strategic lens. He takes a data- and insight-driven approach to gain a deep understanding the target audience, then applies art direction and copy that resonate on an emotional and rational level.

Matt has an extensive understanding of "brand to demand" creative philosophies, and his versatile talents span the spectrum — from delivering high-level concepts to crafting response-driving content. He is also an omni-channel expert who can activate big ideas across every touchpoint, delivering compelling journeys that heighten customer experiences.

Matt is a highly collaborative teammate who leads by example through his courteous demeanor and supportive tone. He is also extremely passionate about helping others grow and succeed. For example, Matt oversaw our internal presentation club, which offered a safe, encouraging environment for those who wanted to build their skills and advance in their professional development.

Lastly, Matt is highly dedicated, always putting in extra time and effort to ensure projects get completed on schedule. He is a kind, all-around great guy who anyone would be lucky to work with!”

JENNIFER WOOD
VP, Group Creative Director, Merkle

 

“I am writing to recommend Matt DeGroot, with whom I've had the pleasure of spending almost four years working closely on key accounts, including MINI Cooper and BMW where he took active working and leadership roles in creating and designing digital and print media, as well as large-scale email campaigns as part of our CRM strategy.

Matt is a self-starter with a remarkable ability to engage with clients and team members. His analytical mind and creative flair have consistently elevated the quality of our work. His deep understanding of client needs and his innovative problem-solving approach have made him an invaluable asset to our creative team. Matt takes the time to truly understand the larger strategy and goal of each creative pursuit. His work on the MINI Cooper and BMW accounts stands as a testament to his ability to deliver impactful results while fostering strong client relationships.

Our organization benefits immensely from his skills and dedication, and his contributions are keenly felt. I envy any other team that will have the privilege of working with him and am confident that he will continue to excel and make a significant impact in his future endeavors.”

DANEALLE KARTHEISER
Senior Account Manager, Merkle

 

“Matt DeGroot is a smart, talented, and collaborative creative leader, art director, and designer, as well as being a pleasure to work with.

Matt thinks through the work in terms of delivering the best creative solutions for the business challenges a client is facing. He is committed to making the work great. If that means putting in extra hours to get there, he does it. He also gets the balance between making the work the best it can be and working within deadlines to satisfy different (and sometimes conflicting!) client constituencies. His visual sensibility draws on timeless design principles while still tapping into what’s relevant now.

Matt holds to high standards for himself and his team. Plus, he’s easy-going, buttoned-up, on top of things, and has a great sense of humor. Matt’s the real deal.”

MAGGIE POWERS
Creative Director, Dentsu Creative