I’m a Creative Director who brings both sides of my brain to every project. I make choosing between “fast” and “good” unnecessary. Trained as an art director, I have seasoned design skills and a freakishly keen eye for detail. I like pretty. But I can also break down complex problems into workable steps and lead a team deftly from the start of a project to the end. I love a good spreadsheet.
Outside of the office, I apply both sides of my brain to traveling, swimming, raising my two nephews, and catering to the whims of two slightly deranged cats.
EMAIL:
marilyn.m.kam@gmail.com
LINKEDIN:
linkedin.com/in/marilynkam
EXPERIENCE
FREELANCE
Creative Director/Art Director 2024-Present
ARNOLD NEW YORK
EVP Executive Creative Director 2022-2024
SVP Creative Director 2019-2022
CLIENTS: Enbrel, Xiidra, Dupixent, Twinings, Airsculpt
• Demonstrated track record of securing and leading successful marketing campaigns for direct-to consumer brands.
- Successfully pitched and secured Twinings, positioning Arnold in the wellness sector and distancing from the pharmaceutical category.
- Achieved new business with Novartis’ Xiidra, driving growth during the pandemic and maintaining AOR status after management transitions.
- Led the acquisition of assignment-based work with Airsculpt, delivering impactful video and social media assets for their digital campaign.
• Directed comprehensive campaigns across various marketing channels, creating strong strategic platforms that engage consumers at every stage of the marketing funnel.
• Managed teams to generate innovative and culturally relevant concepts in video, interactive design, branded content, and events.
• Provided direct leadership to creative teams, fostering mentorship and facilitating promotions for direct reports.
• Assisted creatives in managing tight deadlines and production schedules within a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Developed a cohesive workflow by collaborating closely with peers (creative and account teams), clients, and production staff.
• Demonstrated expertise in graphic design and layout, alongside proficiency in motion graphics, web design, and digital content creation for social media.
• Recruited to judge at award juries such as D&AD.
FREELANCE
Creative Director 2019
CLIENTS: lululemon, CNN Experience, Entresto, Veltassa, Fevi, In Wild Pursuit
• Executed and shot social assets for the lululemon Run Campaign at The Brooklyn Brothers.
• Curated, designed and produced the first WorldPride Exhibit for BMW and P&G at CNN Courageous Studios.
• SVP, CD creating 360 campaigns for various clients at Havas Health & You.
• Brand Designer for design studio, In Wild Pursuit.
DDB NEW YORK
Creative Director 2016-2018
CLIENTS: Cotton, Good Humor, Breyers, Pure Leaf, Eukanuba, Time Warner Cable
• Reconceptualized and modernized Cotton Incorporated’s iconic Fabric of Our Lives Campaign and executed on TV, social, etc.
• Led multiple brands across the Unilever ice cream and beverage portfolio.
• Managed video and photo shoots with budgets up to $2mm+ and teams of 20+.
DDB NEW YORK
Associate Creative Director 2011-2016
Senior Art Director 2008-2011
Art Director 2005-2008
CLIENTS: Clean & Clear, Aveeno, Reebok, NY Lottery, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Subaru, Hertz, Brawny
• Lead creative for Clean & Clear TV, print, and digital campaign for consecutive years.
• Won digital & social AOR status for Clean & Clear brand.
• Led website redesigns for Clean & Clear, Cotton Incorporated, and Electrolux.
• Won AOR status for Electrolux European laundry business while managing the US Electrolux TV and digital campaigns.
• Lead creative for Gardasil TV and print campaign for consecutive years.
• Pitched and won accounts such as Gardasil, Seasonique, and Ciba Vision.
LOWE WORLDWIDE
Art Director 2002-2005
CLIENTS: Electrolux, Johnson & Johnson, GMC, Saab, Degree, HSBC
SKILLS
AI Graphic Creation, Adobe Creative Suite, Brand Development, Brand Management, Brand Positioning, Brand Purpose & Vision, Brand Campaigns, Business Development, Client Relations, Client Management, Content Creation & Implementation, Content In-House Production, Creative Innovation, Creative Strategy, Cross-functional Team Management, “Data Driven” Creative, Digital & Social Media Marketing, Earned Media, Executive Leadership, Graphic Design, GIFs and Short Form, Figma, Integrated Marketing, Iterative Creative Testing, Logo & Branding, Promotional Campaigns, Product Design, Social Media & Branded Content Strategy, Storyboarding, Strategic Positioning & Messaging, TV, Radio, Print, Social, Digital, Video Direction & Production
EDUCATION
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, Bachelor of Science with Honors
Major: Graphic Design and Communications, Steinhardt School of Education
Minor: Advertising Management, Stern School of Business