I struggled with the idea of creating a “portfolio.” I even struggle here to call it “my work.” 

There’s the obvious reason. The things I’ve worked on, at times, have been the result of another’s idea. An idea so strong that it grew into a campaign, one I tended in the best way I could. 

The rest of the time, projects emerge from the mind of the collective consciousness referred to as a team.

Ideas are vaporous; matter without form that chemically mixes with other vapors.

I’ve been fortunate to have a stretch of incredible bosses in my career. Brilliant savants with singular talent. Forces of nature with historic implications in the medium known as entertainment marketing (they might be reading this). 

I’ve had bosses who taught me the concept of social media. The definition of a “CPM.” How to package and ship boxes of Twilight merch to fan sites. How to move forward in a position you know nothing about by simply pitching one idea after the next.  

Bosses who tought me the most important ingredients to success are hard work and kindness.  Bosses with the analytical capacity to teach me how to memorize the domestic box office totals for every film since 2006.

Bosses who taught me boundless creativity, and how to divorce myself from the work. Who taught me how to create news. How to boil entire campaigns down to a single word. How soft power can be stronger than hard power. 

The one who unironically recommend I read You Are Not So Smart.

And more recently, bosses who taught me the lesson of brilliant management. The power of picking up the phone to call. How to stay energized intellectually, and how to keep others energized with you. Bosses who lead by seeking to understand before casting a net of irreversable judgement.

I’ve also had co-workers. 

Friends who have plugged me to their boss for an open position. Friends who have taught me transparency to a hilarious extent. 

How simply shooting the shit about nothing can lead to profound somethings.  

Creative directors who taught me compromising perfectionism. And, when in doubt, always ask the agency for options.

Creative directors who showed me there’s a way to articulate feedback with clarity and kindness. Canadian writing duos who helped me to “believe.”

And now, at this very moment, I recognize I will be nothing without my future partners too. Those who will show me an entire new universe of possiblities. Realms of creativity I can’t imagine now. People who share my excitement for the unknown, and who have even more courage than me to explore it.