Executive Creative Director, Optimus
Jan 2012 – Present

As ECD at Optimus, I provide creative leadership for one of Chicago’s longest-standing production and post-production companies.

Internally, I guide project intake—aligning client goals with the right creative approach across budget, timeline, and resources.

Externally, I oversee how our work is presented across all channels, from web and social to pitch materials—ensuring our strongest ideas are seen where they matter most.

I lead a team of motion designers and integrate them into all projects at Optimus, from pitching in collaboration with our live-action directors, to creating CGI and AI worlds for animation, to simple end tags that complete the perfect edit.

While leading at a high level, I remain hands-on—drawing on my background in motion graphics and VFX to support the work behind the scenes, and maintaining fluency as tools and technologies evolve.

I actively explore emerging technologies, including generative and node-based AI tools, integrating them into our workflow and encouraging my team to do the same.

I collaborate closely with producers, reps, and marketing to elevate our output, while coordinating efforts across internal teams and external partners.

I also work alongside company leadership to shape and refine business strategy in an evolving industry landscape.

Beyond the studio, I maintain active relationships within the creative community to stay connected to the broader state of the industry.