When I was a child, I had two dreams: to become a pilot or a snake charmer. Neither panned out, but I did stumble into something equally amazing: advertising. Yes, the kind of career that’s one part Mad Men, one part caffeine-fueled chaos, and three parts wondering why your latest brainstorm sounded better in your head. But here I am, an Executive Creative Director in Seattle with a soft spot for the offbeat and a knack for turning the absurd into the sublime.
For the past 21+ years, I’ve been the conductor of this strange, beautiful orchestra of ideas, guiding campaigns that make people pause, think, and, occasionally, laugh out loud. I’ve collaborated with everyone from slick corporate titans to quirky local brands, always with one goal in mind: to create something that’s not just seen but remembered.
I’ve worked on everything from print to experiences, documentaries to VR. I’ve directed commercials, designed UX, and developed brand strategies.
My career highlights? Well, there was that one time I managed to convince an entire boardroom that a dancing panda should be the face of a diaper brand (they didn’t bite, but the concept lives rent-free in my heart). And, of course, I’ve concepted for the likes of Visit Seattle, where I learned that the secret to a good tourism campaign is finding the perfect balance between "Come visit, we’re not all rain" and "Yes, there’s more to do here than drink coffee."
When I’m not chasing the next big idea, you can find me somewhere in Hawaii, crafting boutique designs or trying to convince my family that yes, a trip to the latest taco stand absolutely counts as a cultural experience. But enough about me—let’s talk about you and what crazy, wonderful thing we can create together.
Experience
Executive Creative Director / Copacino Fujikado
Seattle, WA / 2019 - Current
Visit Seattle, Premera Blue Cross, Sound Transit, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Consumer Cellular, Intrinsic Wine, Alaska Communications, OL Reign, Rainfire Bourbon, Del Corazón, KEXP, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Center, Goodwill, Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Reproductive Medicine, PAR Hawaii, SCCA Proton Therapy
Executive Creative Director / MVNP - DDB Associate
Honolulu, HI / 2013 - 2019
Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Hawaii Tourism Authority, First Hawaiian Bank, First Insurance Company of Hawaii, Kona Brewing Co., 76, Hele, Nom Nom, Target, McDonalds, Consolidated Theaters, The Laylow: Autograph Collection, Hilton, Wailea Beach Resort, Our Kakaako, Ward Village, Howard Hughes, Child and Family Service, International Market Place, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii State Energy Office
Creative Director / Ogilvy & Mather
Chicago, IL / 2011-2013
Huggies, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, The Ernest Hemingway Foundation, KISS FM, Emporium Arcade Bar, Chicago Blackhawks, Pledge
Art Director / M&C Saatchi
Santa Monica, CA / 2010-2011
San Diego Zoo, Crystal Cruises, Epson, New Mexico Tourism Department, Getty Center, Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, Trafalgar Tours, California Department of Public Health
Book Illustrator
Everything Is Better With A Gorilla / 2009-2010
Senior Art Director / Ignited
El Segundo, CA / 2008-2010
Sony VAIO, Princess Cruises, EA Mobile, Cartoon Network, Agility Logistics
Advertising Instructor / Chicago Portfolio School
Chicago, IL / 2006-2007
Art Director / Cramer-Krasselt
Chicago, IL / 2004-2007
AirTran Airways, Heinz, Corona, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Cellular South, Effen Vodka, Zantac, Champion Tae Kwon Do School, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Place, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Weight Watchers Smart Ones, Coleman Natural Foods, Bucktown Fitness Club, TV Guide, John Mullaly DDS, DEX
Freelance Art Director / Ungar Group
Chicago, IL / 2004
Chicago Sinfonietta
Graphic Designer / The Brochure Factory
Chicago, IL / 2004
Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Mobil Travel Guide
Graphic Designer & Intern / MVNP - DDB Associate
Honolulu, HI / 2003
Aloha Airlines, McDonald’s, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, First Hawaiian Bank, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Ala Moana Shopping Center
Awards & Recognition
+ One Show
+ Effie
+ Addy
+ Clio
+ Shorty
+ Communication Arts: Advertising
+ Communication Arts: Interactive
+ Communication Arts: Photography
+ Archive
+ Obie
+ Graphis
+ SXSWi
+ FWA
+ Webby
+ Web Marketing Association
+ FITC
+ Davey
+ Ads of the World
+ Webawards
+ New York Festivals Innovative Advertising
+ Vimeo Staff Pick
+ National Geographic Short Film Showcase
+ Creativity
+ AdWeek
+ AdAge
+ Adrian
+ Sabre
+ Mercury
+ Pele
+ 40 Under 40
+ Telly
+ AIGA Hawaii-50
+ Travel Video Awards
+ Chicago Creative Club
+ Healthcare AdAwards
What People Are Saying
“Vince is one of the best creative director's I've worked with. I worked with Vince on two campaigns for the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, a total of 17 videos, seven of which were TV commercials. As a director, I valued Vince's leadership on concepts and execution, his collaborative spirit, and his openness to new and ideas and creative risks. He finds a way to create and foster chemistry among team members and works tirelessly to perfect the work at hand. I look forward to working with Vince again!”
— Bradley Tangonan, Film Director
“As the ECD for my account, Vince was challenged with making a 160+ year old brand (that was known as Hawaii's "Oldest and Largest Bank") feel fresh and innovative while keeping true to our company's culture and long history.
Strategic insights into our business based on data, Vince captured our vision with outstanding big ideas that drove creative, which as the client made it easy to sell internally, where the ideas where insightful (and award winning), and the results were meaningful and measurable.
Big ideas are great, but every message and contact with customers is important, and Vince sweats the small stuff. He made sure every message was a representation of our brand. 10/10. Would do again...”
— Chris Dods, Vice Chairman and COO at First Hawaiian Bank
“Vince is one of my favorite creative partners: smart, funny, goes deep, cares about the work, strategic but sweats the details, is great with clients, and is a strong leader. We worked together for nearly two years and Vince had a positive impact on every piece of business (and project) that he touched. Also, everyone loves him - clients, creatives, even us account folks! I hope we someday get to work together again - I couldn't recommend him more highly.”
— John Line, Group Brand Director at The Many
Featured
+ Agency Spy
+ Hawaii Business
+ Pacific Business News
+ The Los Angeles Egotist
+ Mediakix
+ Digital Cinema Report
Education
Chicago Portfolio School
2003-2004 / Art Direction
University of Washington
1999-2000 / Marketing
University of Hawaii
1998-2003 / Marketing