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AT THE CORE

I’m a hands-on creative leader who enjoys being in the trenches with my team. The best ideas rarely arrive fully formed. They grow through collaboration, curiosity, and a willingness to push the work further than it first appears capable of going.

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Outside of work, curiosity drives how I see the world. I’ve traveled to more than 30 countries, hiking mountains in South America, wandering European galleries, and tasting street food across Asia, often alongside my kids. Those experiences constantly remind me that the most powerful creative work reflects something universal about the human experience.

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I’m also a lifelong runner. I started competing at seven and still run today. Running taught me that progress rarely happens in a straight line. It takes persistence, discipline, and the belief that the next mile is worth it.

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At the core of my work is a simple belief: great brands earn their place in people’s lives by telling stories that feel real, relevant, and human. My goal is to help teams discover those stories and bring them to life in ways that resonate long after the campaign ends.

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QUICK HITS

  • 15+ years leading brand creative

  • Campaigns across film, digital, social, OOH, and experiential

  • Experience across tourism, hospitality, retail and lifestyle brands

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MY LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

START WITH CLARITY

The best creative work happens when teams understand the problem deeply. I push for clear strategy and a shared understanding of what success looks like before we ever start designing.

STAY IN THE TRENCHES

I’m a hands-on leader who enjoys shaping ideas alongside the team. Collaboration builds stronger work and stronger teams.

CREATE SPACE FOR CURIOUSITY

Some of the best ideas come from unexpected places. I encourage exploration, experimentation, and asking better questions.

CELEBRATE THE TEAM

Creative work is never a solo effort. The most rewarding part of leadership is watching people grow into their own potential.

Brands I've been lucky enough
to call clients

Campbell's

Frontier Airlines

Coffeemate

Nestlé Tollhouse

Perdue

Dannon

Maryland Tourism

Butterball

Jiffy

Marriott

Ritz Carlton

United Way

Evian

Cambria

Gehl's

Auntie Anne's

Cholula

Segafredo

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© 2026 by J.Painter Design

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