Associate Creative Director, Chicago
About
Technically minded creative director. Curious about technology, comfortable with tools, happiest when a lot of moving parts come together.
Background
I'm an Associate Creative Director at Tukaiz in Franklin Park, IL, with more than 20 years in the creative industry across big-name brands and start-ups. My work spans ideation through execution: growth, product and experience design, omni-channel campaigns, content development and heavy production orchestration.
I joined Tukaiz as an Art Director in 2014, moved up to Senior Art Director in 2017 and stepped into the Associate Creative Director role in 2024. Today I build and lead a team of creatives, production artists, retouchers, animators and UX/UI designers. Each year we execute 13 national experiences, 40+ rapid innovation and media tests and 8 international experiences across traditional and digital channels.
I've been a key contributor on two full reshoots of a national product photography library and two complete menu board redesigns, and I write the business rules and brand guidelines that keep high-volume output consistent.
Outside the agency I'm a traveler, photographer, videographer and licensed FAA Part 107 drone pilot, flying FPV as Urban Kozak FPV.
Experience
Tukaiz Marketing Franklin Park, IL
- Associate Creative DirectorJan 2024 – Present
- Senior Art DirectorMay 2017 – Dec 2023
- Art DirectorOct 2014 – May 2017
Lead a cross-functional creative team delivering national and international campaigns for Taco Bell, Burger King, Torchy's Tacos, Carrabba's, Hershey's, Checkers, Redbox, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, Breakthru Beverage, Rita's, TGI Fridays, Arby's, Wingstop, Buffalo Wild Wings, Johnny Rockets and more.
Gearcidy Productions Chicago, IL
- Creative & Design DirectionJan 2008 – Sep 2014
Pitched and delivered creative across multiple industries, from project acquisition through execution: photography, graphics, static and responsive websites, web app prototyping, digital and offset printing, and display and signage fabrication.
Luna Flooring Bellwood, IL
- Lead Designer / Project ManagerFeb 2012 – Sep 2013
Credentials
- BFA, Graphic Design, American Academy of Art, Chicago
- FAA Part 107 Licensed UAV (Drone) Pilot
Toolkit
Brands I've worked with
- Taco Bell
- Burger King
- Arby's
- TGI Fridays
- Wingstop
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Checkers
- Carrabba's
- Torchy's Tacos
- Johnny Rockets
- Rita's
- Hershey's
- Coca-Cola Beverages Florida
- Breakthru Beverage
- Redbox
- Villa Restaurant Group
- USO
- Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
Have a project in mind?
Campaign rollout, a new website or aerial footage. Tell me what you're working on.