On a daily basis, I create compelling creative content that captures the excitement of everyday activities while staying true to a company’s unique brand personality. Skilled in consumer brand advertising and social-first marketing, I am well-versed in the areas of: writing, scripting, storytelling, design, graphics, video production, photography, on-camera direction, editing, strategy and consistency.
Want to hear more? Give me a buzz at:
email: aprilspeed@mac.com
linkedin: linkedin.com/in/aprilspeed/
APRIL SPEED
My journey began in advertising with a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri. From there, I made the leap to Atlanta to attend The Portfolio Center for Art Direction. After I crafted my conceptual skills and put together a killer portfolio, I set out for coast-to-coast freelancing in San Francisco & New York. Eventually I landed in Chicago and, for the next decade, worked at Leo Burnett Worldwide while building memorable brand campaigns and winning awards. After relocating from Chicago to be closer to my family in Missouri, I spent time at Marlin Connections in Springfield, Missouri, as their Creative Director specializing in the foodservice divisions of national and global brands.
At the moment, I am the Proprietor of a vintage market in the middle of the Ozarks where we cater to tourists from around the country. I manage 250 individual antique dealers and personalities while sharing our store’s Ozarkian brand heritage through daily creative content on various social media platforms.
My career path has suited me well as a bright and enlightened marketing professional. I am the type of creative who works in the trenches alongside my team and loves to bring an insight to light. My sweet spot lies in strategic storytelling and sharing the happy part of brands with others.
AGENCY WORK
As a Creative Director, I’ve worked at a lot of feel-good, big-time, touchy-feely ad agencies: Leo Burnett, Euro, FCB, and Carmichael Lynch. Simultaneously I’ve worked on a lot of big-name, big-love accounts: McDonald’s, Hallmark, Nintendo, Kellogg’s, Reebok, Proctor & Gamble, US Army, National Cattlemen’s Association and many others. After relocating from Chicago to be closer to my family in Missouri, I spent time at The Marlin Connections as their Creative Director, specializing in the foodservice divisions of Bush’s Beans, Unilever, Hellmann’s, Noosa Yoghurt and Miss Vickie’s.
RÉSUMÉ
Creative Director + Proprietor: Camp Flea Antique Mall, Ozark, MO (2016-Present)
Creative Director + Super Host: Ozark Barn Airbnb, Ozark, MO (2023-Present)
Producer + Stylist + Creative Director: Paul Speed Photography, Ozark, MO (2006-Present)
Art Educator: The Truth Academy K-12, Springfield, MO (2021-2021)
Creative Director: Marlin Connections, Springfield, MO (2009-2017)
Chief Creative Officer: The Food Channel, Springfield, MO (2008-2009)
Freelance Creative: FCB, Ogilvy, Rubin Postaer, Y&R – Chicago, IL (2003-2006)
Creative Director: Leo Burnett – Chicago, Chicago, IL (2000-2003)
EDUCATION
University of Missouri School of Journalism - Columbia, MO
The Portfolio Center, Art Direction - Atlanta, GA
William Jewell College, Fine Arts Music - Kansas City, MO
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Cannes Lion Delegate
Effie Gold Awards
Chicago Gold Addys
AAF Addys Best of Show
AAF Addys Golds
The Obbies
FAB Awards
The Clios
Mobius Awards
APG Creative Strategy Award
Crispin + Porter Portfolio Center Award
Leo Burnett Scholarship
I would love to tell you more. Contact me at:
email: aprilspeed@mac.com
linkedin: linkedin.com/in/aprilspeed/