On a daily basis, I create compelling short-form content that captures the excitement of everyday activities while staying true to a company’s unique brand personality. Skilled in social-first marketing, I am well-versed in the areas of: writing, scripting, storytelling, design, graphics, video production, photography, on-camera direction, editing 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 The Marlin Company 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 storytelling and connecting with nature.
AGENCY WORK
As a Creative, 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 Company as their Creative Director, specializing in the foodservice divisions of Bush’s Beans, Unilever, Hellmann’s, Noosa Yoghurt and Miss Vickie’s.
RÉSUMÉ
Proprietor + Social Media Manager: Camp Flea Antique Mall, Ozark, MO (2016-Present)
Super Host + Content Creator: Ozark Barn Airbnb, Ozark, MO (2023-Present)
Producer + Stylist: Paul Speed Photography, Ozark, MO (2006-Present)
Art Educator: The Truth Academy K-12, Springfield, MO (2021-2021)
Creative Director: The Marlin Company, 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/