Carly is creative

and dislikes speaking in third person.

I specialize in strategically solving complex brand problems. Using humor- and soul-filled B2B, B2C, and B2B2C marketing campaigns, I elevate brands looking to use paid and native creativity as the bridge between strategy and effectiveness.

Coworkers stand around a video game machine laughing at a joke the one woman told.

Every touchpoint should sell your narrative. My life philosophy? You never look stupid when you’re having fun.

About Me

I’m a Chicago-based strategic creative director and marketing leader. On nights and weekends, I perform improv comedy around the city.

Living at the intersection of comedy and brand marketing has given me a tremendous respect for audiences. It takes more than showing up at the right theater at the right time (aka good ad placement) to capture your audience's attention and keep it — you’ve got to know how to read a room (translate data) and speak to (not at) audiences (creative and engaging brand stories that convert).

I specialize in reading the room, representing audiences inside of corporations, and strategically using creativity to make engaging marketing that converts. When a brand connects to its audience there’s nothing better (except maybe a well-made margarita). Speaking the truth — in comedy and advertising — wakes up numb consumers.

I connect consumers to brands and turn them into your brand’s biggest fans.

Let’s Chat

KIND WORDS

A former boss + forever friend lauded:

“It is impossible to be in a bad mood around Carly. Her work is a delight and her attitude is a happy force of nature. She has maybe the sharpest wit of anybody I’ve ever worked with, and the compassion to crack wise in a way that leaves you feeling better about yourself. As a writer, she is curious and riveting. As a concepter, she truly comes to life. Her ideas are daring and devilishly simple. As her boss, I was always left with a feeling of ‘Man, I wish I’d thought of that.’”
A coworker who partnered with Carly said:

“Carly is an incredibly talented writer and strategic thinker. She has a clear understanding of department and company goals, and is able to relate them back to her work. She takes initiative and aggressively tries to hone and improve her skill set. She… always performed well due to her creativity and advanced writing skills. Not only is she a talented individual, but she has incredible work ethic, giving 110%, and going above and beyond what was asked of her.”
A former manager and kind soul said:

“Carly is a true professional and is wonderful to work with. Always willing to go the extra mile, her client-facing skills truly make her stand out. She is always willing and able to take on any task given to her and did a wonderful job of maintaining the integrity of our company brand. Her ability to communicate with her managers, co-workers, and customers sets her apart from her peers.”
A French skincare CPG company owner sent praise:

"[The entire project] and what Carly produced is truly remarkable. There is a resonance. I love the way she captured what I shared with her. I truly appreciate her beautiful work and how attentive she's been to my story. I’m blown away by the flow and eloquence of her writing while keeping the essentials, to the point."
A lifelong friend wants everyone to know:

"I always think of Carly smacking her sunburnt face into the sliding glass door at her grandparent’s house in the middle of the night. It is a core memory I cherish of her involuntarily saying 'oooof!' as she stumbled back into the dark."
A department leader at a corporate behemoth said:

"Writing is not my strong suit, so I would give Carly the idea I was going for and she would provide numerous options of incredible copy. ...She is smart and analytic, fast and responsive, and is extremely focused. I go directly to her with all my communication needs."
A fellow creative in the retail division recognized:

Carly is one of those co-workers you look up to. She has an aura about her that is contagious. She lights up the faces and spirits of those around her. I had the privilege of working with her during my time at [company] and she was one of the cornerstones of our creative team. She has a true passion for what she does and will Oxford comma you to death but her eye for detail is second to none. She is a joy to work with and any company/team would be lucky to have a mind of her caliber in their corner. Even our competitors at the time were trying their best to legally mimic her play on words.”
My first (and current) husband complained:

“Why do you have a tiny microphone? Of course I think you’re great. Can we fold the laundry now?
A creative coworker complimented:

"Carly was an absolute pleasure to work with. She effortlessly handled all of the writing for the marketing department through blogs, social media, press releases, and across various marketing channels. Carly's biggest strength is in the way she can connect with an audience through her writing. She is an expert in her field and was always a positive team player that supported her team with confidence and optimism."