Resume

Ben Reed
ben@benreed.com
734-330-3243

Experience

Creative Director / Videographer

Depth Media
2008–2010, 2016–current

• Concept, produce, direct, film, and edit branded documentaries, commercials, social media content, and educational videos.

• Direct, film, and livestream conference sessions, panel discussions, interviews, and other live events.

• Create content virtually utilizing remote filming platforms, motion graphics, and stock assets. 

• Develop visual content strategies and create effective and efficient solutions for large and small businesses alike.

• Maintain a network of in-house and freelance editors, videographers, sound mixers, animators, and producers for large-scale projects.

• Received numerous Addy Awards for video and photography including one district 6 gold, one best of show, and three gold awards.

Interactive Creative Director / Art Director

Black Lab Five: Interactive Director
mStoner: Freelance Interactive Designer
2013–2015

• Led the pitch, strategy, user-experience design, content development, visual design, and programming on interactive projects.

• Executed visual design and UX for Johns Hopkins University, Tufts University, UNCSA, FITNYC, and many others.

• Managed the design, development, and launch of Higher Ed Live, a discussion platform for higher education marketing.

• Presented new business pitch, then subsequently created photos, videos, and a website for MSU’s Broad College of Business.

• Monitored emerging technologies and determined implementations for clients that ensured a strong ROI.

• Analyzed quantitative market research and web analytics to continually and strategically improve interactive content.

• Received various interactive awards including the prestigious Webby Awards 2016 School/University Nominee.

Creative Director

Plan B Advertising
2009–2013

• Excelled at assimilating client requests and strategic objectives, then leading the team in developing effective marketing solutions.

• Confidently and articulately represented the agency in new business pitches, client-agency input sessions, and creative presentations.

• Collaborated with executive business leaders and clients to develop brand strategies and value propositions.

• Efficiently developed insightful creative while always being cognizant of project budgets, staffing, and timelines.

• Managed interviewing, hiring, and staffing for the creative staff and extended freelance network.

• Directed CRM campaigns for Jaguar and Volvo which included direct mail, interactive, email, video, and event components.

• Led the creative development for 10+ successful RFP responses for clients such as Volvo, Merisant, McDavid, Azteca Foods, and Equal.

• Led the creative team by example through thoughtfully, efficiently, and relentlessly executing exceptional creative.

• Mentored members of the creative team through technical, strategic, and aesthetic instruction.

Education

Columbia College Chicago
BFA in Photography
Graduated with honors, May 2006

Lansing Community College
AAS in Photographic Imaging
Graduated Cum Laude, May 2001

Clients

Recommendations

“I came to know Ben as a thoughtful, pragmatic creative who thinks, creates, and designs with a purpose. A meticulous perfectionist, he never misses an opportunity to make work better. He’s great at defining process, helping clients and team members understand the required steps and their roles in the bigger picture. He’s a clear communicator who can put complex concepts in simple terms, keeping teams connected and on the same page.”

— TERRY MERTENS, GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT PLAN B ADVERTISING

“When executing he is thoughtful and efficient; passionate and dedicated to every project. When directing he is clear and concise; artful at bringing a vision to life. He leads by example. Raises the quality of work on every project he is a part of. And is always, without exception, the hardest working person in any given room at any given time.”

— COLE ORLOFF, ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT BARBARIAN

“Ben was always able to instill a sense of calm confidence among his creative department that focused on producing great work, on schedule, without a lot of drama. His technical and creative skills are also top notch. How many CD’s can design, layout and code a website...and then go ahead and shoot all of the video and photography content for the site as well?”

— MATT MARCUS, MARKET RESEARCH MANAGER AT BMO HARRIS BANK