Beyond the Brief

Funny, insightful and poignant personal reflections about life in advertising from a cross-section of individuals at 4A’s member agencies

The 4A’s has partnered with The Drum to present “Beyond the Brief.” This exclusive series delivers funny, insightful and poignant personal reflections about life in advertising from a cross-section of individuals at 4A’s member agencies. Members can submit their stories here. Eligible submissions will be included on the 4A’s website, and 100 member stories will be featured on The Drum throughout the year.

“Do More Crazy Stuff When You’re Young” — Featuring John Barker, BARKER

The bold just find ways to carve out a lane for themselves; this is something BARKER founder and chief idea officer John Barker can attest to.

“Make Room for Creativity” — Featuring Alix Montes, Wunderman

Working on the account side is a major balancing act, but Wunderman senior account executive Alix Montes keeps an endless sense of chill.

“In Reality, Work is a Part of Life” — Featuring Anathea Ruys, Carat

Big-time media agency Carat made a big-time move when they added Anathea Ruys as managing director for their LA office.

“Let Us Have a Real Talk” — Featuring Jewell Donaldson, Leo Burnett

On stage or in the pitch room, the best performers all share this sense of stage presence, something wholly apparent when talking about Leo Burnett copywriter Jewell Donaldson.

“Advertising is Deeply Personal” — Featuring Pete VonDerLinn, Partners + Napier

Not often do you hear a top creative be proud of his team winning an Effie, but Partners + Napier is cut from a different cloth — so is their executive creative director Pete VonDerLinn.

The Lightning Rod — Featuring Laura Linthicum, Arnold

If you haven’t bought into the talent of Arnold Worldwide associate creative director/copywriter Laura Linthicum yet, now’s the time.

“Make Work Something You Love” — Featuring J.B. Raftus, GSD&M

For GSD&M chief marketing officer J.B. Raftus, the imperative is finding the right clients to partner and do business with.

“The Minimalist” — Featuring Christopher Vega,
BBDO

BBDO copywriter Christopher Vega’s name is being heard a little more often, especially among groups of young and aspiring creatives.

“Be a Constant Student” — Featuring Katrina Busch, Roberts Communications

Fulfilling her dream of running an agency had been a full circle moment for Roberts Communications president Katrina Busch.