greg needham

I lead teams responsible for providing strategic vision, branding and creative direction, activating complete integrated campaigns across all mediums. As a CD, I helped oversee the growth of my last agency, the 12th largest in Austin, nearly tripling billings and staff since 2011.

I focus on the creative, but have strong copy writing skills. I am a skilled photographer and handle the main photography work for many of my clients. Leading a team and creating great work is my passion, not just a job description. With only a couple of exceptions, what you see in my portfolio are not show pieces, but integrated campaigns that were sold to the client and proven effective.

I’ve worked with clients on both coasts, including 3M, HBO, MTV, Stash Tea, The Florida Keys Tourism Development Council, the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Resort Group, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin Film Festival, Key West Film Society, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, Choctaw Casino and Resorts, Industry Brewery, and multiple restaurant groups, from local to national chains.
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I believe the qualities of a good creative director are pretty clear. Here’s a short version of what I subscribe to and aim to achieve every day.

A good CD is the last line of defense. When no one else in the department knows where to go or how to crack a brief, the CD can step in and produce the work.

A good CD is well-versed in all crafts, knows the latest trends and understands the balance between concept and strategy, They are comfortable at a photoshoot or a film production and know their way around a recording studio. They have direct mail experience, print and web knowledge and know a thing or two about outdoor, PR and guerrilla marketing.

Good CDs will hire great creatives, always looking for someone more talented than they are.

A good CD will always continue to produce work every day and knows every creative brief intimately. The brief is the lifeblood of the campaign and should never be less than perfect.

A good CD steers the ship in the right direction, understands strategy, planning and can sell or present anything.

Finally, a good CD improves the work. Period.*
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Thanks for taking the time to look around. — Greg

(*Hat tip to Felix at at thedenveregotist.com for his piece on what makes a good CD and allowing my short bastardization of a great piece of writing. https://www.thedenveregotist.com/editorial/the-rant-what-makes-a-good-creative-director-part-1-of-2/)