For Ogilvy it was a trumpeter swan, Jobs called them mavericks – but I just call him John.
John brings a kind of brand and creative thought leadership that is unmatched. Equal parts artist, thinker, leader and encyclopedia. He’s as at home with lofty strategic and academic pursuits as he is dissecting a demographic, or perfecting pixels. His standards make Gordon Ramsey green while his process acumen and leadership free his team to exceed expectations, with significantly fewer broken dishes.
While somehow keeping his feet firmly planted on earth, he is a champion of out of this world ideas. Big, elegant, new ideas that solve real problems for businesses and brands whether you know they exist yet or not.
In marketing and brand circles we talk about raving fans, those that crave to come back and experience your brand over and over again. Having these customers is the holy grail of the cult brand and, lets face it, makes all our jobs a whole lot easier. Manufacturing that rabid desire is not only something that John understands for a brand better than anyone, but he embodies it. I have at each and every turn in our careers thus far and will always want to work with him in whatever capacity I am able.
Consider me a raving fan.
Good Words
Chet Lofgren, VP Brand and Creative, At Home
John Raven and I have worked together on a variety of projects over the last 20 years.
Independently, we have collaborated on web sites, a book project, video script, as well as multiple print communications campaigns. He has taught me most of what I know about evaluating layout, and choosing fonts and colors.
John has a unique skillset that is not often found in someone so creative. Not only is he an outstanding graphic designer and artist, he is also a good writer and sharp-eyed editor in his own right. He can also read and understand financial statements, and is sensitive to legal and compliance requirements.
John has an exceptional ability to identify emerging trends and develop cutting-edge strategies that refine the message and mission of the organization. He works across internal and external teams to manage all facets of a communications campaign from branding, messaging, writing, layout, photography, print, video, mailing, budgeting, as well as tracking and measuring the effectiveness of the message. His understanding and effective use of emerging trends in technology, combined with communications skills, makes him a valuable producer capable of crafting clear strategies for future growth.
Judith Townsend, Communications Manager, Transamerica (Retired)
I’ve worked closely with John on multiple projects in two separate ventures. I have been impressed by his attention to detail and understanding of how his work compliments the message and mission of an organization and its stakeholders, whether they be internal or external.
His creativity is not limited to just a one or two medium. More than just an artist or designer, John is a true Renaissance man; like DaVinci, Galileo, or Steve Jobs. He has a keen understanding of science, history, philosophy, business, law, and other classical disciplines.
During my work with John, I have witnessed his penchant for managing all facets of a communications campaign from branding, messaging, writing, layout, photography, printing, video, mailing, budgeting, and tracking KPI’s to measure the effectiveness of the message. John is a perfectionist and will stop at nothing to ensure that the job goes above and beyond your expectations.
David Paul, Senior Manager, Standish Management