Simple Designs
Eric learned his trade as a creative leader in some of Chicago’s top creative agencies and marketing departments. With each position, he acquired a unique set of skills that he now brings to bear on every new project.
At Medline, a hospital supply and services company, he directed several creative teams in the execution of single-branded marketing materials, rebuilt their Medline.com site, and helped to shape new microsites under the same brand. Eric directed and managed a major rebranding effort and structured the documentation of the Medline Brand standards guide, creating the first-ever comprehensive online guidelines for international use.
At Digitas, an interactive agency, he was the creative lead behind the first agent-focused website for Allstate, still considered a benchmark in the industry. He’s also led the creative work for Grainger, Bayliner, and Maxum Boats.
At Townsend, an integrated marketing agency, he led creative efforts on accounts including Discover Card, Ameritech, Schwab, Heller Financial, Sears, Web Street, and Media One.
His first agency was Smith Lask Associates, a small boutique agency. As a young designer, he worked on materials for the launch of the first Discover Card and created travel brochures for MTI Vacations. His first real design job was as the first employee of McKnight Design (Now McKnight Kurland).
Eric is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a concentration in graphic design. As an intern at City Graphics, Eric was able to work on some of the legendary BMW Ads.
Throughout his career, he’s won numerous creative awards throughout his career, including multiple CADM Tempos, DMA Echos, and Mobius Awards. He is also a long-standing member of AIGA Chicago and continues to participate in many other online business groups.
Strong brand at any size
Every brand’s need is going to be different. But whether it’s a large international corporate presence or a small local mom and pop, your identity needs to build from a strong foundation of who you are and what you stand for. A refreshed logo design is a great solid start but a full corporate branding strategy will ensure your brand work hard at every turn and is remembered in every execution. We’ll help guide you down the right path and give you the options that fit best for your goals and budget. A knowledgeable expert ensures your successful result.
Singularly focused talent wins
Often, working in a small group frees me to concentrate on the best solutions, and gives me the unique opportunity to meld with my clients on a more personal level. A small group can more easily shed the formal roles of agency/client and become true colleagues working on a marketing problem together.
Whether working on one project, acting as the client’s creative department, or being a trusted long-time consultant, my clients have found it refreshing to work with talent that’s fast, nimble, and able to solve their tough assignments with experience.
Deep and diverse experience
The ability to quickly assess the right path for your marketing success is based on an accumulated vast array of knowledge.
As a partner, I can help you discover the true need and the road to its solution. I know what questions to ask, and what road not to take and guide your project down the most fruitful path. This saves time and money in ways that many clients see as a refreshing change from their traditional agency working model.