About Me
I’m Jill, a creative director with a passion for blending big-picture strategy with stand-out creativity that connects. Since I started as a copywriter nearly two decades ago, I’ve spent my career leading teams to bring memorable concepts to life, always with an eye on how to improve the work — and how we do it — in the process.
Whether I’m leading brainstorming sessions, building out creative campaigns or refining team workflows, I believe in the power of a positive environment where everyone feels motivated to bring their best.
Outside of work, I keep my creative mind sharp by playing bass in a punk rock band, volunteering with young musicians and competing in short-film races with my long-term group of friends.
Check out my work and see how your team could benefit from a creative director who leads with heart and gets results.
PORTFOLIO
"Check the source, of course!"
Client: Iowa Department of Homeland Security
Role: Creative director, jingle writer and producer
"No one's a good unsafe driver"
Client: Drive Smart Iowa
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"The spirit of innovation"
Client: Iowa State University
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Acne is human"
Client: Neutrogena
Role: Associate creative director, copywriter
"Jennifer Aniston tries ASMR"
Client: Aveeno
Role: Associate creative director, copywriter
"Duck Derby training day"
Client: Youth Emergency Services and Shelter (pro bono)
Role: Copywriter, duck trainer, stylist :)
"Here for every moment"
Client: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Role: Creative director
"Blue helps you be you"
Client: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Ask me"
Client: Iowa HHS
Role: Creative director
Copy: Now everyone knows that there’s nothing irrelevant about sophomore QB Brock Purdy. But here at Iowa State, we always knew he was good. Not only because of his 13 school records, but because of his determination, poise and confidence under pressure, qualities we strive to instill in every Cyclone before they forge their path.
Congratulations on another stellar sophomore year, Mr. Relevant. We always knew you were Purdy good.
"Purdy good"
Client: Iowa State University
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Camp Iowa State (Cyclone Welcome Weekend)"
Client: Iowa State
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Keep it IPR" digital, social and out-of-home campaign
Client: Iowa Public Radio
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"No one's a good unsafe driver" multi-media campaign
Client: Drive Smart Iowa
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Doctors in the House!" Casey's Center Executive Suite
Client: The Iowa Clinic
Role: Creative director, copywriter
"Vasectomies take balls" digital and social campaign
Client: The Iowa Clinic
Role: Creative director
"Healthy rear" colonoscopy emails
Client: The Iowa Clinic
Role: Creative director, copywriter
Copy: Taking your combine to the supermarket? Then you might as well swing by the auto parts store on the way home. But if you’re carting 500,000 bushels rather than a few sacks of groceries, you probably need tougher parts. All John Deere parts, even simple things like belts, oil, batteries and filters, are made for tough crops, long hours and avoiding downtime. Auto parts just aren’t. So unless a runaway shopping cart is the toughest obstacle your equipment faces, we suggest you trust the real thing.
"Don't risk it"print campaign
Client: John Deere Parts
Role: Concepter, copywriter, producer
Copy: Putting a corn head on a coupe? Yeah, right. You know that little thing can't handle the field. And guess what? Neither can its parts. Auto parts are built for trips through the drive-thru. John Deere parts are built to drive through wet, heavy crops while hauling 400 bushels at a time. Not the same at all.
Keep the car on the road where it belongs. Go with the parts built for the work you depend on. Genuine John Deere parts.
Copy: Haying with your hatchback? Of course not. That little car could barely make it up a curb, let along pull twice its weight through a field all day. And its parts wouldn't fare much better. Auto parts are built for cross-town commutes. John Deere parts are designed to take on 18-hour days and 2,000-lb. bales. Not the same at all.
Keep the car on the road where it belongs.
Trust the parts built for the work you depend on. Genuine John Deere parts.
"Mealtime how you like it"
Client: Mom's Meals (pitch work)
Role: Creative director, copywriter
Resume
ZLR Ignition
Creative Director 2022 to 2025
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Led efforts on the leadership team to determine the direction of the company mission and culture.
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Guided a team of art directors, copywriters and video specialists to develop memorable and effective campaigns.
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Concepted and wrote effective advertising campaigns that included social media, TV and radio, print advertising, website development, email marketing, out-of-home advertising, on-site signage and collateral.
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Created and implemented training and development opportunities across the agency.
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Developed and championed new processes for clear and efficient collaboration.
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Advocated for a positive and constructive environment that fostered creativity, collaboration and hard work.
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Developed and presented persuasive and informational presentations for clients and prospects.
Clients: Iowa State University, Iowa Public Radio, The Iowa Clinic, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
The Integer Group
Associate Creative Director 2019 to 2022
Senior Copywriter 2017 to 2019
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Led creative concepting for compelling and effective retail campaigns.
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Developed and pitched presentations to clients and retail partners, including Target, Costco, Lowe's and Ulta.
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Collaborated with accounts and insights teams on strategic direction.
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Built strong relationships with clients and guided them on yearly communications plans.
Clients: Neutrogena, Aveeno, OGX Beauty, Pella Windows & Doors, Michelin and BFGoodrich, Johns Manville
Two Rivers Marketing
Copy Director 2014 to 2017
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Developed concepts and copy for product and retail campaigns for John Deere dealerships.
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Collaborated with art directors to concept and create digital, print and video/audio projects.
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Led internal company initiatives, like fundraising for Crohn's and Colitis Foundation and the Marketing for the Future kids program.
Clients: John Deere, Principal Financial Group, Renewable Energy Group, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund
John Deere
Copywriter 2007 to 2014
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Collaborated with marketing on communications plans and strategic briefs.
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Worked with art director on campaign concepting and creative development for John Deere retail campaigns.
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Produced and directed video and radio spots.
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Traveled to dealerships and customer locations to conduct audience research.
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