Local Talent
Recommended Talent
The following is a list of local talent which we strongly endorse. It is through the efforts of locals such as these that Denver will eventually make a name for itself. It is by no means a comprehensive list. Visit our Submissions page to place suggestions.
Dayoung Ewart
Currently working at CP+B, Dayoung is a premier global talent who has been recognized by every major award show in the world, including D&AD, Cannes, Clio, One Show, London International, Webbys, CA, Archive and more.
Kelly Morgan
Kelly brings a boatload of experience from time spent at big shops in Boston and Chicago. She made an impact in Denver working at McClain Finlon for two years. Now she's a hired gun. Get her while you can.
Michael Maciolek
Michael's mind works in ways we really dig. For instance, he's got ideas that don't suck and an eye for laying them out so they continue not to suck in execution.
Terry Oleary
You don't find his kind of experience much in these parts – big agency, big clients (American Express, Pepsi, AT&T Cellular, Duracell, The New York Times, it goes on and on). Hit him up for anything you need. He won't disappoint.
BrandJuice
They're sort of a secret weapon in these parts that a lot of big companies from out of town have already discovered. We want to turn them on to companies here in Denver, too. BrandJuice specializes in uncovering the unique, ownable brand positioning, thorough research and has the ability to grow market share for existing products or turn ideas into tangible moneymakers.
Damon Barbour
Another hot talent back from a stint at a couple shops in Baltimore.
Eric Kiker
He was associate creative director at one of the top ad shops in town. Now he's for rent as one of the top strategic minds in the city. Contact him at his company, Killer Tomato Red, 303.332.9834.
Holly Menges
A great writer with killer skills. Formerly ACD with power house Karsh+Hagan, Holly has worked with some of the best agencies around the country and we're lucky enough to have her right here in Denver.
Jim Glynn
If you've seen an award winning campaign out of Denver in the last say, several decades, there's probably ink from Jim's pen on it. Book him early and often because he gets busy. Call him at 303.675.0711.
John Bellina
Bellina came to Denver by way of a career that includes CD positions at TBWA\TEQUILA in New York, Hal Riney in San Francisco, and Publicis West in Salt Lake City. His client shortlist includes: Absolut, Nextel, Pfizer and lots of names we all know. So does his 30+ awards list. He's a top-tier he's a copywriter/creative director gun for hire.
Mike King
His last name is King, which pretty much says it all. Mike spent the past two years at TDA, one of the best shops in the region. Now, he's over at Factory, knocking it out.
Rick Rosenberg
After a storied, award winning career in Los Angeles at the city's best agencies, Rick moved here to be creative director at one of Denver's top shops. Now, he's freelancing as a writer and CD.
Ryan Johnson
Easily one of the top writers in advertising in Colorado. Now yours for the hiring after twelve years of working on-staff at the best shops.
Steve Dolbinski
With the huge agency experience Steve's had (BBDO, W+K, Chiat/Day, Dentsu, GSD&M, The Martin Agency), it's a jaw dropper to think he's living right here in Colorado ready for us all to take advantage of.
Tom Van Ness
Tom comes with a ton of talent and no heaping ego to taint it – a breath of fresh air when you need good copy. Call him at 303-596-4332.
Zac Spector
Zac spent the last year-and-a-half at Crispin Porter + Bogusky learning the science of what they do so damn well – come up with advertising ideas people love, instead of hate. Now, he's breaking off as a freelancer who's ready to share all he's learned for the benefit of your clients. Use him to your full advantage by phoning 720.840.9774 or by sending some electronic mail his way.
Aaron Ray
Deeply entrenched in today's youth mindset, Aaron Ray has been consistently knocking it out of the park for huge lifestyle brands, including Airwalk, Vision Street Wear, Sims and an eclectic mix of up-and-coming bands who always rely on this craftsman to show them the way.
Brian Edward Miller
And so we shall be graced with a jack-of-all-trades from the far left coast, bringing with him a bag of print, web and illustration goodies to share with the deserving agencies and clients seeking a bit of Orange County sauce.
Brian Son
Here is one recent Art Institute of Colorado grad (2007) we won't have to worry about. He creates a phenomenal knack for balancing his stunning art without having the message get lost. Be sure to look at the work he did for Ford while interning at JWT. The one worry we do have is that someone will woo him away from Colorado. Let's keep him too busy to have that happen.
Chris Cox
Stupid deep talent if you're looking for gritty, Gen-Y flavor. We're throwing him in the designer category, but it's so very clear from his site that he's beyond fantastic at illustration and motion, as well.
Jack Ryan Schuler
Jack's raw talent was molded at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design in the environmental design program. Over the last few years, he's been applying that talent to a wide range of media including print, online, fleet graphics, signage outdoor, environmental and more, molding him into the full package.
Jim Hargreaves
Jim has a clean style and a well-tuned sense of typography – a definite recommendation for print and branding design.
Table2Press
THE local gurus for poster design and screenprinting, especially for all the hipster music shows floating through town. Super high-quality, visually engaging work consistently flows from this band of four.
thinkmule
If you're looking for a touch of grunge wrapped in a whole bowl of design sophistication, look no further. You can't get much better than this.
McGinty
McGinty Inc. has done fine work for such clients as Barnes & Noble,The Harvard COOP and the CU Art Museum. Their use of physical space and design is an example of understated sophistication and professionalism we can all aspire to.
Evan Hecox
Slinking through our metropolis and illustrating the urban landscape along his journey, Evan Hecox has become a globally recognized phenom – working for Nike, Stuggle Inc., and skate companies like Chocolate and Girl.
Gwenda Kaczor
Gwenda is an internationally recognized illustrator living in Denver. She has done work for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, AOL, Nickelodeon and on and on. Snoop around her site and you'll find some additional gems. Also, we enjoy saying her name aloud. Try it. Gwenda. Gwenda. Gwenda. Cool, right?
Jason Thielke
A gorgeous mix of urban contemporary mixed with a bit of dirt and classic proportion.
Jay Vollmar
Jay is an extremely talented illustrator and designer living in Denver. His silk-screened rock posters are well-known here and around the world. Disciples of rock, raise high your lighters.
John Fellows
John's stylized linoleum carvings have graced important campaigns for a grip of clients across the world. Look him up to hook it up.
Josh Holland
Everything's bright about Josh Holland. His colors. His style. His mind. His future. Check him out for some character-driven brilliance.
Justin Renteria
Influenced by rock and propaganda posters, along with children's books and cartoons, Justin has a fresh style that combines playfulness with gripping social consciousness. He is a graduate of the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and his work has appeared in the LA Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Paste Magazine and Utne. We're pleased to have him living in Denver.
Lisa Haney
Lisa Haney has worked regularly for the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times over the last twenty years and she just won the Gold Award at the Colorado Alliance of Illutrator's annual show this year. Her scratchboard illustration is colored with Dr. Martin's Dyes and lends itself beautifully to packaging, advertising and editorial.
Markham "Shitty Kitten" Maes
Screen printer by day, artist by night, Markham kicks out more high integrity original artwork than virtually any other young artist working in Colorado. Shitty's style is a mash up between figurative character illustration and graffiti inspired typography.
Shannon Bonatakis
Shannon's style is dreamy, wonderful, feminine and sexy. The characters she creates, after all that's what her work is intently focused on, make us curious, draw us near and each tell us a candid tale of human emotion. And we love the feeling they give us.
Shaw Nielsen
Shaw is an emerging talent with a whimsical, vibrant style. And he already has an ADCD award under his belt.
Advanced Flash Components
AFC creates building blocks (components) that make it faster and easier for you to develop rich internet applications using Flash. Great support for interactive excellence.
Blue Fruit
Working for a wide variety of impressive agencies as well as direct-to-client on consumer packaged goods, tech, children's products, restaurants and more, Blue Fruit is the design and motion graphics studio of Jason Metter and friends. Sharp and monstrously capable with motion graphics skills to boot, these guys are the real deal.
FL-2
Top shelf agency working for the big dogs conveniently located in the 303.
Fusionbox
THE TOP search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO) interactive agency in the region, if not the country. Take advantage of this service for your clients and reap the benefits. Just get a meeting with them, you'll understand.
Joe Mease Creative
Joe is the go-to guy for XylemCCI and The Integer Group for complex Flash/action script programming nightmares. If the best interactive shops in town use him, that should clue you in to his expertise.
Matthew Leach
A master AS programmer with a good sense of design. Leach has 8 years of experience developing Flash sites and teaching others to do the same.
New Type Central
For companies that don't have the resources, time, or budget to efficiently freshen their websites, New Type Central provides ongoing expert content updates to websites through the site's existing CMS.
The1stMovement
A relative new-comer on the Denver scene, The1stMovement has been knocking them dead for years out of their Pasadena office. Now, they're here making huge waves for Colorado's interactive future.
Xylem CCI
It's been cool to watch this company grow and flourish in a city that boasts few interactive shops at this impressive level.
Eagleton Productions
Christophe Eagleton is a Composer / Producer / Sound Designer who specializes in audio services for advertising, broadcast, interactive, games, and film. Some of his clients include MTV, Audi, VH1, AAA, Scion, Microsoft, Chili's, Sony Pictures, McDonald's, Hankook Tires, Jamba Juice, ESPN 2, Best Buy, Geek Squad, The North Face and Chipotle.
Adam Espinoza
Adam works with the top-notch agencies in this region and beyond and deserves your very serious consideration next time the need for motion graphics arises.
Adam Singer
We've said it before and we'll say it again. Most of the motion graphics talent here in Denver is embarrassingly bad – at best. Hence, our celebration when someone we would actually be honored to use comes along. Watch his reel. There's really no reason to say more.
Citizen Pictures
Escaping to the left or right coast for film production may sound wonderful at the moment, but why not get the same amazing production value and visionary creativity from a heavy hitter right here in town – and go home and sleep in your own bed at night.
Future Member
Mike Slane is an intensely-talented designer, animator and director who has worked with a slew of great clients, including HP, Niketown, Sprint/NFL and Beck.
Impossible Pictures
Chilled out atmosphere with some top notch players – including an Oscar award winner – helping the execution live up to the concept.
Mustard Yellow
Broadcast design and animation ace available for freelance in the Denver/Boulder hoods.
Runrobot
Runrobot is Jean Pichot, who founded Denver's Spillt motion house in 2002, along with a band of brilliant motion specialists that he uses to tackle complex projects. The shop works with a number of the hottest clients in Colorado as well as on both coasts, aiming to over-deliver with everything they produce.
Spillt
Denver seems to lose a lot of its best motion designers to Los Angeles where the industry pulls them in like a magnet. Rejoice. Spillt is a brand spankin' new motion design and animation firm, focusing on network re-branding, commercial production, main titles for film, music videos and installations. Check out their reel on the site, and notice they're definitely not f'in around.
Stileloot
Stileloot, aka Jeremy Lindenmier, is a wicked motion graphics and animation specialist armed with designer vision and technical skill to pull off greatness.
Allen Birnbach
Yes, Allen Birnbach can shoot that. He can shoot anything with flawless beauty. Just ask any client on his list, including American Airlines, AT&T, Charles Schwab & Co., Colgate-Palmolive, Giant Bicycles, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and a dozen other Fortune 500 companies who they'd recommend for that next shot you have to get absolutely right.
Brian Bailey
He's the action adventure shooter with the heart, soul and fire of an action adventurer. Brian is truly one of the finest photographers for this genre anywhere.
Dann Coffey
In his own words, "Based in the mountains of Colorado for over 15 years, our specialty and emphasis revolves around resorts, hotels, recreation, homes and lifestyles of active people." The work is stunning and should absolutely be used whenever possible.
David Mejias
David was the staff photographer at Crispin Porter + Bogusky for 2.5 years, shooting over 500 assignment days for the shop's clients including Nike, Volkswagen, Geek Squad, Burger King, Coke Zero, Compass Bank, Domino's, Jawbone, Shimano, Pearl Izumi, and Best Buy.
De Frisco Studio
On the market for a high-action shot of an athletic Adonis barely breaking a sweat? Look no further.
Greg Friedler
Greg Friedler is an acclaimed commercial and fine art photographer with 4 books to his credit: Naked New York, Naked Los Angeles, Naked London, and Mattress. His portrait work is a rarity in Colorado.
James Balog
James is one of the most highly regarded living nature conservation photographers in the world. He was the first photographer ever commissioned to create a full plate of stamps for the U.S. Postal Service and boasts credits in dozens of the largest magazine publications throughout the world.
Joe Hancock
Fun, lighthearted and packing a serious photographic punch, Joe Hancock has an incredibly dialed 5,000 square foot studio right outside downtown or he'll go wherever you need him out of town to get the shot.
John Johnston
John is an incredibly skilled craftsman and shooter who has worked with the best magazines, brands and agencies in Colorado. He refuses to disappoint.
Kim Cook
Despite a site that needs a little TLC, check out her beautiful B&W photography. She's a joy to work with on top of that.
Souders Studios
Souders Studios is one of Colorado's largest and most respected Food/Beverage and Still-life Studio. They were awarded Best Beverage Studio in the World at the 2007 World Food Media Awards in South Australia. They offer digital imaging through award-winning retouching and compositing.
Tod Kapke
Tod Kapke illustrates every image he conceives – even though he uses his trusted camera and the mixing and manipulation of other media to achieve the effect. His comedic, surreal style is definitive, page-stopping and should be used amply at every opportunity.
Tyler Stableford
Named by Men's Journal as one of the seven "World's Greatest Adventure Photographers." And he's right here in our own backyard in Carbondale, Colorado. Fresh air breeding ultra fresh imagery.
Mando-Matic
Specializing in bringing out the visual emotion in photography, Mando-Matic is genius at color correcting, retouching and compositing images. For years, they've worked with top national photographers, ad agencies and designers – landing their work in CA, Print, HOW and numerous photography annuals.
104 West Partners
One of the top "technology" firms. Founded in 2003, 104 West Partners has since grown into the largest technology-specific PR agency in the Rocky Mountain region – becoming the choice of companies, entrepreneurs and their investors seeking a communications partner to help launch their next great idea.
Aiello Public Relations
The top "restaurant" firm, with a client list that includes premier restaurants such as Fleming’s, Il Fornaio, The Capital Grille and many more.
Digital Idea Media
One of the top "technology" firms. Digital Idea Media's experience with technology companies – ranging from start-ups such as Network Appliance, Ask Jeeves and Ishoni Networks to established organizations such as Sprint, Sun and tw telecom – have taught them how powerful and successful communications programs are built.
GBSM
The best "crisis" firm. The firm is stacked heavy at the top (i.e. experienced) rather than at the junior level. They have been through it all at least a few times. Steven Silvers, in particular, has an incredible Rolodex. They are the quiet firm in town that handles a lot of the crisis stuff you don't hear about.
GroundFloor Media
One of the best "consumer-product" firms. The agency is staffed with senior-level professionals who work as peers and offer cost-effective, results-driven PR services to clients with great stories to tell.
JohnstonWells
One of the best "consumer-product" firms. Recognized by Inside PR as a “regional powerhouse,” JohnstonWells offers a full range of public relations and marketing services to local, regional and national clients.
Linhart PR
One of the best "consumer-product" firms. Smart people who have a spunky outlook. They have been on a roll, winning a ton of the consumer accounts in town. Sharon Linhart has built the firm with steady growth and a lot of repeat business.
Metzger Associates
One of the top "technology" firms. Jon Metzger is a seasoned veteran who has been through many of the technology cycles. He has assembled a strong team.
Story + Welch
The best "B2B/professional services" firm. Small agency, but top-notch quality. Great at corporate issues, reputation management, employee communications. Story + Welch has run PR for a lot of big companies (StorageTek, ExxonMobil, American Airlines, Sprint, CIGNA) and helps bring that experience to smaller Denver companies.
Turner PR
The top "hospitality/travel" firm. Turner PR creates and executes strategic, aggressive and fresh campaigns that communicate a thorough understanding of their clients’ visions, missions and markets.
Weber Shandwick
The best "big firm." Laura Taylor runs the Denver office, and you get access to their nationwide network of people. If your budget is $30K/month or higher, talk to Laura.
Hero Design Studio
This aptly named whiz bang operation has bailed us out of more than one production crunch. Their website doesn't lie – they get it and they're easy. Try 'em you'll like 'em.
Paul Gould
Ego, attitude and excuse-free, Paul Gould spent a good chunk of time at Karsh\Hagan learning the production trade before breaking out on his own as a freelancer. He's the only person we've ever seen kern body copy if that tells you anything about what a perfectionist he is. Give him a hollar.
Anthem Branding
A top shop for custom-branded promotional products and apparel.
Fusion Promotional Marketing
A local firm specializing in entertainment and consumer packaged goods (CPG) hooking up explosively huge deals on a national stage. Your company interested in partnering with Fox Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Yari Film Group, Nestle, Procter and Gamble, Purina or dozens of others? These are your peeps.
Art & Anthropology
From corporate branding to artsyfartsy whatnots, A&A brings a high level of conceptual and aesthetic quality to everything they do.
Cactus
Looking for forward-thinking, breakthrough ideas rooted in solid strategy? Looking for a good group of dedicated individuals? Looking for an agency that will give you what you really need, not just what you think you need? Then you're looking for Cactus.
Crispin Porter + Bogusky
If you haven't been paying attention to their genius ways over the last decade, you may kindly leave and never return.
Cultivator
Concept is king and flawless design is queen at Cultivator, cranking out stunning work rivaling shops on both coasts.
Cypher13
To properly attack the bleeding-edge hipster audience, you must hire an agency staffed with bleeding-edge hipsters. These guys got it. And then some.
Factory Design Labs
From interactive to motion to print, Factory Design Labs plays at a level that transcends Denver and has started to earn them national attention and clientele.
LeeReedy
A creative landmark in Denver for over 40 years, LeeReedy consistently bangs out big time campaigns for big time players.
Moxie Sozo
This group of serious design connoisseurs has never lost a client in nearly 10 years of being in business. The work and the attitude are the reasons.
Reed Hill
A three-part studio specializing in design, photography and bound books – each with thoughtful, meaningful and poetic results. Watch them really explode onto Denver's scene within the next few years.
Sukle Advertising & Design
If you've ever picked up a major design or advertising publication, you've more than likely seen the work of Sukle. One of the few ad shops in Denver that is consistently putting out world-class work.
tda Advertising & Design
One of only a couple big mamajama ad shops in town and certainly one of the most interesting. Their work for Chipotle could be the only thing they'd ever done and they'd still be listed here.
The Integer Group
They aren't one of the bombs in TBWA's arsenal for nothing. Integer specializes in sales promotion, but they're so much more – seemingly handling every media with ease. A huge international, big-brand player living and breathing right here among the rest of us.
The Tenfold Collective
This group of Loveland-based pros takes the craft of design extremely seriously. The results are seriously stunning.