An Executive Creative Director & Brand Consultant based in Chicago.

Available for chatting.

I’ve been around advertising my whole life. As an art director and Executive Creative Director, I’ve created work for some of the most iconic brands, many of which, have won accolades from the Effies to the One Show, Clios, CA, and D&AD.

Experience

In no particular iconic order — Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Hershey’s KISSES, Heinz Ketchup, Disney, Coca-Cola, Chevron, The Illinois Lottery, United Airlines, Bud Light, Budweiser, Pizza Hut, Hallmark, Nintendo, P&G, Miller Lite, Samsung, Tropicana Orange Juice, Intel, General Motors, McDonalds, Kellogg’s - Apple Jacks, Crispix, Crackling Oat Bran, Nutri-grain, Bran Buds, Heartwise, Corn Pops, Honey Smacks, Kraft - Kraft Natural Cheese, Kraft Singles, Miracle Whip, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Kool Aid, Capri Sun, Oscar Mayer, Lunchables, Mr. Peanut, Mondelez - Triscuit, BelVita, Barni/Teddy, Ritz Crackers, Fila, Olive Garden, Smucker’s, InBev, Cracker Barrel, Jimmy Dean, Chase J.P. Morgan, Propel, Global Giving, State Fair Corn Dogs, Service Merchandise, Green & Blacks Chocolate, Marriott, Junki Yoshida Sauces, oh, and Pfizer’s Viagra. Phew.

Clients

I grew up at Leo Burnett. As an art director, I was trained by the best. During my stint there, I worked on almost every account at Burnett, really. I won lots of new business and lots of awards. After leaving Leo, I freelanced a bit, then in 2008, I was lucky enough to help open mcgarrybowen’s Chicago office. During my time at mcgarrybowen/dentsu creative, as an Executive Creative Director, I helped build and grow the office, pitch and win lots of new business and weirdly, work on almost every account there, too.

I’m based in Chicago-ish, I’m left handed, an accomplished photographer and husband. I have 2 wonderful daughters, a smallish dog, and no sense of smell.

I’m available remotely and/or physically, for consulting engagements.

My CV

Up until now

Psst…

All works on this site are the property of Michael Straznickas and or my clients and are featured here with their express permission. All this work was created in partnership with Dave Reger, ECD/writer. One more thing, all this work had lots, and lots of very talented people helping — especially those credited.

Reach out.