mouthwash@gmail.com
971.246.1161

I ran with the bulls in Pamplona.
I designed and published my own board game.
I played in the $10,000 World Series of Poker.
I ran four marathons, although I wasn't very fast.
I was a backyard beekeeper.
I bought and sold bitcoin, and then bought more.
I met Chewbacca at Disneyland.

Nemo Design / Creative Director / 2016 - 2023

/ Created kick-ass work, delivered measurable results and exceeded clients' expectations, leading to many thumbs up and high-fives and bonuses and confetti.
/ Provided strategic design leadership and inspired multiple teams of Art Directors, Designers and Copywriters in Brand Foundation, Brand Identity and Brand Expression programs.
/ Allocated resources based on project needs, talent, budget and timeline.
/ Mentored, coached, and cultivated a work environment of sustained creativity and professional growth for multiple direct reports.
/ Promoted from Sr. Art Director to ACD to Creative Director.


Adidas
/ Art Director, Global Brand Design / 2013 - 2016
Pygmy Giraffe Games / Founder/Game Designer / 2014 - 2017
Sasquatch Advertising / Art Director / 2006 - 2013
Wieden + Kennedy / Freelance Studio Artist / 2003, 2005
Leopold Ketel / Designer / 2004 - 2005
Wieden + Kennedy / Intern / 2002

University of Oregon / 2004
BS in Advertising, BS in Electronic Media, Minor in Business, Film Certificate

 

Clients

Nike
Adidas
The North Face
Chewy
Mattel
TOMS
Widmer Brothers Brewing
Camelbak
Wiley X Eyewear

 

Skills

Creative Direction
Design Direction
Art Direction
Brand Development
Strategy
Copywriting
Waffles

Recommendations

Mark Lewman / ECD & Principal / Nemo Design
Without hesitation, this is a megaphone-volume shout out to Matt Graff for any type of assignment that requires Creative Direction. He brings a wealth of expertise to the table, including that magic mix of A+ communication, team leadership, big picture thinking, and attention to details. From pitch meetings to production shoots, brand platforms to campaigns, quick turn projects to running a high-output creative squad for the long haul—Matt has the confidence and skills of a pro. Having worked together for 8 years, I can also attest to Matt's 'rock solid human' characteristics too: Impeccable integrity, enjoyable to work with, and determined to get results.

Harriet Riley / Senior Social Strategist
Working with Matt in one word: Frictionless. This is not a term thats often associated between a creative and a strategist, but I can assure it fits here. The combination of his natural candor paired with his insane expertise is what makes Matt such a smooth and powerful creative partner. You can feel his ambition and passion to not just get it right, but make it great. Whether it’s in the small sidebars or in front of large stakeholder audiences, he makes every moment count and makes sure to bring his people along for the journey. Every project was pushed to its perfect edge, finding a new place to play and keep us all inspired.

Joe Connell / Design Director / Adidas
Matt has all the usual design skills and a unique ability to blend analytical and creative POV’s as he develops visual concepts. He is a strong presenter with a knack for striking that balance between articulating the creative approach and delivering against a projects key strategic objectives... Matt is a hard working and creative guy - that will be obvious after you talk to him and see his work - but more than that, he is a good guy! A guy that offers support when you hit a bump on life’s road. A guy with a witty sense of humor and pretty damn good timing. A guy that doesn’t have to think too hard to think of others. Matt is the kind of guy that will make a great fit on any team!

Mark Dayao / Brand Design Creative Director / Adidas
It’s rare to find a talent that is both as skilled and passionate as Matt... I was extremely impressed with the overall skill set he brought to the table. From art directing product & model photography, well-spoken presentations, copy writing, conceptual thinking, to hands-on execution in design and production, Matt exhibited an ability to work on a range of projects at the highest level and with a surgeon-like attention to detail. He also kept a great attitude while juggling several projects at once and had the strong work ethic needed to push through and deliver under the tightest of deadlines. Matt has a humorous tone and way about him that alleviated the stressful and tense moments nearing a deadline or during awkward meetings. His team spirit shines and was always proven by wanting to unify the team both inside and outside the office environment.