KEVIN FORISTER
WHY ME?
Ideation, education, and creation are the key pillars of what I do – developing purposeful concepts, with client industry and competition in mind, to deliver a top tier creative solution that drives results. And though that’s important, my larger passion lies in the growth and development of others. I strongly believe that the most efficient and effective way to grow the creative product is by growing the creatives themselves. And well… that doesn’t stop with my team. Outside of the agency walls, I wrote a book (Breaking into Art Direction) and host a YouTube channel of over 130+ videos (Open Door Creative) dedicated to providing aspiring creatives with the tools necessary to make their way into the ad world. In short, I fucking love what I do and hope to chat with you soon.
WHO I’VE BEEN
Creative Director – TracyLocke l 2022-Present
As the creative lead on the la Madeleine, FedEx Office (social), and JBL accounts, I am equally focused on growing and developing the business as I am my creative team – seeking out strategically-sound opportunities and executing high-level creative for our clients while pinpointing areas for individual team members to flourish and succeed. Additional work: Krispy Kreme, Tito’s, Pizza Hut
Associate Creative Director – TracyLocke l 2019-2022
Working on the Samsung and la Madeleine accounts, I dedicated time and effort into elevating the overall creative output, strengthening the junior/mid-level team, and presenting work effectively. I also completed work for Dollar General, Heineken, Tecate, and Kiwi.
Senior Art Director – TracyLocke l 2017-2019
Working on both Samsung (global and US) and Audi, I acted as a reliable team member that worked diligently to produce a high level of design output quickly and efficiently. I also contributed on pitches and other agency work, filling in agency gaps wherever I could.
Art Director – TracyLocke l 2015-2017
Working on the Samsung account, I was a part of 25+ product launches. I also had the pleasure of working on other projects for Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and T-Mobile.
Art Director – Screamer Co. l 2012-2015
Working through the conceptual, development, and production phase, I created work for a broad range of clients. I also actively took part in strategy, copywriting, and led multiple teams of design and copywriting interns.
Freelance Graphic Designer – Open Door Creative l 2011-Present
I have executed creative and graphic design work for NASA, IKEA, AARP, Q1 Media, On The Edge Motorsports, Hillsborough Community College, and many more.
WHERE I LEARNED
University of Texas at Austin l 2012
BS Advertising: Texas Creative Sequence
Business Foundations Certificate
HOW I MAKE
Expert in Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Keynote, and Microsoft Office. Proficient in Videography. Working knowledge of AI.
WHAT I GOT
American Advertising Awards
Gold Addy for packaging (Tito’s) | 2024
Gold Addy for illustration series (la Madeleine) | 2024
Silver Addy for social campaign (FedEx Office) | 2024
Silver Addy for integrated campaign (FedEx Office) | 2024
Bronze Addys for packaging (la Madeleine) | 2023
Gold Addy for out-of-home campaign (la Madeleine) | 2022
Gold Addy for direct mail campaign (la Madeleine) | 2022
Gold Addy for sales promotion (Samsung) | 2020
Bronze Addy for promotional packaging (Samsung) | 2017
REGGIE Awards l 2023
Bronze for omnichannel marketing campaign (la Madeleine)
Hammer of Conviction Award l 2022
TracyLocke agency award for commitment and craft
National American Advertising Awards l 2018
Gold Addy for illustration series (Audi)
Silver Addy for campaign (Audi)
Silver Addy for direct mail (Audi)
Graphis Awards l 2018
Silver for poster series (Audi)
DSVC Show l 2018
Gold bulb for poster design (Audi)
32 Under 32 l 2018
Honoree recognized by Ad 2 Dallas
Lürzer's Archive’s 200 Best Illustrators l 2018
Magazine publication recognition (Audi)
Aster Awards l 2014
Gold for brochure series, silver for radio, and silver for print campaign (Asuragen, Seton Healthcare)
Healthcare Advertising Awards l 2014
Gold for campaign, gold for mobile media, and silver for newspaper campaign (Dell Children's Medical Center)
HBA Max Awards l 2014
Best Billboard in Show (Community of Blanco Vista)
THE FUN FACTS
• I have a relatively unhealthy obsession with reality TV
• I hadn’t tried Mac N’ Cheese until I was 25 years old
• I’m an Enneagram 6
• I heart sneakers
• I… am feeling less interesting after writing this section