James Leary
Scottsdale
Summary
Dynamic Creative Director with a proven track record at Pinnacle Advertising, driving a 75% pitch win rate through innovative brand strategies and compelling storytelling. Expert in campaign development and team leadership, I excel in producing award-winning content that elevates brand engagement and market presence.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Director
Pinnacle Advertising
Chicago
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Led creative development for major Honda and Acura campaigns across 71 Tier II associations.
- Directed a multifaceted team of copywriters, art directors, and designers.
- Delivered regionally resonant creative that won pitches, boosted market share, and achieved national recognition.
- Drove 75% pitch win rate with region-specific creative.
- Reclaimed significant Honda market share from Toyota in Detroit, Colorado, Western Washington, Idaho, Hawaii, and Northern California.
- Managed and inspired a team of 15+ creatives across copy, art, motion, and design.
- Produced viral social content generating millions of views and impressions.
- Earned 3 National Telly Awards and contributed to multiple winning campaigns.
- Oversaw production from concept to completion with $20K-$500K budgets.
Creative Director
Real World Marketing
Scottsdale
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Owned brand messaging across multiple clients and launched campaigns that lifted brand awareness and conversions.
- Led concept development, content creation, and production oversight.
- Achieved 80% new-business pitch win rate.
- Wrote compelling commercial scripts that grew engagement and conversions.
- Directed photoshoots and video productions from pre-pro to final delivery.
Creative Director / Copywriter
Socks With Sandals
Los Angeles
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Created original music video treatments, visual concepts, and tour content for major artists.
- Produced viral music videos achieving millions of views.
- Launched web series that expanded fan engagement.
- Traveled globally to direct and produce award-winning artist documentaries.
Creative / Filmmaker
Tattoo Projects Advertising Agency
Charlotte
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Brought brand stories to life across Sheetz, Remington, Hoover, and more.
- Won 7 ADDY Awards for creative excellence.
- Key contributor to Ad Age Small Agency of the Year.
- Elevated brand relevance through cinematic storytelling.
Writer / Editor / Production Assistant
Lightstream Pictures
Santa Monica
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Provided script coverage, edited content, supported production, and assisted in building pitch materials.
- Helped attract A-list talent to feature film 2:22 through a compelling sizzle reel.
- Earned a reputation for "no job too big, no task too small" reliability.
Education
Graduated with Honors - Best Thesis Film Award Winner
The Los Angeles Film School
One of the youngest graduates - renowned comedy institution
The Groundlings Improv School
Skills
- Creative Direction
- Copywriting
- Campaign Development
- Brand Strategy
- Video Production
- Social Media
- Scriptwriting
- Budget Management
- Content Creation
- Team Leadership
- Client Communication
Websites
Major Career Highlight
Spearheaded the multi-region Honda Rebel City: Hear Us Roar campaign featuring top Detroit influencers. The campaign revitalized Honda's presence, re-energized the community, and successfully captured market share back from Toyota across the region.
Personal Information
Title: Creative Director
Technical Creative Skills
- Creative Direction
- Copywriting
- Campaign Development
- Brand Strategy
- Video Production
- Social Media
- Scriptwriting
- Budget Management
- Content Creation
- Team Leadership
- Client Communication
Awards Recognition
- 1 Cannes Lion
- 5 ADDY Awards
- 3 National Telly Awards
- Viral video work with millions of views
- Delivered 85% pitch success across career
Timeline
Creative Director
Pinnacle Advertising
01.2021 - 01.2024
Creative Director
Real World Marketing
01.2017 - 01.2021
Creative Director / Copywriter
Socks With Sandals
01.2014 - 01.2017
Creative / Filmmaker
Tattoo Projects Advertising Agency
01.2012 - 01.2014
Writer / Editor / Production Assistant
Lightstream Pictures
01.2011 - 01.2012
Graduated with Honors - Best Thesis Film Award Winner
The Los Angeles Film School
One of the youngest graduates - renowned comedy institution
The Groundlings Improv School