About.
Hello, I’m Stephen, a Creative Director, Full Stack Developer, Ghostwriter, Visual Artist and Entrepreneur currently based in Toronto – I try to create things the world needs before it knows that it needs them.
My journey in the creative industry spans seven plus years and can be neatly bookended, beginning as a writer for Janet Jackson, and at present, as a self-taught, full-stack developer and creative director for my own social network and crowd dream funding platform.
Neatly sandwiched between, is an expansive variety of creative work that’s been recognized and awarded, in some cases, globally, but in most cases, continentally. More important to me, is the fleeting work that had people talking afterwards. There’s been a good amount of that.
Much of that work was for some incredibly talented musicians, yet, there’s also been a nice compliment of global organizations and brands throughout the years. I prefer true creative, the artistic kind, but I appreciate real-world creative as well and I attempt to give it equal time and attention.
I’ve always endeavored to be as well rounded as possible, a characteristic I inherited from working under some of the most brilliant and respected creative directors in the entertainment industry.
They offered wonderful mentorship, and still do to this day, if I find myself in need of advice.
As I’ve progressed from a member of the creative team, to team lead, I often pull from those early lessons and experiences. Still, inasmuch as possible, I try to have my own unique vision and voice.
Four years ago, for that very reason, I adopted the nom-de-guerre, Young Giant, to separate myself not only from the creative process and the result, but also, my associations. In doing so, I’ve given myself a tremendous amount of creative freedom to explore new boundaries.
I’ve always approached creativity in non-linear fashion, because unexpected entries seem to constantly present unexpected exits. Life is unpredictable, so I approach it through the unpredictable. More than anything and for that very reason, I believe it’s in better practice to be good at many things, than great at one thing.
I always feel one step ahead that way.
Skills.
Creative Strategy.
7+ years experienced senior creative leader with extensive expertise on both client and platform side – delivering award-winning ideas for global brands and the people who matter to them. Industry recognized solutions and seasoned manager for TV, film, entertainment, global brand strategy and sponsorship activation across all digital platforms.
Management.
Extensive experience managing large teams of diverse personalities in deadline driven environments, establishing employee career development programming, leading cross-functional team collaboration, and developing industry outreach opportunities.
The Kit.
Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Mac OS, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Xcode, JavaScript, Swift, Objective-C, PHP, HTML, CSS.
Experience.
09
University of Trinity College / Toronto
Dropout
Janet Jackson / Los Angeles
Writer & Project Lead
Rhombus Media / Toronto & Vancouver
Screenwriter
10
Janet Jackson / Los Angeles
Writer & Project Lead
Rhombus Media / Toronto
Screenwriter
11
Blake McGrath / Toronto & Los Angeles
Creative Consultant
Essential Entertainment / Los Angeles
Screenwriter
12
Nyood Yoga (Defunct) / Toronto
Owner & Business Development
Lost In Reality / Toronto
Owner & Creative Director
Sammy Adams / Los Angeles & Toronto
Creative Consultant
13
Nyood Yoga (Defunct) / Toronto
Owner & Business Development
Lost In Reality / Toronto
Owner & Creative Director
Sammy Adams / Los Angeles & Toronto
Creative Consultant
No Years Lost / Toronto
Owner & Creative Director
Salama Shield Foundation / Toronto & Kampala
Creative Director
14
Lost In Reality / Toronto
Owner & Creative Director
Sammy Adams / Los Angeles & Toronto
Creative Consultant
No Years Lost / Toronto
Owner & Creative Director
Salama Shield Foundation / Toronto & Kampala
Creative Director
15
Lost In Reality / Toronto
Owner & Creative Director
No Years Lost / Toronto
Owner & Creative Director
Clients.
I’ve worked with global brands, as well as, several incredibly talented musicians. Here’s a selection of some of my favourites throughout the years.
Janet Jackson
Budweiser
Anchor Bay Entertainment
Sammy Adams
Ok Cool
Ransom Holding Co.
Salama Shield Foundation
DVBBS
Rhombus Media
Awards.
Here are a few of the creative teams and projects I’ve been a part of or led which have received recognition or awards.
Budweiser Bud Camp
Event Marketer Magazine / 08 / Best Consumer Event (North America)
Winner
Blake McGrath – Relax
MuchMusic Video Awards / 11 / Video of the Year
Nominated
Blake McGrath – Relax
MuchMusic Video Awards / 11 / Cinematographer of the Year
Winner
Sammy Adams – Homecoming EP
Billboard 200 US Rap / 13 / Peak Position
#5
Sammy Adams – Homecoming EP
Billboard US Top Digital Albums / 13 / Peak Position
#14
Nyood Yoga
Lululemon / 13 / Select Studio
Ambassador
Salama Shield Foundation
Save the Children International / 15 / Best NGO
Winner
No Years Lost
Envato Marketplace / 15 / International
Featured Site
No Years Lost
Ford Fusion Startup Lab / 15 / Toronto
Semi-Finalist
Ventures.
I’ve failed and succeeded in business. I always learn, pick myself back up and get a little better as I go.
Nyood Yoga (Defunct)
Lost In Reality
No Years Lost
References.
For obvious reasons, my references would prefer to have their contact information kept private. It can be made available upon request.
Gil Duldulao
Creative Director / Janet Jackson
Keith Richardson
Creative Director / Sammy Adams
Luke Willms
Assistant Director / Salama Shield Foundation
Fred Sherratt
COO & Vice-Chairman (Retired) / CHUM Limited
Portfolio.
I keep 4TB’s and two servers of digital work, along with a thigh high stack of hardcopies. Here’s a small look inside.
Writing.
I’ve been a ghostwriter for a music icon, a prominent lawyer, a notorious poker player and a variety of production companies. Please enquire for more information.
Illustration.
The devil finds work for idle hands. Here’s what he does with mine.