Work History

JJ Ink, Greensboro, NC (remote) • 2026 - Present
Owner, Creative Director/Senior Copywriter

As an independent Creative Director and Copywriter, I partner with leading brands including Mattel, Mattel Creations, Microsoft, Indeed, Kendra Scott, Sephora, and Gap Rewards on projects ranging from brand storytelling and campaign development to email, social, digital, and technical content. Whether I’m developing a brand platform, shaping a customer journey, or translating a complex program into simple, useful communications, I bring strategic thinking and a strong creative point of view to every assignment.

Mattel, El Segundo, CA (remote) • 2022 - Present
Head of Brand Messaging

I helped create the voice of Mattel and its adult collecting platform, Mattel Creations. I helped launch MattelCreations.com, created brand materials, and helped organize event activations, while supervising a team of writers handling all content, web copy, brand statements, and brand videos for both Mattel and Mattel Creations.

Freelance, Charlotte, NC • 2020 - 2022
Creative Director
Creative Director/ Senior Copywriter

I created copy and content for brands, including Novant Health, BB&T/Truist Bank, Mattel Creations, Weleda, Wells Fargo, and Leonard Trucks.

Luquire, Charlotte, NC • 2010-2020
VP, Group Creative Director
Group Creative Director

I led campaigns and copy for North Carolina Tourism, BB&T Bank, Colonial Life Insurance, Novant Health, Piedmont Natural Gas and RSM.

Mullen, Winston-Salem, NC • 2001 - 2009
VP, Associate Creative Director
Associate Creative Director
Sr. Copywriter

I led campaigns and wrote copy for TJ Maxx, Wachovia, SunTrust, La Quinta Inns and Suites, and Sealy.

Long Haymes Carr, Winston-Salem, NC • 1997-2001
Senior Copywriter
Copywriter

I wrote copy for Hanes, Hanes Her Way, BellSouth, Thomasville Furniture, Zatarain’s, and Champion.

Brand experience

Mattel, Mattel Creations, Kendra Scott, Sephora, Microsoft, Indeed, Gap Rewards, Visit North Carolina, BB&T, Wachovia, Truist, SunTrust, Colonial Life, RSM, Blum, Novant Health, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, La Quinta Inns and Suites, Hanes, Sealy, Champion, Thomasville Furniture, The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.

Education

UNC-Chapel Hill

Recognition

AAF Best in Show, Gold and Silver
Telly Awards
Showsouth
Adweek Spot of the Day
Adweek Best Spots
Olive Awards

Contact

jjtothej@mac.com

Fun fact

My very first commercial featured the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan. According to my creative director at the time, it was rare for a junior writer to get to work with a superstar, and he said to me, “You realize, it’s all downhill from here.” I’m happy to say I’m still proving that creative director wrong over 25 years later.