ABOUT

Recognized by Cannes, D&AD, The One Show, Clios, Communication Arts, AdWeek, AdAge and Effies, I've collaborated with and managed many amazing people throughout my career, creating, selling and producing award-winning work for some tough accounts, from financial to femcare, from automotive to airlines, from sports teams to supermarkets, from military to mobile phones. I am well-versed in film, radio, digital, print, out-of-home, earned media, social and experiential. When not dedicating my life to building brands, I enjoy spending time with my wife Karen, daughter Ava and exquisite cat Ringo.

CONTACT

e-mail: cshparago@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-shparago-88694b4/

mobile: 847-772-2546

RESUME

Rate (Formerly Guaranteed Rate) 2022 - Present

Creative Director

Work in-house, creating, managing and mentoring across various disciplines on Rate, the #2 retail mortgage lender in the U.S. Helped re-brand the VA business (GRVA), and played an integral part in the successful launch of its 100% Spanish mortgage process, culminating in the “Telenovela” campaign, which became the best-performing marketing assets in company history. Also produced standalone recruiting work for our Veteran partners, Team, Red, White and Blue.

Freelance 2017 - 2022

Freelance Creative Director/Writer

Leo Burnett 2000 - 2017

VP/Creative Director/Writer

Led integrated efforts and managed multiple creative teams. Conceived and collaborated on memorable work across the client portfolio, receiving recognition by Cannes, D&AD, One Show and Effies.

Accounts: Kellogg’s, Nexium 24HR, Secret, Tampax, McDonald's, Cheez-It, Silk, Kashi, UnitedHealthcare, Jim Beam, Altoids, Americans For the Arts, American Girl, Norelco, Morningstar Farms, beinggirl.com, Chef Boyardee, Nintendo, Allstate, Washington Mutual, ComEd, Morgan Stanley

Additional Experience

J. Walter Thompson, Eisaman, Johns & Laws (Lois/EJL), Campbell-Mithun-Esty

Accounts: Chevrolet, Chicago Cubs, Kahlúa, Smint, Cadillac, WGN-TV, WLUP-FM, Corona, Pacifico, Special Export, FRÏS Vodka, Chupa Chups, Valvoline, Chicago Wolves, Tribune Entertainment Co., Kraft, Bob Evans, Kroger, Monte Albán Mezcal, Midway Airlines, Searle Pharmaceuticals

Published Articles:

Muse by Clio: “11 Great Album Covers”: https://musebycl.io/art-album/11-great-album-covers-chosen-craig-shparago

Mas Context: "The Dress Like No Other": http://www.mascontext.com/tag/craig-shparago/

Accolades:

Cannes Gold Lion, The One Show, D&AD, Clios, ANDYs, Addys, MPA Kelly Awards, Chicago Show, London International Awards, Obies, Communication Arts Advertising Annual, Type Directors Club, Mobius, Effies, Adweek Spot of the Week, Ad Age Spotlight, Best Ads on TV, Washington Post’s “Michael Jordan’s Top 23 Commercials”

Education:

Bradley University, B.S., Mass Communication Creative Advertising, Cum Laude