Hi. By now, hopefully, you’ve seen my work and like it. What you can’t see, is how I get there. I’ve worked with enough creatives, clients and everyone in between to know that how we work together has a real impact on the quality of the work we do together.
For me, results go deeper than numbers or likes or shares. It’s measured in the strength of relationships. Between creatives, between agency and client, between the ever growing number of disiplines in our business. As clichéd as it may sound, great creative really is a journey. I’m a big believer in making sure everyone looks forward to the trip. And if you do it right, then yes, likes and shares, sales and awards are sure to follow. Here’s what I believe: You don’t have be the loudest voice in the room. The first to talk or the last. You do have to listen. You should aim for low maintenance and high standards. We must think 360. That goes for ideas, media, results and relationships. |
"Joanna is a planner’s “dream creative partner.” It’s always been my experience that really strong creative people would be great planners. (An obvious endorsement from a planner.) They approach each project in the same manner as smart planner does. Dig in. Learn a lot. Start constructing mental maps to where the information takes you. Make leaps. Take chances. And then challenge them – on your own, in conversations with others. Construct your best argument. And happily Joanna is the kind of creative partner that does this alongside the planners so we are all on the same journey together. Of course, what Joanna then does is what the planners can’t. Bring the ideas to life in a smart, emotional way, deeply rooted in the strategy. (Her work speaks for itself.) The other side of the Joanna Kalliches equation is the personal side. She’s smart and informed. Loves to laugh. Deeply involved in the world around her, so those important cultural touchstones are readily available and apparent in the work she does. All of which makes her great person to be in the trenches with. " — Stacey Lesser Chief Strategic Officer, Merkley + Partners
"Joanna is so damn smart & creative. She brings great insights on so many things and knows her stuff. Her laughter is very contagious and makes any assignment fun. I would work with Joanna anytime." — Elena Z. Art Director/Designer
"Joanna is that rare combination of creativity and practicality. In the years that I have worked with her I have witnessed her uncanny ability to astonish clients and colleagues alike by being able to deliver creative solutions which both precisely fulfill the brief and at the same time bear no resemblance to everyone's preconceived notion of those solutions. In simpler words, Joanna can think way outside of the box and manage to land squarely inside it at the same time. To me this is the essence of a great creative mind... and an account person's dream. She spends time and energy thinking about ways to motivate and engender great work among her team. She's terrific at helping hone and shape the work of others whether they be creative, account, media, digital or production. She's very funny and a delight to spend time with. If you get to work with, or just have a drink with Joanna, you are lucky indeed." — Larry Grewell Director of Marking, SCORE Westchester
"Joanna was by far the best boss I've ever had. She does everything she can to keep the 'insanity' of life in an ad agency in perspective. She knows that creative people do their best work when they feel respected and heard. She always offers constructive criticism that helps make an idea better, as opposed to trying to turn it into something she would have done herself. Fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages work that is different and unexpected is something all creative directors are supposed to do, but many don't. Joanna does." — Anthony DeVito Creative Consultant