Hi! I’m Deni Ambrose! I work on everything related to creative advertising and branding and am based in Chicago, IL.
Tell us more about your background and current job. How did you get into this field?
Growing up I was always on the artsy side. I definitely got this from my dad and maybe even my grandpa. Every school art project was a masterpiece. Every doodle was special. And every birthday card was hand drawn. I never realized that I was artistic as a kid until just recently. My mom was going through my old school projects and we were both shocked seeing the amount of detail I put into everything. It was quite amazing to see that even as a 5-year-old, I was taking my art projects so seriously. My curiosity of the world is what drives me every day and I am inspired by everything around me. I never knew I would land a career in art but I am SO happy that I did.
I went to Michigan State University (go green!) and studied Creative Advertising and specialized in Art Direction. In college, I was inspired by the possibilities of what my career could become. I loved art and was amazed and surprised that I could make a living doing it.
From there I moved to Chicago and went to the Chicago Portfolio School and studied Graphic Design. I learned how to create logos, design packaging, work with typography, and create brand systems. I perfected my skills and art and finished within a year.
I landed my first gig as an Art Director role at a huge advertising agency working on Ziploc (bags). I helped rebrand Ziploc and to date it was one of the coolest projects I got to work on. I also worked on Kerrygold Cheese and Butter, which was fun and VERY delicious!
Now, I am at one of the top ad agencies in the world, Leo Burnett, working on awesome brands like Coors Light and Kellogg’s (Cheez-Its, Rice Krispies, Eggo, and more).
Earlier this year, I was asked to teach the Social and Digital Activations class at the Chicago Portfolio School (where I went to school). This was a huge accomplishment in my career as I now teach students that were once in my place. In my free time (if any!) I do a handful of freelance projects creating logos, making and designing websites, branding, print design, and social posts!
Needless to say, my job is more of a hobby to me. I am lucky to say that I LOVE my job and I enjoy waking up every day inspired to create and design amazing work for the brands and people that I work with/for.
What’s your favorite part of creative advertising?
The best part of my job is working on big productions. After MANY rounds of concepting, killing ideas, starting completely over we finally get to making things. I work with many different food stylists, directors, prop stylists, actors/actresses, wardrobe stylists, make-up artists, animators, illustrators, influencers and I finally get to see my work and art come alive!
Favorite food(s)?
Frozen yogurt (I could eat it for breakfast everyday) and cereal (I could eat it for dinner every day).
Least favorite food(s)?
MUSTARD AND MAYO (gross!)
Do you cook? And if so, favorite meal to cook?
Yes! I love making sweet potato fries (with cinnamon) and a delicious Thai stir-fry!
Fun fact(s)?
I collect pictures of doors that I have seen from around the world! Check them out at @ihaveathingfordoors.
When I’m not working, you can find me:
Going to the park with my boyfriend and dog Frankie! She is a mix of an Australian shepherd and corgi.
Deni has been working with Sammi since May 2019, and officially joined the team in September. Check out her work at deniambrose.com.
