Jim Kowalski | ACD/ART DIRECTOR

Conceptual Thinker • Film Maker • Multi-Platform Marketer • Bon Vivant

THIS IS ME.

I'm passionate about everything automotive, from Formula 1 to desert racing. I've spent the past 12 years working mainly on car accounts: Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Infiniti and most recently Jaguar. Almost 6 years ago when I began working on the Jaguar account it was a brand which was literally almost dead. I've been instrumental in helping revive the brand and build our small Spark44 shop into a global enterprise. In addition to my automotive experience I've also directed fashion, lifestyle and tabletop shoots. I have extensive experience leading and mentoring teams of writers, art directors and designers to achieve the best creative possible for my clients.

When I'm not at work I can be found out in the desert racing motorcycles or planning my next global adventure. I've also circled the entire planet by airplane, have walked through more than one mine field in Cambodia, designed and built my own home in Thailand, and enjoy spending time with my family and two cats.

My adventure videos can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/jimkowalski

RECOMMENDATIONS

Jim is a rare find in the creative world. He's talented, knowledgeable and great fun to work with. But along with his creative spirit, he combines a work
ethic that's sometimes lacking in others of his caliber. I would never hesitate to add him to a project if you want it to be brilliant, thorough and on-time.
-Ryan Moore, Creative Director, Spark44

"Jim is a terrific art director with great storytelling instincts, and a keen ability to evolve interesting ideas into smart and effective creative solutions. "
- Will Hartman, Senior Copywriter, Spark44

Jim was one of those rare art director/designers that you look for: Talented, affable, and aware, with a great attitude and ability to get the job done.
Jim also has a lot of big agency experience to go with his digital media expertise. He would be an excellent addition to any ambitious team.
-Dean Van Eimeran, Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles

Jim was a great mentor to me. I was fortunate enough to share an office with him for my first year at Saatchi. James is an amazing art director and a perfectionist.
I learned a lot from him. I would work with him again in a heart beat. I highly recommend Mr James Kowalski! (Roya worked indirectly for Jim at Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles)
-Roya Partovi, VP Associate Creative Director at Publicis

In a business where egos run rampant, James proved to be a truly talented yet totally unassuming creative. I was sorry to see him go.
-Anthony Wells, Copywriter, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles

Jim is a super-creative guy and a blast to work with. When shooting with Jim he always has a clear vision of what he wants in mind but is also a great collaborator,
allowing me freedom to have creative input into the project.
-John Early, Owner, Early Productions, LLC.

Jim Kowalski is a creative thinker with a polished design sense and consideration for the big picture. He takes his projects very seriously,
yet manages to make things fun for everyone involved.
-Brenna Hajek, Senior Copywriter, Rubin Postaer & Associates

I was very pleased with Jim Kowalski's work on the pre-launch and launch of the Honda Insight campaign. Most of the creative work on the Insight model
section from the Honda autos site and the associated online advertising, including the marketing site, was Jim's work. Jim was also the Creative Director
for the Ridgeline interactive tour, which was very well received by everyone. In addition to the good work, Jim was also a pleasure to work with and took
client direction very well. My manager and I were both disappointed when Jim left the Honda account.
-Karen Kim, Assistant Manager, Honda Interactive Marketing, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

One of my Ad Center profs once told me, "First, you get good. Then you get fast." For proof of that, just look at Jim Kowalski. His exceptional art direction and
design chops are matched only by his ninja-like skills with the mouse. And though Jim has fully embraced the digital side, he is classically-trained as an art director.
Which means he not only knows his way around the Mac, Jim actually knows important stuff, like how to shoot a car or handle himself around a client. If anyone
were to ask me, I would add Jim to my team without question.
-Nobbie Kim, Creative Director, TBWA Chiat Day