None of these people are my grandma,
but they had some nice things to say about me anyway.
“I was Matt's ACD for one year and can only hope he learned as much from me as I did from him. Matt’s a seasoned Creative – wise beyond what his baby soft skin may trick you to believe. He has an insatiable love for the craft and approaches problems from directions that leave you startled and jealous. Only the solutions are smarter than the approach. He takes time to think, which is great. Sometimes he doesn’t, which is even better. Matt is always quick to remind you of why you were drawn to advertising in the first place. He reminds you the Big Idea rules and that there are no rules. That creativity can solve any problem. That you shouldn’t judge the ideas coming out of someone’s head by what they’re wearing on their feet. That beards and ninjas not only have a special place in today’s executions, but are proven to increase brand opinion and sales. And a whole bunch of other really smart stuff Bernbach said. I’d recommend Matt to anyone that wants to increase the level of their creative product. Or to anyone that wants more eye candy strutting about the office. Whoa, I may have a crush.” September 8, 2008
ronn pearson
former associate creative director at zimmerman
current associate creative director at sapientnitro
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“There are creatives who are great at brilliant concepts. There are creatives who are really great craftsmen. Then, there are the rare few who are insanely good at both. Matt is one of them. I got into this business and have stayed in it for twenty years because I love the thrill of seeing a monstrously great idea come to life. Matt makes this happen. His ideas are shrewd and cunning but they are also daring, fun and full of heart. Hurry up and hire this man before somebody else finds him.” May 16, 2009
richard wise,
president at agent16
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“Matt was a breath of fresh air when he arrived at Draft. He writes great copy, loves advertising and does both with a sense of humor and perspective. What I mean is that he has dedication plus a realistic sense of business - wholeheartedly defending work when it was called for, and in other cases, simply getting the job done, and doing it well. He possesses a great combination of youthful enthusiasm and an experienced creative's love of the craft - he's eager to sit and pound out a few pages of headlines, for example, ask for feedback on them, take it to heart and sure enough, it'll be reflected in his next batch. Through his passion for not only doing good work but also continually improving his craft, he taught me a few good lessons, too. I'd enthusiastically welcome him as a member of my team in the future.” October 26, 2009
steve nasi
former creative director at draftfcb
current freelance creative director
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“Matt Kelsen is a creative powerhouse. A conceptual force of nature that comes up with the most insanely great concepts that can be had.......EVERY TIME! I want to work with him right now!!!! Seriously, Matt is one of the best, most prolific conceptual thinkers I have ever worked with. Bonus: Amazing copywriter, to boot.” May 18, 2009
clark moss
former president / executive creative director at agent16
current co-founder / managing director at social fingerprint
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“Matt is the only person I know who can match me for being able to recite Coen Brothers movie quotes.You gotta respect that... I think you have to respect that. ...You have to respect that.”
faelan blair,
former copywriter at zimmerman advertising
current copywriter at agencynet
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“Matt has remarkable charisma and I enjoyed working with him immensely. He’s a talented writer, no doubt about it. But even more importantly, he is someone I could always count on when the pressure was on to meet a deadline. Matt's insightful and clever and takes on all projects with his unique brand of humor and enthusiasm. Any team would be lucky to have him.” May 21, 2009
josh young
former group creative director at agent16
current freelance creative director / copywriter
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“Matt is the type of creative writer I will always seek out. Not only is he extremely witty, talented and smart but, he showcases a humor and energy that always brings out the best in those around him.” May 20, 2009
bryan dalessandro
former group creative director at agent 16
current owner of 4/5.6 SPLIT PRODUCTIONS
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“Matt is a smart and very witty writer. He put in the extra effort time after time, on every project. He takes direction well and has a true grasp of the craft of copywriting.” May 18, 2009
dave pachence
executive creative director at agent 16
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“Matt is one of the most talented, goofy, flakey, and funny-in-an-unfunny way people I have ever worked with. I'm proud to call him my partner.” May 16, 2008
sarai nunez
former art director at zimmerman advertising
current freelance art director
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“Within Matt's first month, it was clear he would be a valuable contributor to our agency's ongoing goal of developing creative that goes beyond "product point of difference". Most everything Matt creates makes for good culture. Matt gets that good creative, in the world of advertising is even better when it makes the product's main differentiating point something its main audience can relate to. So, I sincerely hope that at some point I will get to work with Matt again, since having him on my team means having great work that I'm proud of to present.” May 17, 2009
delia kosowicz
director of client services at agent 16