thought leadership
Welcome to our blog …a space designed for Fifteen4 news, advice, commentary, storytelling, and well, how our entire team of leaders think. Here is where we keep all the content that gives you a clearer picture of who we are, what we do, how we think [about the industry we love] and the many ways to tell a brand story, without resorting to buzzwords like “data-driven paradigm shift” or “brand story.”
feedback that actually helps: a client’s guide to clear, actionable direction
Let’s be honest: creative work thrives on clarity—and dies in the fog of vague feedback. If you’ve ever typed “Make it pop” or “It’s just missing something” into an email and hit send… don’t worry, you’re not alone. But we can do better. And better feedback doesn’t...
feedback that actually helps: a client’s guide to clear, actionable direction
Let’s be honest: creative work thrives on clarity—and dies in the fog of vague feedback. If you’ve ever typed “Make it pop” or “It’s just missing something” into an email and hit send… don’t worry, you’re not alone. But we can do better. And better feedback doesn’t...
Employee Profile: A tale of new cities
As part of our ongoing employee spotlight series, Fifteen4 will be profiling the employees in our office who inspire us. Today, meet VP of Account & Business Operations, Jennifer Espinosa. Jennifer Espinosa came to Baltimore from Chicago. But it’s clear that a...
Employee Profile: Home is where the action is
As part of our ongoing employee spotlight series, Fifteen4 will be profiling the employees in our office who inspire us. Today, meet Producer Kara Smolenyak. As a producer, and a globetrotter, Kara Smolenyak knows how to stay on the move. It’s Friday at Fifteen4, and...
Creative Managers: Lead from your personality, not with your personality
To continue his Creative Managers series, Steve Smallman, CEO and co-founder, shares why the need for clear vision casting never goes away, but the place it comes from needs to change as an organization grows. When you launch a startup, or step into a new role–anytime...
Employee Profile: “I need to make cool stuff.”
As part of our ongoing employee spotlight series, Fifteen4 will be profiling the employees in our office who inspire us. Today, meet Graphic Designer Lauren Simmons. Lauren Simmons is driven by exploration, education, and mountains covered in snow. Lauren Simmons is...
Employee Profile: Show and tell
As part of our ongoing employee spotlight series, Fifteen4 will be profiling the employees in our office who inspire us. Today, meet Graphic Designer Kristen Mallory. Graphic designer Kristen Mallory builds narratives image by image. Show; don’t tell. Show; don't...
And how does that make you feel? The design of digital experiences
Emily Wolf, web designer, shares why digital experiences must be crafted with just as much thoughtfulness and intention as our in-person, day-to-day experiences (not just left to chance). The design of the online store you made a purchase from this morning is no...
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thought leadership
Thoughts, opinions, education...things that will make your professional life better.
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bookbytes
A series of quick takes on the books shaping our thinking. Not summaries, just sparks.
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podcast
Every episode of the branding world's greatest podcast: The Design of Experience.
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news
The latest happenings within and around the agency.
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culture
Employee and office musings. Usually humorous, always feel-good.