The Creative Circus

Industry friends, partners, advisors, and beloved alumni,

We'd like to officially share an update pertaining to our school's continued enrollment status. Due to a myriad of factors – sadly, many beyond our control – The Creative Circus will cease new student enrollment, effective spring quarter, 2022. As of now, we are scheduled to close operations in late 2023.

We are deeply saddened – dare we say, heartbroken – to share this news. Nothing means more to us than our students, past and present, and we are insanely proud of the legacy and indelible mark Circus graduates have made, and will continue to make, in the creative world. While the industry is ever-changing, we've relished our center ring, front row seat for an amazing 27 years – and that's no small feat.

Our founders envisioned a school where "kids" could channel their weird, wild, creative selves and ambitions into a professional, fulfilling, creative career. It's what we've always done best, and our vast and tight-knit alumni roster honors that intention defined over a quarter of a century ago. We remain passionate about cultivating and nurturing talent, and Circus grads will continue to shape culture, shift perspective and inspire action for many, many years to come. What an absolute privilege it's been to teach, mentor and befriend so many of the best and brightest. What a pleasure it's been to be a valued partner to so many of you out there in the industry.

We are steadfast in our commitment to our current students' education and will remain open until the completion of their respective programs/portfolio readiness. Our current crop of dynamic students will – to borrow from our mission – be avidly sought-after and well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. We trust you'll share in our excitement as they seek opportunity and join our applause as they launch new careers.

Despite this unfortunate turn of events, the show must go on. We're full steam ahead on our industry-leading Friday Forum speaker series, upcoming portfolio reviews, and readying our students to hit the ground running. Stay tuned for additional updates and, as always, we're incredibly grateful for your continued support as we navigate this transition.

The Creative Circus updated their website address.

Looking to advance your creative career? The time is now!

Visit our webpage to schedule a meeting with one of our academic advisors, and learn more about our portfolio program!

Go shawty, it’s yo birthday🎂

That’s right, today marks the 27th anniversary of The Creative Circus’ opening. Throughout the years, many talented creators have walked these halls and gone on to change the creative landscape of advertising.

Enjoy some vintage Cicus photos from our creation ➡️ today.

(3/3) 🖼📸

Featured works:
-Banvoa
-Kadi Adams
-Kelly Irwin

(2/3) 📸🖼

Featured works:
-Banvoa
-Alex Pinzon
-Kelly Irwin
-Kadi Adams
-Lexi Scott

Highlighting the work of our Image grads📸 (1/3)

Featured:
-Lexi Scott
-Kelly Irwin
-Kari Adams

Have questions about our two-year portfolio program? Join us this Saturday for an on-site Open House!!!

Take the opportunity to tour our campus, hear from a panel of students and program directors, and get a free breakfast!

RSVP an learn more through the link in our bio.

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to power through the week.🔨

Featured student work:
“blokk”
Maddie Sherlock
2021

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Join us tomorrow at 1:30 PM for speaker, Kevin Swanepoel!

The One Show is the world’s most prestigious award program in advertising, design, and digital marketing. For over 20 years, the Gold Pencil has been regarded as one of the top prizes in the creative industry.

The One Show has had a rich legacy of honoring some of the most groundbreaking ideas, created by some of the most remarkable minds in creativity. Kevin will give an overview of our world. A world he understands like few others!

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Looking for an opportunity to improve your creative marketing skills and build your portfolio??? The Summer Circus program might be for you.

This 8 week program is a partnership between the and The Creative Circus. Students can earn up to six hours of upper-level elective credits while studying on our campus in Atlanta.

But wait. There’s more. This program is open to students from colleges all over the U.S. as well.

For more information, a look at the curriculum, and student work visit the link in our bio!

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Tomorrow is a very special

Jayanta Jenkins will be joining us at 1:30 PM to share his extensive knowledge of the creative advertising field through his positions at Disney, Saturday Morning, Beats by Dre, and more.

Featured work:
Out West
Lauren Walton
(2021)

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More work for the

Keep an eye out for these spots this coming Sunday.

Join us today for with Fabio Rodriguez!

The Creative Circus hosts special guests every Friday as apart of our Friday Forum Series.

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✒️

Featured work:
Corvidae Display
Kelly Vinsant (Circus Grad)
2020

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The Creative Circus updated their information in their About section.

Join us in congratulating Nakita M. Pope!!!

Awarded at the chapter level, the AIGA Fellows program recognizes designers who have made significant contribution in raising the standards of excellence in practice and conduct within their design.

The areas of education, writing, leadership, and reputation as well as practice or design are given equal consideration in measuring significant contribution.

Swipe to learn more about Nikita’s role at the Circus as well as her company & drop a congratulations for one of our favorite instructors in the comments.

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Like most creatives, one of the biggest reason we’re tuning into the is for the ads.

As Sunday approaches we’ll be featuring some our contributions.

Keep an eye out for these spots, and give a pat on the back to your fellow graduates who were apart of them.

is back tomorrow with special guest speaker, and author of “Chew with Your Mind Open”, Cameron Day!

Day’s book explores the work-life balance (or lack thereof) of creatives working within the advertising industry.

Join us tomorrow, Feb. 4th, @ 1:30pm EST. for guidance that has kept Day grounded, driven, and gainfully employed as both a freelancer and full-timer!

Judgment day is here ….a.k.a. the Winter 2022 Student Show. Twice a year students submit their creative projects to share with a panel of industry professionals.

The show allows students to receive feedback, inspiration, and *hopefully* an award for their creative work.

Check out student submissions, our judges, and past award winnners on the Creative Circus Student Show webpage. Link in bio.

Credits:
-Marcella Zavala (Designer)
-Dana Gardner (Copy Writer)
-Indy Moureau (Photographer/Motion Graphics)
-Jeffery Montgomery (Photogrpaher)
-Etosha N. Manning (Designer)

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Considering portfolio school?

Join us this upcoming Saturday *on-campus*, to learn about our programs, curriculum, and unique campus experience.

Testimonials from students and instructors will give you an inside look into the portfolio-building experience!

RSVP with the link in the bio.

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It’s almost Forum Friday! Tomorrow we welcome Katie Klencheski: founder & CEO of SMAKK Studios, New York.

Female owned: SMAKK works with businesses within the beauty and wellness space to build their brands, particularly through e-commerce & brand strategy. They strive to help brands make legitimate advancements towards sustainability. Katie has written on this issues, and her leading tool for change is titled the ‘Mission Plan’.

Join us tomorrow at 1:30pm EST to hear about Katie and SMAKK Studio’s process to developing more sustainable branding and practices.

Class schedules and school hours will resume as usual tomorrow, while administrative offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Friday Forum is back!!! Join us every week to listen and learn from top talent in the creative industry. This Friday, we will (virtually) host our first speaker of the series:

Sherina Florence is currently Group Creative Director at 72andSunny and Board Member of the One Club. Prior to this, she served as a creative lead at Ogilvy and created work for agencies and brands including: Apple, Beats by Dre, Cognizant, mcgarrybowen, TribalDDB, Mullen and others.

Join @ 1:30pm to hear Sherina’s experiences within, and about, the creative industry. To learn more about her work visit her website, linked in the bio!

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Friday Mood 💸 from the Circus archives.

The Creative Circus’ Image program provides students with the tools, space, and guidance to explore their creative vision.

To learn more about the Image program visit our website! Link in bio. 📸📹🎥🤳

The Creative Circus hosts special guests every Friday as part of our Friday Forum Series.

Friday, October 29 at 1:30 PM

Jeremy Jones – Global Campaigns Executive Creative Director at Mailchimp

Jeremy is an award-winning, media agnostic, modern-day marketer, writer, content maker and former Global Executive Creative Director at J. Walter Thompson where he had the pleasure of managing a motley crew of 20 creative individuals across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Currently he’s the in-house Creative Campaigns Director for the SaaS marketing platform darling Mailchimp. is responsible for one of the top product launches in the history of SXSW. He’s helped set two Guinness Book of World Records for clients and his work has been honored by every major award show while being featured in publications like Fast Company and Wired with appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

These events are open to the public (mandatory for students, of course).

Guests, check-in at the front desk. Masks are required.

The Creative Circus hosts special guests every Friday as part of our Friday Forum Series.

Friday, October 22 at 1:30 PM

James Kinney – Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Ogilvy
Nakita Pope – Diversity & Inclusion Advisor at The Creative Circus

James is Ogilvy’s Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer. James partners with leaders across the company’s global network to develop and evolve practices, policies, and programs to ensure Ogilvy has a strong culture of belonging. In addition, James serves as Chief People Officer for Ogilvy North America. In this role he oversees all aspects of talent management, recruitment, learning and development, and wellbeing for the USA and Canada.

https://creativecircus.edu/career-services/forums/friday-forum-ogilvy/

Guests, to RSVP, please email Carol Vick ([email protected]). Students – no need to RSVP.

After you RSVP, Carol will email you the link. This virtual forum is open to the public (mandatory for students, of course).

The Creative Circus hosts special guests every Friday as part of our Friday Forum Series.

Today at 1:30 PM

Chris Breen - Chief Creative Officer at Chemistry

Will Benham - Executive Creative Director at Chemistry
Creative Circus Alum - Copywriting (2012)

Chemistry is an award-winning, full-service marketing communications agency. A culture lab made up of over 130 doers and makers located in Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Miami united by the belief that an ounce of action is worth a pound of theory. Chemistry exists to overthrow ordinary. They connect creative, technology, and data to create newsworthy results.

These events are open to the public (mandatory for students, of course). If you would like to attend as a guest, RSVP by Friday morning. Students – no need to RSVP.

Guests, check-in at the front desk. Masks are required.

Chalkboard artwork by: Patrick Martin

The Creative Circus hosts special guests every Friday as part of our Friday Forum Series.

Friday, October 15 at 1:30 PM

Chris Breen - Chief Creative Officer at Chemistry

Will Benham - Executive Creative Director at Chemistry
Creative Circus Alum - Copywriting (2012)

Chemistry is an award-winning, full-service marketing communications agency. A culture lab made up of over 130 doers and makers located in Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Miami united by the belief that an ounce of action is worth a pound of theory. Chemistry exists to overthrow ordinary. They connect creative, technology, and data to create newsworthy results.

These events are open to the public (mandatory for students, of course). If you would like to attend as a guest, RSVP by Friday morning. Students – no need to RSVP.

Learn More and get RSVP info here:
https://creativecircus.edu/career-services/forums/friday-forum-chemistry/

Guests, check-in at the front desk. Masks are required.

We are excited to announce that Addie Lewis has taken on the role of Student Services Manager for The Creative Circus.

Addie was born in Los Angeles, however, will always call Atlanta her home. Addie has had every job on the planet you can think of. From being a valet to working as a barista to data entry jobs. Her favorite opportunity during those years was becoming a Contractor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during Hurricane Irma. Addie was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to work at The Creative Circus with all different kinds of creative and innovative types of people. As well as, coming together to help other individuals to achieve their professional dreams.

Other than her work life, Addie grew up in Decatur, Georgia. While growing up she found that she loves doing theater, traveling, boxing, and dabbling in computer programming. She later went on to study at American University in Washington DC and soon after found herself here at The Circus. Addie also enjoys having wine nights and short walks on the beach!

Learn more about our faculty & staff:
https://creativecircus.edu/about/people/

Faculty & staff welcomed the newest Circus class with a morning full of important information.

"As the torch gets passed to the new class, you've got a lot to live up to but you've got a whole Circus community waiting to see what you accomplish. We believe in your success." - David Haan, Executive Director

Before attending The Circus, students attended: University of Georgia, The University of Mississippi - Ole Miss, University of Miami, Chattahoochee Technical College, The Art Institutes, West Virginia University, Loyola University Chicago, The University of Oklahoma, University of West Georgia, Cornerstone Preparatory Academy, Georgia State University, Davidson College, Georgia Tech, Emory University, Ball State University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Saint Mary, Valdosta State University, University of Colorado Boulder, Texas Tech University, Ithaca College, University of Denver, Texas State University, University of Maryland at College Park, Molloy College, UNG - University of North Georgia, Georgia Highlands College, and more!

Overall, the newest class is travel focused, loves dogs and is truly creatively driven. Above all else, they bring that special something—the creativity and drive for greatness— that will shape their Circus experience over the next two years.

What drove you to attend The Creative Circus?

https://creativecircus.edu/admissions/fall-2021-orientation-get-know-new-students-copy/

Get to Know the Fall 2021 Class - The Creative Circus Portfolio School The Fall 2021 Orientation just wrapped up – it’s time to get to know the new Creative Circus students!

Creative Circus alumni work on some of the best ads in the industry. Stay up to date on who is working on what for whom.

Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has released its annual global rankings recognizing most creative people, companies and sectors. The rankings provide a snapshot of some of the industry’s leading talent. Congratulations to Creative Circus alum, Dwight Williams, who was ranked as number 3 in the Cannes Lions list of top performing Art Directors worldwide!

Dwight Williams - FCB Chicago
Creative Circus Alum - Art Direction (2016)

https://www.adweek.com/creativity/these-are-the-worlds-top-performing-creatives-and-directors-from-cannes-lions

*Alumni, if you want to have your work featured - send an email to Kim Bianco ([email protected]).

Cannes Names World’s Top Performing Creatives and Directors The rankings provide a snapshot of some of the industry’s leading talent.

Creative Circus alumni work on some of the best ads in the industry. Stay up to date on who is working on what for whom.

Aaron Marshall - Junior Copywriter at BBDO New York
Creative Circus Alum - Copywriting (2020)

Client: The Stuttering Association for the Young
Creative Agency: BBDO New York
Production Company: Hungry Man

When Aaron Marshall was first hired as a junior copywriter at BBDO New York, agency chairman and chief creative officer David Lubars asked about his interests. Marshall mentioned he has a stutter and that it has a big impact on his life and changes the way he approaches advertising.

Launching today is BBDO's new pro-bono PSA for the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) that illustrates what it feels like for young people who stutter to engage in everyday conversations. The concept arose from Marshall's personal experience of growing up with a stutter and often ordering food he didn't want at restaurants, in an effort to avoid stuttering.

Marshall wants the PSA to empower young kids to embrace their voice and for people to have empathy, and be more patient when speaking with someone who has a stutter.

"People with stutters are usually represented in negative ways; we're not represented in the right way," he says. "It's time for society to see us for who we are. There's a big difference in saying 'Aaron is a stutterer' vs 'Aaron is a person who has a stutter.' Having a stutter may be one part of you but it doesn't define you."

https://musebycl.io/health/copywriters-experience-inspired-bbdos-new-psa-about-stuttering

*Alumni, if you want to have your work featured - send an email to Kim Bianco ([email protected]).

A Copywriter's Experience Inspired BBDO's New PSA About Stuttering For Aaron Marshall, the message is personal

Once again, we graduate a quarter of talented, hard-working creatives that have earned the title of “Circus alum.” Some have already landed somewhere, and some are still ripe for the picking. Be sure to follow this group & connect with them. They’ll be scattered across the country & no longer situated in our incubator of a school, but we’ll be following them throughout their careers & highlighting their achievements along the way. We’re always so proud of our graduates.

We’re known for graduating the best-prepared, most avidly sought-after creatives in the advertising industry. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the portfolios of the most recent graduates and see what we mean.

https://creativecircus.edu/talent-search/

Talent Search - The Creative Circus Portfolio School With a placement rate consistenly over 90%, the industry has long counted on The Creative Circus portfolio school to provide it with exceptional creative talent.

Applications are still open for our Fall 2021 Quarter!

Application Deadline: September 20th
Fall Quarter Start Date: October 4th

Take the first step toward your new, creative career:
https://creativecircus.edu/admissions/

Portfolio School Admissions - The Creative Circus Portfolio School Portfolio School Admissions - The Creative Circus portfolio school is an accredited, 2 year program where students graduate with a killer portfolio.

Just Getting Started is a podcast all about getting to know the next big creatives. Creative Circus Copywriting student, Sam Faktorow interviews students from portfolio schools around the world and find out who they are, what they know, & how they plan to make waves once they start in the "real world."

"This week I interviewed the calm and cool Hannah Lenkey, Q7 Copywriter at the Creative Circus. Tune in to hear how she incorporates a love of reading into her creative process, why she will always be a musician first and foremost, and what her love of Green Day and reality TV has done to influence her life."

Hannah Lenkey - 7th Quarter Copywriter

Thanks for listening! As always, cover art is made by by this week's guest.

Hannah Lenkey — Q7 Copywriter @ The Creative Circus This week I interviewed the calm and cool Hannah Lenkey, Q7 Copywriter at the Creative Circus. Tune in to hear how she incorporates a love of reading into her creative process, why she will always be