Our story

Our partnership began at a hockey game, of all places. When discussing our experiences in business and the shifting dynamics between agency and client, we came to a realization. Clients don’t need advertising agencies anymore; they need a team that is closer, more accessible and more affordable. We decided to take that idea and form the Creative Department. For us, no project is too big or too small. We are easy to work with, flexible, and ultimately aim to make you look good. With dedicated support from every end, we’ve been able to grow our business while helping our clients grow theirs.

David Morin CCO, Managing Partner

As Chief Creative Officer, David Morin sets the bar high for talent within the Creative Department. He has played a key role in shaping the brands of dozens of companies, from local start-up firms to national accounts including Labatt Brewing Company, Zimmer Pharmaceutical, ForeSight, and Golden Outlook.

Hailing from one of the oldest cities in North America, David spent his childhood wandering ancient streets surrounding the Count of Frontenac’s castle and playing with cannons that date back to the early 1600s. That sense of wonder inspired him in his extracurricular activities as a fencer, and in his academics. He studied the Old Masters of painting at the School of Fine Arts in Quebec City, and in the Windy City at the Art Institute of Chicago. He then earned his degree in Graphic Communication, attending Queen Victoria’s Laval University.

After a relocation to sunny California, David found himself designing and executing the first-ever social media strategy for a Medicare Advantage plan. He also directed the multi-award winning “Testimonial” TV commercial for CareMore Health Plan, and wrote and produced the controversial national TV spot “Time to remodel” which earned him and his team over a dozen accolades from national and international organizations.

David is a contributor to industry-related publications, and his work has been featured in many prestigious online galleries. He served as Vice President of the Orange County Ad Federation Board of Directors and judged for several years at the American Advertising Awards - the US’s largest advertising competition. When he’s not creating great work for his clients, the proud father can be found in deep thought reading, practicing the art of the swirl, or working on his latest masterpiece — a cookbook.

Mike Thompson CEO, Managing Partner

Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit began in his early 20s when he went to work as a photographer-for-hire for major bands including Buckcherry, The Wallflowers, Fuel, and Chris Cornell. His good friend, guitarist Yogi Lonich, recognized his talent and decided to take him under his wing, giving him exclusive access for photography on the tour buses and backstage. His work has been featured nationally in Guitar Magazine, among other publications.

In college, Mike started his own marketing and web consulting business while working toward a degree in Communications/Advertising from Cal State Fullerton. This was also the time when his career in advertising got kick-started with an Account Executive position for a large media buying (radio) agency in Newport Beach, CA. There, he managed national media relationships for independent office technology companies across the United States while developing radio creative that was based on testimonials.

Mike went on to build his background in marketing with a Director of Digital role, which acquainted him with Medicare marketing while utilizing his online marketing experience to generate results in a new and emerging online and social market for health care. After, Mike worked with the P. Diddy and Mark Wahlberg-owned water company, AQUAhydrate, to launch a new SKU, and complete a full brand refresh from packaging re-design to new sales and marketing materials. His next adventure came when he and David got together to form the Creative Department.

From 2010 to 2013, Mike served on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Advertising Federation and has served as the Digital Strategist for the Orange County Ad2 group. He is an active speaker at Cal State Fullerton and has been a guest speaker at Cal State Long Beach and Irvine Valley College.

When not hard at work, Mike loves to explore the land and sea by way of scuba diving, camping and hiking — the more remote the better; and he still loves to pick up his camera any chance he gets.