Matt Villanueva
When I was 15, sitting through a TV commercial break, it hit me: I could tell more compelling stories than what I was seeing. That realization set me on a path. I dove into advertising books, emailed my creative heroes, and, even though I didn’t fully grasp what a “Creative Director” did, made it my goal.
I spent the next few years building my storytelling muscles. I wrote a musical, took improv classes, wrote short stories, studied story structure, and consumed media with purpose. I finished my bachelor’s degree, then decided my portfolio still needed work, so I earned a master’s in creative advertising and theory.
Since then, I’ve pitched and sold big ideas, led campaigns that won business, worked on well‑known brands, won awards, and given back by mentoring students at my alma mater. Today I focus on building team cultures where people feel empowered to do their best work. Collaboration and understanding are non‑negotiable; ego and politics aren’t welcome. Leading creative teams is a juggling act: keeping writers and designers happy, engaged and productive while hitting business goals. Luckily, I like to juggle.
Part Time Marketing (PTM)
Founder + Fractional CMO
Created a flexible, AI‑powered consultancy and agency that scales with project needs, assembling bespoke teams and leveraging emerging technology to solve complex marketing challenges.
Cheil
GROUP CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Building, growing, managing, and leading a team of 35+ creatives across multiple lines of business for a top 5 global brand.
Tandem Theory
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Worked across multiple brands while managing a team of writers and designers to create insightful work that grew client
confidence and relationships.
Vari (Formerly VariDesk)
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Working in-house with a team of writers, designers, and our production team to create EVERYTHING for the brand. If it has a Vari (or VariDesk, or VariSpace) on it, from clings on the office refrigerators to TV spots and interior design, we did it.
Richards/Lerma
BRAND CREATIVE / ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Created multicultural advertising for multiple brands and helped Metro PCS rebrand to Metro By T-Mobile.
Moroch
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
MEplusYOU was bought by Moroch, so we continued to work on Wells Fargo and a slew of of other brands in the digital, social and mobile spaces.
MEplusYOU
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR
I came back! Working with the team to push creative excellence.
Slingshot
COPYWRITER
Worked on a series of different clients to produce social, digital, TV, OOH, and print for some of the clients you see below.
MEplusYOU (formerly imc2)
COPYWRITER
Cut my teeth at one of the largest agencies in Dallas with a heavy emphasis on digital, social, and mobile, along with pitch work and a whole lot of cross team collaboration.
Imaginuity Interactive
INTERN
Need blogs? Ideas? SEO help? I got it.
Studio Movie Grill
MARKETING ASSITANT
Worked in the SMG marketing department as the only social media expert. Started and grew social accounts for this national theater chain. Plus, their chicken nachos were delish.
SMU Daily Campus
COLUMNIST
I wrote an editorial column where I poked fun at my life as a SMU outsider and cracked-wise on my personal life and family. In an elevator ride to pick up my $70 monthly paycheck, the head of the journalism department said, “Are you the Matt that writes editorials?” to which I responded a sheepish, “yes”. He then asked, “Does your wife know what you write about her?” All I could do was tell the truth - “Yes, she edits the stories for me”. He shook his head as the doors opened.
Education:
Southern Methodist University
Master’s Degree // Creative Advertising
Southern Methodist University
Bachelor’s Degree // Advertising & TV/Film
Contact
972.742.9142
MatthewVillanueva@gmail.com
some of the Brands I’ve worked with
