Hi, I’m Carla.
A filmnerd-former-fat-kid, who was once told that my “spirit animal” is “a female Bigfoot.”
I’m also a multidisciplinary and multi-award-winning conceptual Executive/Group Creative Director with 15+ years of experience.
I grew up in Melbourne, Australia. But, don’t let my charming accent fool you! I am, in fact, a fully-fledged, card-carrying citizen of these fine, United States… and Italy (my parents met at a beach party in Malaysia it's a long story, which involves a turtle).
I spent the first chapter of my career working in film and television, which makes me unique in ad-land. I have an in-depth understanding of all areas of the production process (pre/pro/post) not to mention some truly bizarre stories. These days I earn my bread dreaming up cool things for brands like Netflix, K-Y Jelly, Google, Facebook, Nike, Mattel, Coke, and Volvo to do while writing essays (for fun) about stuff like dick-pics and messy beds.
Throughout 2024 I was at Giant SpoonI where I spearheaded a campaign for Netflix that took home multiple awards including the Cold Clio for Best Original Content. For two years before that, I was with TBWA co-running the (monster that is the) Nissan account. Before this, I was at VMLY&R where I headed up numerous General Mills brands (Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, and more). Throughout 2020 I took on the role of revamping KY Jelly as their new Creative Director while simultaneously, independently acting as Group Creative Director for ‘Biden for President’ launching a marathon of 10+ award-winning campaigns in just a few months (2020 was a weird time). And… before all that I spent two years at each RG/A, and AKQA New York.
I know better than to force a brand into a box that no longer fits, or a channel where their stories won’t thrive, I go where their audiences play to create stories actually worth sharing. From ideas based in film, TV, radio, print, new-tech, social, immersive, and experiential, to products, and events, I’ve done it all. My teams have created an award-winning documentary, a pop-up museum, a floating bar, an Absinthe brand, a private sporting club, a sell-out festival, and much more, always striving to create something meaningful out of something new.
I understand the importance of crafting insightful, high-quality work that hits that ‘sweet spot’ between originality and consistency. As a Director I never forget that clients reach out to an agency for a reason, and part of my role is to uphold the reputation and brand characteristics that brought them to us.
I love to work with creatives, lead, listen, laugh – while always pushing for great work. I respect my teams and what each person can bring. I always work closely with strategy. I understand how to see the big picture and how to bring it to life by managing every step of production from pitch-to-post.
I strive to be the kind of creative I would want to work with. I have the skills and bravado to make great work, but it's my wisdom, humor, and empathy that make me an exceptional addition to any team.
I endorse dogs with eyebrows, garlic bread, and yelling at the television.
Let’s chat.
Carla del Porto.