Meet the 2025 Creative Advertising Graduates
Art Directors
Anastasia Svetlova
I made a YouTube channel in sixth grade with zero editing skills and 537 subscribers. Now I’ve got better editing skills and a degree to prove it. If this advertising thing doesn’t work out, you can subscribe to my channel: @AnnaBanana_333.
Portfolio Website
Andrew Havens
I’m Andrew, an art director from Boston. I have more than half a decade of photography and videography experience that I bring to my advertising work. The synergy of commercial art and fine art is something that I’m very passionate about, as I seek to make advertising that is inviting, not intrusive.
Portfolio Website
Bettina Talento
My passion lies in using visual design to tell powerful stories. Having witnessed diverse perspectives across the globe, I’m driven to amplify these stories that deserve to be heard. This translates into design that resonates with a broad audience, fostering deeper human connections.
Portfolio Website
Caitlin Espiritu
Choreography has opened my mind to ‘see the vision’ and trust the creative process. It can be a battle, but it’s always worth it in the end. When you bring original art into the world, there’s nothing else on earth that’s like it. Once the headphones go on, my ideas flow to a rhythm of its own.
Portfolio Website
Email cait1120@hotmail.com for the Portfolio Password.
Destiny Erazo
The song that describes me as a team player is “We’re All In This Together” from “High School Musical.”
Portfolio Website
Email derazo.ptech@gmail.com for the Portfolio Password.
Emma Johnson
“There can be no white spaces in the sky,” my art teacher once told me as she critiqued my coloring skills. I still think about this comment. Not as a rule about coloring, but as a challenge to redefine. Today, I’ve built my creative skillset around embracing out-of-the-box ideas, creating work I know the little artist in me would admire.
Portfolio Website
Gabriella Enriquez
When I was a kid, I made sure nothing got thrown away without me giving it a second life. When others saw trash, I saw potential. Turning the overlooked into the unimaginable and creating something out of nothing with my imagination is my superpower.
Portfolio Website
Kari Marvel
My name is Kari Marvel. Marvel, like the comics, but no, sadly I’m not a superhero. I am passionate about all things creativity. I am from a small town near Cape Cod, MA, and therefore spend as much time on or in the ocean as possible. In another life I would be a mermaid or maybe a dolphin. I dive into the deep end in everything I do, giving it my all.
Portfolio Website
Matt Latvis
When I’m not making ads, you can find me playing ultimate frisbee, disc golf or basketball. I am a natural competitor at heart, not just with sports, but also in my professional and creative endeavors, and I am excited and grateful to get to work on each project that comes my way. Other than advertising, my preferred mediums are art, video and character drawing.
Portfolio Website
Mick Chan
I never plan to be the last-minute genius, but somehow, the best ideas crash into me when the deadline is staring me down. My desk is where good trees go to die—buried under sketches, half-baked headlines and doodles that made sense at 2 a.m. I’m the kind of art director who quietly listens, nods, then drops something unexpected on the table—usually just in time to save the day.
Portfolio Website
Olivia Dublin
Highly motivated, creative and goal-oriented individual with a major in advertising and a passion for graphic design. Enjoys working independently or as part of a group to develop and implement original and unique end products that fulfill expectations. Friendly and out-going demeanor and excited to be part of a creative team.
Portfolio Website
Olivia Riddoch
I’d say I’m an open person. I’ve tried new things like running, sewing and even hanging spoons on my face (my record is seven at once). But when it comes to art direction? I get critical. I’m obsessed with finding surprising fonts, color combinations and creating advertising that makes waves. Who says being judgmental is bad?
Portfolio Website
Email riddocholivia@gmail.com for the Portfolio Password.
Olivia Valcourt
Bios are boring. Look at my website instead.
Portfolio Website
Ruoxuan Xia
I prefer bubble tea over espresso, grassy naps over beds and roaming over being boxed in. With a mind that wanders with the wind, every step sparks raw, unfiltered creativity, driven by insatiable curiosity.
Portfolio Website
Email rxia01@syr.edu for the Portfolio Password.
Sebastian Lopez
I grew up in the advertising central of the world, of course I’m gonna make some of the best ads around. Took in every billboard, every TV commercial, every print, and now I can’t stop thinking about how I can make them better. When I’m not doing campaigns, I’m practicing my photography, showing the world how fun and beautiful it is.
Portfolio Website
Tej Malhotra
I’m Tej, a creative driven by bold ideas and a passion for storytelling. Influenced by my Indian and Czech heritage, as well as my love for music, skateboarding and street art, I bring a unique perspective to my work. With a sharp eye for pop culture, I aim to craft advertising that leaves a lasting impression.
Portfolio Website
Email tbmalhot@syr.edu for the Portfolio Password.
Vivian Li
If it’s in the name of art, a little trouble is always worth it. Scraps become collages, scribbles turn into scenes and accidents turn into important life lessons.
Portfolio Website
Vivian Yang
Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming an artist—someone who was devoted to making the world a more beautiful place. Now, with a few sips of coffee, everything I’ve ever wanted to express feels possible. I wish to invite more people to notice what I see and spark up conversations that stir the norm.
Portfolio Website
Copywriters
Adam Knode
I am passionate, boisterous and fiercely competitive; I bring energy to everything I do. As a devoted Real Madrid fan, game day isn’t complete without belting “Hala Madrid y nada más” at the top of my lungs for good luck. Whether in sports or life, I embrace every challenge with enthusiasm and determination.
Portfolio Website
Hank Ihlel
I like to think of writing as thinking. I’m not a unique writer, but I am a unique thinker, or so I like to think. I crave ideas that surprise me, words that slap me and collaboration that makes work weirder. I don’t have all the answers, but I like digging for them. If the ideas are strange enough, I’m in.
Portfolio Website
Isabella del Rey
I have a secret Twitter (X?) account where I collect lovely word combinations, miscellaneous thoughts and revelations that hit me with miraculous force. Here’s a sneak peek: “Miso soup is what I imagine the sweat of angels tastes like.” I really love miso soup. Also, no one follows this account, so I’m basically talking to myself all day.
Portfolio Website
Jack Levin
Ask me about Hamilton, and I’ll sing the entire soundtrack. Bring up fantasy football, and I’ll tell you why next year is my year. Mention Marvel, and I’ll talk about the best movie and why it’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” I have a lot of interests, some you’d never expect. That’s how I approach my copy. Write the unexpected.
Portfolio Website
Kathryn Hendry
My accolades include making a mean lavender matcha, being a “pleasure to have in class” and owning a posh three-legged dog named Charlie. I am also pleased to announce that this year I was honored with the prestigious “Best Breakup Text Writer of the Friend Group” award. Considering the amount of situationships from this semester alone, that’s basically a Clio.
Portfolio Website
Kylie Schnell
I’m a senior from Kent Island with a passion for creativity and storytelling. As a copywriter, I love crafting ideas that connect, whether through digital campaigns, brand messaging or impactful narratives. I’m always looking for fresh ways to bring concepts to life and make a lasting impression.
Portfolio Website
Email klschnel@syr.edu for the Portfolio Password.
Lauren Luther
I like to credit a lot of my creative spirit to being born and raised in Portland, Oregon. No, I don’t know why it rains so much and yes, it is exactly like the show “Portlandia.”
Portfolio Website
Maggie Anderson
My fiery nature is my most defining trait—one I’ve had since birth. With my rare orangey-red hair came a bold personality, unafraid to challenge and push boundaries. My passions fuel my writing, helping me create copy that is as bold as I am. I bring the fire to every project, ready to spark something extraordinary.
Portfolio Website
Email magsanderson481@icloud.com for the Portfolio Password.
Molly Egan
I’m Molly, a copywriter. This year, I’m graduating as a Newhouse Scholar, and last summer, I won the Cannes Future Lions Grand Prix for my idea, “Break The Sound Barrier.” As a copywriter, I’m all about creating ideas that cut through the noise and spark meaningful change.
Portfolio Website
Email mollyegan2002@gmail.com for the Portfolio Password.
Sam Grossberg
I’m Samantha Grossberg—but you can call me Sam. I grew up in Central Jersey, turning every assignment into a creative project. I bring passion, grit and a bit of snark to everything I do because the world needs more smiles. When I’m not writing, I’m blasting music, eating sushi or cuddling my dog.
Portfolio Website
Designers
Ally Pierro
My name is Ally Pierro from New Jersey, and I love to be bored. My best ideas come when I have nothing to do and nothing on my mind. Being bored is not boring. Being boring is unimaginative. Give me some chocolate and a giant bowl of popcorn, and I will create my best work.
Portfolio Website
John Fiore
In my younger years, I once starred as a Strongman in my school’s Kindergarten Circus. Had the honor of taking down the tiger in the finale. Today, still equally as strong, I take on sports, design and brand consulting.
Portfolio Website