ABOUT
I'm a curious, passionate, collaborative, ego-less, hard-working, strategic-minded, idea-driven, detail-orientated, award-winning, creative craftsman. And a driven, trusting, transparent, humble, even-keeled, open-minded, inclusive, empathetic, empowering, "listen-first" creative leader.
Simply put, I love what I do. Whether I have to go solo, with a partner or collaborating with a team, there is nothing like the excitement and positive energy with the teams I get to work with when we hit on a great idea that gets noticed, resonates with people, and gets results. I've been fortunate to have worked with global brands with massive budgets and local brands with no budgets. I've worked on viral videos, online content, webisodes, broadcast TV, every kind of print, out-of-home, digital, social, virtual reality, environmental, experiential installations, events, trade show booths, take-overs, countless design projects, and anything else wedged in between. I've even been able to spin out a few award-winning headlines in my career.
But there is nothing I like better than working on IDEAS.
I'm a curious, passionate, collaborative, ego-less, hard-working, strategic-minded, idea-driven, detail-orientated, award-winning, creative craftsman. And a driven, trusting, transparent, humble, even-keeled, open-minded, inclusive, empathetic, empowering, "listen-first" creative leader.
Simply put, I love what I do. Whether I have to go solo, with a partner or collaborating with a team, there is nothing like the excitement and positive energy with the teams I get to work with when we hit on a great idea that gets noticed, resonates with people, and gets results. I've been fortunate to have worked with global brands with massive budgets and local brands with no budgets. I've worked on viral videos, online content, webisodes, broadcast TV, every kind of print, out-of-home, digital, social, virtual reality, environmental, experiential installations, events, trade show booths, take-overs, countless design projects, and anything else wedged in between. I've even been able to spin out a few award-winning headlines in my career.
But there is nothing I like better than working on IDEAS.
INTERESTS
The environment, ichthyology, traveling, sunsets, photography, great design (all forms), health & wellness, hiking, swimming, hockey, cars and (loud) music. I live in Wisconsin where my wife is a second grade teacher. Father of four beautiful daughters. Best friend of one great dog.
The environment, ichthyology, traveling, sunsets, photography, great design (all forms), health & wellness, hiking, swimming, hockey, cars and (loud) music. I live in Wisconsin where my wife is a second grade teacher. Father of four beautiful daughters. Best friend of one great dog.
EXPERIENCES
STEVE'S ADVERTISING & AUTO REPAIR – Freelance Creative Director/Art Director (Present)
Hard Rock Hotel, Sports Illustrated, Nike Golf, North Face, TBS, Gerber Childrenswear, Gamestop,
John Deere, Rockwell Tools, WORX Tools, Snap-on Tools, Alvies Boot Co., Palermo's Pizza
SHINE UNITED – Creative Director/Art Director (2024 - 2025)
Pelican Cases, Beretta Firearms, Destination Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison
MERIT – Executive Creative Director (2021 - 2023)
USX Cyber Security, Bejeti Wallets, Voith, TE Connectivity
STEVE'S ADVERTISING & AUTO REPAIR – Freelance Creative Director/Art Director (Present)
Hard Rock Hotel, Sports Illustrated, Nike Golf, North Face, TBS, Gerber Childrenswear, Gamestop,
John Deere, Rockwell Tools, WORX Tools, Snap-on Tools, Alvies Boot Co., Palermo's Pizza
SHINE UNITED – Creative Director/Art Director (2024 - 2025)
Pelican Cases, Beretta Firearms, Destination Madison, University of Wisconsin - Madison
MERIT – Executive Creative Director (2021 - 2023)
USX Cyber Security, Bejeti Wallets, Voith, TE Connectivity
TRACTION FACTORY – Executive Creative Director/Creative Director (2017 - 2021)
Snap-on Tools, Harley-Davidson, Lakefront Brewery, Olmsted Medical Center
LAUGHLIN CONSTABLE – Creative Director/Art Director (2012 - 2017)
Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, El Camino Hospital,
Palermo's Pizza, Aquity Insurance, Jeweler's Mutual Insurance
CRAMER KRASSELT – Creative Director/Art Director
Porsche, Porsche, some Corona Beer, and more Porsche
MCGARRY BOWEN – Creative Director/Art Director
Bud Light, Maxwell House, Advil, ThermaCare, Kraft Brands, ADM Food Processing
ELEMENT 79 (DDB) – Assoc. Creative Director/Art Director
Gatorade, NHL, NASCAR, Champion Sportswear, Lowe's Home Improvement, Celebrity Cruises,
Pepsico Brands, Quaker Brands, Rice-A-Roni, Harris Bank, American Family Insurance
KOHNKE HANNEKEN – Art Director/Designer
YMCA, Sierra Club, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Brewing Co., Potowatomi Bingo & Casino,
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Alverno College, Eisner Advertising Museum
EDUCATION
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Maj: Graphic Design, Min: Photography
Snap-on Tools, Harley-Davidson, Lakefront Brewery, Olmsted Medical Center
LAUGHLIN CONSTABLE – Creative Director/Art Director (2012 - 2017)
Wisconsin Department of Tourism, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, El Camino Hospital,
Palermo's Pizza, Aquity Insurance, Jeweler's Mutual Insurance
CRAMER KRASSELT – Creative Director/Art Director
Porsche, Porsche, some Corona Beer, and more Porsche
MCGARRY BOWEN – Creative Director/Art Director
Bud Light, Maxwell House, Advil, ThermaCare, Kraft Brands, ADM Food Processing
ELEMENT 79 (DDB) – Assoc. Creative Director/Art Director
Gatorade, NHL, NASCAR, Champion Sportswear, Lowe's Home Improvement, Celebrity Cruises,
Pepsico Brands, Quaker Brands, Rice-A-Roni, Harris Bank, American Family Insurance
KOHNKE HANNEKEN – Art Director/Designer
YMCA, Sierra Club, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Brewing Co., Potowatomi Bingo & Casino,
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Alverno College, Eisner Advertising Museum
EDUCATION
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Maj: Graphic Design, Min: Photography
ACCOLADES
Webby • One Show • CA Advertising Annual • CA Design Annual • CA Photo Annual • Cannes • Archive • Clios • Obies • United Adworkers Club Best of Show • Graphis Platinum • National Addy’s • Ad Age Top 10 • The Wall Street Journal • ESPN • Good Morning America • The Today Show • Ellen Degeneres Show •
Donny Deutsch’s “Big Idea” • The prestigious “Playmaker of the Year” award for my hockey team
Webby • One Show • CA Advertising Annual • CA Design Annual • CA Photo Annual • Cannes • Archive • Clios • Obies • United Adworkers Club Best of Show • Graphis Platinum • National Addy’s • Ad Age Top 10 • The Wall Street Journal • ESPN • Good Morning America • The Today Show • Ellen Degeneres Show •
Donny Deutsch’s “Big Idea” • The prestigious “Playmaker of the Year” award for my hockey team
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"Steve consistently leads with integrity and unwavering commitment to creative excellence.
His work always reflects a deep understanding of the client, audience and craft."
– Mike Kriefski, President / Chief Creative Officer, Shine United
Steve is “one of the two best Art Directors in Chicago.”
– Marshall Ross, Chief Creative Officer, Cramer Krasselt
Steve is "a true strategic partner who likes to dig in on the "whys" before he gets to work."
– Mark Carlson, Chief Strategy Officer, Laughlin Constable
"Steve's work has been a constant source of inspiration. Big ideas, well made, with zero ego."
– Noel Hann, Executive Creative Officer, BBDO
"Steve consistently leads with integrity and unwavering commitment to creative excellence.
His work always reflects a deep understanding of the client, audience and craft."
– Mike Kriefski, President / Chief Creative Officer, Shine United
Steve is “one of the two best Art Directors in Chicago.”
– Marshall Ross, Chief Creative Officer, Cramer Krasselt
Steve is "a true strategic partner who likes to dig in on the "whys" before he gets to work."
– Mark Carlson, Chief Strategy Officer, Laughlin Constable
"Steve's work has been a constant source of inspiration. Big ideas, well made, with zero ego."
– Noel Hann, Executive Creative Officer, BBDO
Steve Drifka is “the best Art Director in Milwaukee.”
– Rich Kohnke, Owner / Executive Creative Director, Kohnke Hanneken
"There is nobody, I mean nobody, as good as Steve. I wish we were working together again.”
– Rich Kohnke, Owner / Executive Creative Director, Kohnke Hanneken
"There is nobody, I mean nobody, as good as Steve. I wish we were working together again.”
– Ross Lowinske, Executive Creative Director, Laughlin Constable
"I think Steve just draws pictures all day."
– Brigitte Drifka, Mom
– Brigitte Drifka, Mom
E: STEVEDRIFKA@GMAIL.COM
P: 262-309-1452
P: 262-309-1452