Ethan Johnson  |  Creative Director, Writer

ethanjohnsonwrites@gmail.com  |  206.930.4645  |  ethanwriter.com

Dynamic Creative Director and Writer with a proven track record at Amazon, Starbucks, Oracle, Alaska Airlines, and advertising agencies, blending an innovative mindset and leadership abilities to drive successful campaign executions. Named Panera Bread and developed naming processes for Oracle and Starbucks.

Core Skills

Creative Direction | Campaign Copywriting | Brand Voice & Messaging | Integrated Marketing Campaigns | Social & Digital Content | Retail & Packaging Storytelling | Video Scripts Cross-functional Collaboration | Team Leadership & Mentorship | Podcast Development and Host | On-Air DJ Personality

Experience

JUL. 2025 – PRESENT

Freelance Writer/Creative Director | Seattle, Washington

Writing and creative direction for freelance clients. Founded and hosted Rock’n A Hard Place: Resilience Amplified, a video podcast highlighting local artists who overcome the challenges of substance abuse, health afflictions, homelessness, and other hardships through songwriting. Podcasts featured Pete Droge, Brittany Davis, Johnny Sangster, and Grant Mullen (Naked Giants). Volunteer DJ at SPACE 101.1. LP FM. Launched and host The Plunge Radio Hour.

AUG. 2024 – JUL 2025

Marketing Communications Manager, Copywriter | Alaska Airlines, Seattle, Washington

  • Developed creative campaigns across digital, social, and print, increasing customer engagement.

  • Created a brand persona and an updated brand voice, influencing brand positioning and expression.

NOV ’22 – APR ’24

Group Creative Director | Chapter & Verse, Seattle, Washington

  • Created narrative scripts for Microsoft and Meta and oversaw all aspects of video production, ensuring brand standards and creative excellence.

  • Managed multidisciplinary teams (writers, designers, producers) to deliver integrated campaigns with high engagement.

  • Secured $525K in new agency business by presenting bold creative visions to senior client stakeholders.

JUN ’21 – AUG ’22

Associate Creative Director | Oracle, Seattle, Washington

  • Excelled in user experience content, achieving over 750k views on influencer channels for Oracle's global pi day event, surpassing registration goals by 100%.

  • Utilized strong leadership and communication abilities to direct and collaborate with art directors in Mexico via Zoom to bring creative visions to life.

  • Created Oracle Cloud ERP campaign, generating urgency for CIOs and CFOs to move to the cloud.

MAR ’19 – MAY ’21

Principal Creative Director, L7 | Amazon, Seattle, Washington

  • Founded Amazon Kitchen, created the name, vision, and positioning; partnered with senior stakeholders and oversaw creative across all media.

  • Developed award-winning packaging by integrating consumer insights with design.

  • Built scalable creative systems creating brand consistency across retail and digital channels.

APR ’04 – NOV ’18

Associate Creative Director, Copywriter | Starbucks, Seattle, Washington

  • Created and oversaw campaigns across retail, packaging, broadcast, social, and digital — connecting brand with diverse audiences worldwide.

  • Built an in-house creative advertising agency (30+ staff), fostering a collaborative culture of craft and innovation.

  • Defined brand storytelling guidelines, ensuring consistency across global and seasonal campaigns.

  • Managed and mentored up to eight writers.

APR ’03 – APR ’04

Senior Copywriter | BBFM, Seattle, Washington

  • Created direct mail and digital campaigns. Collaborated with PR agencies, developing concepts to engage the press. Wrote compelling packaging copy. Clients included Microsoft Hardware, Microsoft Business Solutions, The Space Needle.

AUG ’02 – APR ’03

Freelance Writer | Seattle, Washington

  • Wrote persuasive copy and provided naming for Copacino Fujikado, Nordstrom, BBFM, Weis Design, Blank Slate, Daniels-Brown Advertising, and Partnership for Learning.

OCT ’01 – AUG ’02

Copywriter | Copacino-Fujikado, Seattle, Washington

  • Created compelling campaigns including print, OOH, radio and TV for The Seattle Times, Sound Transit, Northwest Hospital, SAFECO, and Intiman Theatre.

MAR ’00 – AUG ’01

Copywriter | McCann-Erickson, Seattle, Washington

  • Created campaigns including radio, print, and OOH for Washington Mutual, Washington Apple Commission, Krusteaz, and Woodland Park Zoo.

MAY ’99 – MAR ’00

Senior Copywriter | Nordstrom Advertising, Seattle, Washington

  • Wrote persuasive copy for print, OOH, and retail signage. Lead writer for the company's first in-store catalog.

JUL ’95 – JAN ’99

Copywriter | Heckler Associates Seattle, Washington

  • Under branding legend, Terry Heckler, named Panera Bread, Starbucks JavaSea Blend, and others. Created print, OOH, and broadcast campaigns for Ivar's Restaurants, Redhook Ale Brewery, Pagliacci Pizza, Starbucks, Freestone Inn, and New Balance.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Creative Writing | The Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington

Advertising Portfolio, Copywriting | School of Visual Concepts, Seattle, Washington

Awards

  • Puget Sound Radio Broadcasters, Soundies

  • CA Design Annuals

  • Graphic Design USA

  • Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest

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