From the Fortune 500 to Your Front Door.
My Philosophy: Marketing Shouldn't Be a Mystery.
For over two decades, I have worked on the inside of top-tier corporate and agency environments. I’ve seen what it takes to successfully grow a company, from managing multi-million dollar budgets at Optum to providing art direction for national campaigns with brands like General Mills.
One thing became clear: the strategic principles that drive success for the world’s biggest brands are often out of reach for the small and mid-sized businesses that need them most. Marketing becomes a series of disconnected tactics, and the results are unpredictable.
I founded Carstens Creative to change that. I bridge the gap, making executive-level strategic thinking and creative execution accessible to everyone. My core belief is that with clear direction, collaboration, and strong follow-through, any business can achieve its true potential.
My Experience: The Foundation for Your Success.
The strategies I implement for you aren't theoretical; they are forged from years of real-world, high-stakes experience. When you partner with me, you are getting a leader who has:
I've Unified Complex Systems
As the owner of the "Better. UI" design system at Optum, I integrated three globally diverse teams into one, driving an 80% improvement in efficiency across 25 client teams and unifying the user experience for millions. This taught me how to create harmony and efficiency—a skill I now use to streamline your marketing operations.
I've Directed National Brand Campaigns
I’ve conceptualized and facilitated major cross-promotional campaigns, from partnering Lane Furniture with a charitable foundation to create a #1 selling product to creating a first-of-its-kind campaign between General Mills, Fisher House, and Jared Allen's Homes for Wounded Warriors. This is the experience I draw on to build high-impact campaigns for you.
I've Led High-Performing Teams
With a background in managing everything from UI/UX developers on rewards platforms for Amtrak and Toys R Us to leading a full-service marketing team as a VP of Marketing, I know how to guide a vision from concept to completion.
My Partnership: Your On-Demand Creative & Strategic Leader.
Today, all of that experience is focused on one thing: helping your business grow.
At Carstens Creative, I don't just design a logo or plan a campaign; I become your dedicated partner. I bring a positive, ambitious, and personable demeanor to every project, acting as your fractional marketing director, your brand guardian, and your creative strategist. I provide the clarity and expertise you need to stop guessing and start seeing real, measurable results.