Beyond the Brief: Meet the Creatives Who Are Also Authors

The creative industry never stops. From preparing pitches and managing projects to attending client meetings and industry events, the workload can feel endless. Research from Adobe shows that 25% of marketing, advertising, and PR professionals report working overtime at least one day a week.

Finding time for side projects or personal passions alongside a full-time job – and a social life – can be a real challenge. Yet some creatives have gone a step further, carving out the time and energy to write a book while working in the industry.

These are their stories.

JJ Lask – founding partner & editor, PS260

A born-and-bred New Yorker, JJ Lask co-founded PS260 in 2003, building it into one of the industry’s most-respected post production companies. His editing work has earned Clios, Emmys, LIAs, One Show Pencils, AICE Awards, and Cannes Lions for campaigns with Pepsi, Google, Apple, and American Express.

For JJ, creativity doesn’t stop in the edit suite. His debut book, ‘On the Road with Judas’ (2002), a darkly funny and morally probing novel, was adapted into a feature film he wrote and directed, premiering at Sundance. He is currently in post on his second feature, ‘Fireflies’, while developing a graphic novel, proving his storytelling thrives across mediums.

Sue Salvi, associate creative director, copy, BarkleyOKRP

With over 20 years in the creative field, Sue Salvi channels her fearless, comedic spirit – honed from her acting at Chicago’s Second City Theater. Her work is known for playful, award-winning ideas that resonate beyond the brief.

Her debut book, ‘Someday a Bird Will Poop on You’, blends humour and tenderness to explore life’s unpredictable messes. Whether crafting a campaign headline or a bedtime read, Sue bridges advertising and literature with the same goal: connecting with audiences through insight, levity, and a perfectly timed laugh.

Antti Halme, senior copywriter, TBWA Helsinki

Celebrating 20 years as a published author, Antti Halme launched his literary career after winning a children’s book competition. His adventurous children’s and young adult books, including ‘Markus Light’ and ‘Metal Brothers’, have reached tens of thousands of readers, earning nominations for prestigious awards like Finland's Finlandia Prize.

“For me, writing is a passion, a way of life, and cheap therapy,” he says. “I believe writing fiction makes me a better copywriter.” Balancing fiction with advertising, Antti’s latest novel, ‘Lintukoto’ (‘Bird’s Nest’), is a crime thriller for adults set in the maritime city of Espoo.

Christine Olivas, chief executive officer and founder, No Single Individual

Christine Olivas founded No Single Individual in 2021, a high-growth company providing freelance strategy and account teams to agencies. Based in Washington state, she is also a published fiction writer, stand-up comic, and new mother.

Her experience spans Grey, FCB New York, and McCann, managing large teams and nearly 1,000 client contacts. Her short stories, including ‘Others Find Their Way, You Find Your Soul’ (Break Water, 2017), ‘The Necessary Emptying’ (The Coil, 2017), and ‘Your Obama’ (Catapult, 2017), reflect the same storytelling precision she brings to her innovative agency.

Keith Stoeckeler, founder and head of strategy & operations, HEARTLENT Group

Keith Stoeckeler founded HEARTLENT Group, a creative studio focused on culture, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. With over 15 years at major holding companies such as Dentsu, Interpublic, and Publicis, he has led strategy for brands including AT&T, IBM, and Subaru.

In 2023, Keith published the award-winning children’s book ‘The Sparkly Bun’, inspired by his daughter Emme. Praised for its humour and empowering message of individuality, it has received multiple accolades, including the Chrysalis BREW Book Award and a Readers’ Favorite Gold. Keith lives in Fairfield, Connecticut, with his wife, Jessica, and their children, Emme and Arlo.

Calvin Innes, consulting executive creative director and fandom & pop culture strategist, The Forge Group

Calvin Innes is a leading voice in fandom and pop-culture marketing, helping brands and agencies connect authentically with fan-driven audiences. With over two decades of experience, he has collaborated with FIFAe, Unilever, and MINI, transforming cultural insights into campaigns that fans love.

His book ‘Fandom Power: Marketing in the Age of Nerd Culture’ guides marketers in understanding and harnessing fan communities, showing how brands can co-create with audiences in an era where fandom drives culture.