How Highdive’s Gen Z Dream Team Stays Enthusiastic and Inspired

​Highdive copywriter Sarah Solovy and art director Coco Loomis both joined the Chicago-based indie agency at the same time as interns. Two years on, they’re one of adland’s up-and-coming Gen Z creative partnerships.

Celebrated for a rare alchemy of contagious optimism, work ethic and versatility, they have told tear-jerking Valentine’s Day stories for Build-a-Bear, created Jeep’s top-performing Instagram post of 2025 with ‘Peppa Pig’, and crafted authentic, fan-favourite content for the NHL.

Seeing their ‘Work From Home’ spot for the hockey league was a full circle moment, as Sarah discovered the agency through its work for the brand. “As an intern, I made it known that my dream was to work on the NHL. So, having that dream come true, and doing it with Coco, was indescribable,” she says.

^{Above: 'Work From Home'}

However, it’s the variety of clients the pair touches that has been the most rewarding aspect so far, allowing them to explore different tones and keep things feeling fresh.

“Working across such different brands actually forces you to think outside the box for every project,” says Coco. “Each one requires tapping into a different mindset, and often a different way of brainstorming. It keeps the thinking fresh because you’re constantly researching new industries, understanding different audiences, and figuring out new creative structures. That shift from project to project pushes you to stay flexible and approach each brief with a completely new perspective.”

The duo have always been creative – Sarah writing short stories in middle school, and Coco experimenting with “bold and funky” fashion from a young age – but two different catalysts inspired them to pursue creative professions.

For Sarah, it was her mother self-publishing her first book, prompting her to make the switch from accounts, while for Coco, it was covid-19 lockdowns. She shares, “Out of boredom, and with time to think about what brought me joy, I bought an iPad and stylus and started making small graphics to share on Instagram and sell on Redbubble. What began as a casual hobby gradually became something more meaningful as I developed my skills throughout college and realised it could grow into a creative career.”

^{Above: Build-A-Bear -- 'Grand Gesture'}

One of Coco’s college professors on the advertising course at CU Boulder connected her with an art director at Highdive, which led to the internship – and her meeting Sarah. “It really felt like it was going to change my life. And it has. When I met Sarah, I immediately noticed her confidence. We didn’t talk much during the internship since we were both so focused, but it was clear she had real drive and a passion for this job and company.”

Sarah describes the 10-week stint as “a dream come true” and, despite not interacting much with Coco early on, was paired with her now-partner soon after being hired full-time.

“My first impression was that her name fits her well,” she says. “It took a little bit to learn how Coco worked. But once we figured out our groove (and colour-coded tasks in our decks), it was like we had been working together for years.”

“We quickly matched each other’s passionate energy and work ethic, but we approached creative ideas differently,” adds Coco. “Sarah is highly detail-oriented, incredibly fast and precise, with a smart creative mind, while I tend to be more playful and push boundaries beyond the brief. Early on, we realised it didn’t have to be one approach or the other. Those two mindsets ended up complementing each other really well.”

^{Above: NHL - 'Day in the Life'}

Having both joined the industry relatively recently, the pair rely on their creative mentors at Highdive to help them take in some of advertising’s storied past.

“Being transparent about what you don’t know, and how much there is to learn puts you in the best position to absorb everything around you,” says Coco. “I also make sure to learn from the work itself, both current campaigns and the history behind what’s considered great, which usually leads me down plenty of YouTube rabbit holes.

“The industry changes quickly, so I try to stay open to new tools, new perspectives, and different ways of thinking. That mindset has been the most valuable thing so far.”

Also taking inspiration from beyond the limits of advertising, Sarah made a resolution for 2026 to watch more movies. “And since doing so, I’ve been wowed by iconic directors, writers, etc. and picked up how to be a better storyteller,” she says.

With that said, there are some standout brands (and one popstar) also offering food for thought: Gap, Heinz, Crocs… and Sabrina Carpenter.

“Gap because duh. Who doesn’t like Gap’s work?” Sarah questions. “Coco and I are dying to make a dance spot. Heinz for stunts – I specifically love the ‘Heinz Dipper’ and ‘KegChup’. Sabrina is an unreal reference for branding. Her aesthetic is consistent across her concert sets, music videos, album covers, even her Instagram. She has an instantly identifiable look. It’s awesome! Lastly, I love the semi-recent spot from Crocs, ‘Wonderfully Unordinary’. It’s different, standout and memorable.”

What truly excites Coco is the work that leans into cinematic storytelling and worldbuilding – campaigns like Squarespace and Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘Unavailable’ Super Bowl ad starring Emma Stone, and Verizon’s thriller spoof featuring ‘Heated Rivalry’ star Connor Storrie.

^{Above: Verizon -- 'Horror Story' , created by X&O}

“I also draw inspiration from music videos and movie marketing, where world building and visual storytelling are pushed further,” she adds. “Going forward, I want to be part of work like that – projects with a strong visual point of view that make people feel something beyond the message.”

Whichever projects they work on next, one thing is for certain: this duo will be bringing their creative talent with, what Highdive group creative director Chris Rose calls, an “unbridled enthusiasm”.

Where that comes from exactly, Sarah isn’t sure. “Even from a young age, I’ve always had this drive to push myself and show up for myself and the people around me. When I do anything, I always want to give 110%.”

“I think a lot of it comes from genuinely feeling lucky to do this job,” adds Coco. “I’ve met some of the coolest, kindest people through it… a lot of my friends and family work in finance, and while that’s great for them, I know I’d feel a bit drained in that world. This, on the other hand, really lights a spark in me. It feels human, collaborative and exciting, which makes it easy to stay energised and bring that enthusiasm into the work.”