Anne Hendrickson
Creative Director

What got you started in advertising?

Bewitched. Dang, that Darrin Stephens whipped up one creative concept after another…it was like magic!

Who was a big influence in your career?

Larry Tate. I vowed never to be like him.

What was “your finest moment,” the thing you’re most proud of?

Helping a client turn an idea into a full-fledged business that makes a life-changing impact on those whom it serves.

What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?

A typographical near miss…a misplaced vowel can quickly turn a cute rubber duck into something you’d rather not see floating down the river.

Is there a great client story you’d care to share?

One of my first client pitches—we presented our creative and instantly connected with the client. It was incredible. Along with their business, they handed over parting gifts on our way out the door—they were so excited they were literally grabbing stuff out of their desks to give us.

What attracted you to Ovation?

The creative energy, atmosphere open to ideas, the variety pack of great people, perpetual laugh track and an underlying philosophy of healthy balance in work, play and life.

How do you come up with ideas and solutions for clients?

You’ve got to simmer on it. Just simmer.

What makes a great brand?

Relevance. Understanding what you’re about, who you serve, and a perpetual drive to stay true to your soul.

What driving career goals do you still have?

The Autobahn.

What's you biggest pet peeve? (work or personal)

Mean people. Why can’t we ALL just GET ALONG?!?

What's the most important thing you've learned about the advertising?

That you never stop learning.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I had numchuk skills, computer hacking skills, had better balance (I can fall down walking across the room) and that I could sing like a rock star with a blues soul.

If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?

My family, music and dark chocolate.

What can't you live without?

Hope and love. All we need is love.

What are your plans for after advertising?

One adventure after another with my incredible and adorable husband.

Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?

Dark chocolate and coffee.

What’s your favorite sports team?

Anything my kids happen to be playing at the time, or the Twins.

If you could spend a day with any person, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?

Christ. I’d like to talk with Him about how far off the mark we’ve really gotten.

What’s your point of view about politics?

Too often they get in the way of doing what’s right.

Do you have any pets?

I don’t have a good history with pets. So I have children instead.

What was growing up like for you?

Noisy…and fun. As one of seven kids, you learn how to share, how to get along with most anyone, how to take it and to dish it out, and that if you ever get too smug, there’s always someone with plenty of dirt on you to remind you that you’re just a regular person.

What do you do for a good time when you’re not working?

Cook, walk/run, listen to music, hang with my family and friends, travel, read, watch stupid movies, and try to find ways to give something back the world.

Do you have any kids?

Two sons—Dillon age 14 who is incredibly kind, makes me laugh and scares me with how smart he is, and Zack, age 11 who is the best hugger in the world, has an enormous heart and constantly reminds me that you’re never too old to act stupid.

What advertising/catalogs do you most admire?

Geico. Williams Sonoma. Apple.

What are your favorite internet sites?

The Onion. CD Universe. Epicurious.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I’d start in Italy for a healthy dose of the food, culture, scenery and the passion for living.