John Horsfall
Web Designer

What got you started in advertising?

In college I was teetering between graphic design and industrial design. On summer break, Kurt Friederichs offered me a position in Heileman’s marketing department. I learned a lot that summer and ended up graduating with a fine arts degree with an emphasis in graphic design.

Who was a big influence in your career?

One of my biggest influences was my Dad. He managed the in-house print department at the Heileman brewery. I was able to see the graphic artist areas, the jobs they were working on, magazines, photography, books and tools.

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

The thing that I’m most proud of is the first website I created for Ovation. It was the very first website I ever created.

What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?

My most embarrassing moment was my first day at Ovation. I almost deleted the entire production server (thank God I didn’t have enough privileges and we back up our servers!).

What attracted you to Ovation?

Growing up in the La Crosse area and staying in this area was one of the things that attracted me to Ovation. Another reason was the emphasis Ovation put towards a healthy lifestyle. I have grown up playing sports and was getting more interested in running, and it was very exciting to have a company promoting such a healthy atmosphere.

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

Listen to the clients’ needs, ask questions, gather all the information, research, and then I start designing.

What makes a great brand?

One that you remember for a long, long time.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? (work or personal)

One of my personal pet peeves is bad drivers that talk on cell phones.

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

I have more to learn.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I was more mechanically inclined.

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

My family and the Internet.

What can’t you live without?

My family and my laptop and Internet connection. See the pattern here?

What are your plans for after advertising?

Travel. Travel. Travel.

Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?

Red Bull and peaches.

What’s your favorite sports team?

The Green Bay Packers.

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

The comedian, Brian Regan. If you ever have a chance to see him, go. I laughed so hard my face hurt.

What’s your point of view about politics?

None, next question.

Do you have any pets?

No.

What was growing up like for you?

I was active in a lot of sports - baseball, basketball and football. I think my parents wanted me to sleep at night.

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

Simple stuff. I hang out with my friends and family, relax, laugh a lot, enjoy good dinners, making and sitting by a fire, watch movies, and play X-Box.

Do you have any kids?

No.

What are your favorite Internet sites?

http://www.brianregan.com and http://www.commarts.com. Check ‘em out!

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

Austria looks beautiful.