Joel Kaplan

Joel’s path to Executive Creative Director at MUH-TAY-ZIK / HOF-FER was not all that traditional which gives him a unique perspective on creativity. Before starting in creative advertising, Joel had experience as a receptionist, a cook, a construction worker, an accountant, a teacher, and a sound engineer. But in truth, all of these careers in their own odd ways helped Joel quickly succeed and ascend the ranks in advertising and played a vital role in his approach to advertising, which focuses more on cultural insights and personal interaction than data sets and character counts.

Joel’s entry into advertising began with his role as a copywriter at AKQA and Crispin Porter + Bogusky, followed by a role as senior copywriter at Pereira & O’Dell. From there, Joel was able to show his creative prowess and expertise in various creative director roles at agencies like Eleven, AKQA, and eventually, MUH-TAY-ZIK / HOF-FER.

When Joel Kaplan first joined MUH-TAY-ZIK / HOF-FER as a Creative Director, he helped launch the award-winning Netflix “Spoilers” effort, shape the messaging for Method Soap’s “Fear No Mess” campaign, and develop Audi’s live episodic content series, “Think Faster”. Joel now plays a lead role in the agency as Executive Creative Director & Associate Partner, making innovative connections, platforms, products, and marketing for the agency’s growing roster of brand partners and clients.