Hi, I’m Whitney—purveyor of brand stories, marketing insights, professorial dabbling, and occasional illustrations.

A LENS OF CURIOSITY

So much of branding is about emotional connection—not only how we communicate with others but also how we express our own pathos. Authentic creativity arises from introspection. To stand out, we have to inquire within.

My ethos

I'm a creative thinker with a diverse background in building brands and growing businesses. I have 17 years of experience in brand strategy, consumer insights, integrated marketing communications, events and promotions, market research, and performance measurement. I’ve worked at branding agencies, digital marketing agencies, B2B corporations, and everything in between.

Having worked in the agency world and led multiple in-house marketing teams to create award-winning branding, I bring a unique perspective to my work—one that merges data, psychology, and creativity to achieve memorable results.

I began my professional journey in the “traditional” design world, but I grew up during the digital evolution. This means I can see the entire communications landscape for what it is and work easily across all channels to create branding that resonates. I also think that’s what sets me apart—being able to see the big picture and translate larger organizational goals into actionable objectives.

I specialize in brand marketing and content strategy with particular strength in persona development, audience targeting, and multi-tiered vertical messaging. I am well-versed in copywriting, culture analysis and branding, graphic design, leadership and organizational development, and strategic planning.

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Resume

I am a creative at heart—a pixel-pushing, word-wielding, brand-shaping architect of proclamations and communiqué. I give form to foundation, drive ideation to identity, and shape the systemically bland into the strategically inspiring.

Areas of Expertise

Brand Strategy & Brand Planning

Brand Portfolio Management

Competitive Landscape Profiling

Consumer Insights

Corporate Communications

Integrated Communications

Conversion & Digital Marketing

Digital Eco-System Mapping

Market Research

Promotional Marketing

Event Marketing

Performance Tracking

Education

M.A. Leadership and Organizational Development
Saint Louis University

B.F.A. Fine Arts, Graphic Design
Arkansas State University

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Recommendations

“This is one of the easiest recommendations I have ever had to write.

Whitney is that rare, multi-tool player desired by today’s forward-thinking companies. She is a talented and skilled creative person (as a writer, designer, and amazing fine artist). She is also an insightful strategic thinker and adept problem-solver, a person who understands the business of business, and a positive presence who, during her time at Sullivan, earned the respect and admiration of every member of the agency.

I recommend Whitney, without reservation, to any organization smart enough to offer her a position.”

— Keith Goldberg, Executive Creative Director & Partner, Sullivan Branding

“Here’s what’s fantastic about Whitney Blackburn. She’s one of those rare hybrids that not only is a ‘true’ creative who paints, writes, and designs but also is able to tackle the most unwieldy of project management challenges. I have worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years, and you just don’t see many of these. Whitney works on both sides effortlessly and takes pride in her work on clients, both large and small. I have seen Whitney manage incredibly difficult aspects of a global e-newsletter system, as well as write emotionally compelling ad copy that made me cry. She’s an incredible team player; a confident self-starter who truly listens to clients.

What I find the most remarkable about Whitney is that she always gives you a little more than you asked for—a different perspective, an option you haven’t thought of, a direction the client hasn’t tried. It’s an invaluable quality that’s also increasingly hard to find.”

— Amy Sharp, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Operations, Sullivan Branding

“Whitney is one of the most thoughtful and strategic people I have had the pleasure of working with. She is very deliberate in her approach to the projects she leads and makes sure she understands the objectives of all projects she works on. She thinks quickly under pressure, pays close attention to project details, and is extremely resourceful when it comes to problem-solving for complicated project executions. Whitney is instrumental in fostering positive internal relationships between departments which improved the quality of our work and helped to set the agency up to be viewed as an indispensable business partner who produces award-winning work for our clients.”

— Amy Sorkin, Marketing Manager, ABB

“Whitney is one of the most creative and passionate people I’ve ever worked with. She’s smart, organized, and a very fast learner. She’s a talented brand marketer with a unique ability to create valuable content and campaigns that align with both business objectives and prospect needs.

She is a great team player and a tremendous asset to any team lucky enough to have her on it.”

— Shilpa Pandya, Principal Inbound Consultant, HubSpot