Kirsten Modestow, Founder and Executive Creative Director of BRIGADE, is forging a new path for branding and packaging agencies. Faced with the commoditization of design, Modestow has prioritized exceptional creative by seeking out fine artists with a viewpoint, and looking outside of traditional design programs to find people who produce work that can’t be replicated. Kirsten founded BRIGADE in 2006 after a long stint in the East and West Coast advertising scene, where she did award-winning work on Dunkin Donuts, The Sims (EA Games), Fidelity Investments, and Target, among others. She has developed strategic branding, marketing, and advertising campaigns for businesses spanning a wide range of industries — including lifestyle, hospitality, technology, and food & beverage. Her first client, SVEDKA Vodka, who she helped take from start-up to #1 imported vodka in the United States, is still a client 14 years and 30+ team members later. Other notable clients include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (including many of their hotel brands and their B2B marketing teams), the University of Massachusetts, Meiomi Wines, and Eversound. Modestow’s vision and guidance has led to over 120+ awards both nationally and internationally, and work that has been featured in design magazines, books, and online publications, including Graphis, The Dieline, Brand New, and Lovely Package, among many others. Beyond simply unifying her team, Modestow’s leadership has set an example for how to adapt and excel in a changing industry. With a laser focus on staying power and prowess for moving brands forward — she’ll be making waves in the design world in 2020 and beyond. [https://brigadebranding.com]