Before jumping into the video game industry with both feet, Jonathan was a many-times-over award winning Marketing Creative Director for creative agencies.
Most recently the Executive Creative Director of VICE’s in-house agency, Virtue Worldwide, he’s previously opened an agency satellite office as its ECD and Managing Director, and built creative departments from the ground up for multiple agencies. He cut his teeth at BBDO New York and has since had over a decade of experience in the industry.
In 2018, he founded Virtue PLAY, a multi-disciplinary entertainment marketing studio, along with an entertainment industry magazine, AUX - all within the walls of VICE and built off his many years of experience working in entertainment.
Some quick hits on JS:
Award Winning Fan Service
Best known for his work on Adult Swim and Netflix, having expanded the canon of Rick & Morty, brought the world’s Will Smiths together, and developed official Netflix cannabis.
Innovates Franchises
From their pitch to production, development to launch, he has led and directed small, bespoke games for the NARCOS, ALIEN, and Rick & Morty franchises. All of which redefined digital engagement metrics for entertainment marketing.
Makes Memories for Fans
He is the visionary inventor of the Rickstaverse and director of a multi-stage immersive theater experience for Blizzard.
Industry Intelligence
He founded and co-writes an entertainment marketing trade magazine called AUX, the first issue of which, titled ‘The Playstyles of Entertainment,’ seeks to decode the personas of fandom through research and design.
Awards and Accolades
Rick and Morty Rickstaverse:
Cannes Lion - Bronze, Innovation in Branded Gaming, Entertainment
D&AD Pencil - Winner, Creative Excellence
Webby - Excellence in Entertainment
Shorty Award - Most Innovative Use of Technology
Weedmaps Museum of Weed:
Clio Awards - Bronze, Social Good
Clio Awards - Bronze, Advocacy
The Netflix Collection and Ruth’s Alternative Caring:
Cannes Lion - SL, Innovation in Branded Content, Entertainment
Clio Awards - Gold, Events/Experiential
Clio Awards - Silver, Partnerships & Collaborations
Clio Awards - Bronze, Innovation
The Dieline - Dieline’s Best Of (Packaging)
Call of Duty Superpower for Hire:
Cannes Lion - Silver, Branded Content, Entertainment
Powerpuff Yourself:
Webby Awards - Best Website for Youth
FWA - Site of the Day
Netflix / The OA:
The One Show - Craft, Best Use of Visuals
Target / Halloween Hills:
Contagious X - Best of the Decade, Best on Instagram
To see all of Jonathan’s creative work, please click or tap below