Nick Sonderup | Chief Creative Officer at StrawberryFrog

Nick Sonderup has built his career on the belief that advertising doesn't have to be something people tolerate — it can be something they love. An Emmy-nominated, multi-award-winning creative leader with over 23 years of experience, Nick has worked at some of the industry's most celebrated agencies and led campaigns that have left a lasting mark on culture. Today, as Chief Creative Officer at StrawberryFrog, he channels that experience into crafting purpose-driven, innovative work that resonates with both brands and audiences.

Nick's journey began at MTV, where his passion for storytelling and cultural relevance first took root. From there, he went on to Wieden + Kennedy, BBDO, Ogilvy, Translation and Pereira O'Dell, building a career defined by bold ideas and high-profile campaigns. His work has helped shape iconic brands including Nike, GE, ESPN, American Express, MINI, AT&T, Anheuser-Busch InBev, General Mills, Starbucks, and State Farm.

Along the way, his creative leadership has been recognized by nearly every major industry award show, including Cannes Lions, The One Show, Clios, D&AD, Effies, The Andys, and the ADC Awards. His campaign for GE earned an Emmy nomination, and his documentary film 100 Bands in 100 Days received a Grand Jury award nomination at the 2010 SXSW Film Festival.

"Building brands that speak directly to ideas that fuel the culture and the way communities respond and revolve to those concepts is what advertising needs to be about." - Nick Sonderup

Beyond client work, Nick has always sought new ways to contribute to the industry. He has taught copywriting as an Adjunct Professor, co-produced the Woodstock Comedy Festival, and written for cultural publications. Most recently, he turned his critical eye on his own profession with the book “How Not to Hate Advertising: A creative's guide to a long and (dare I say) happy career in a remarkably silly industry” (Routledge, 2025). In it, Nick reflects on his decades of experience to create a sort of treasure map for advertising professionals and students who want to thrive in their chosen industry while taking care of their whole selves, now and into the future. The book has already sparked conversation among creatives for its candid, often humorous take on the business and its future.

At StrawberryFrog, Nick oversees creative leadership across multiple accounts, guiding teams to deliver work that is both strategically sharp and culturally resonant. He is known for his ability to blend storytelling with brand purpose, ensuring that campaigns don't just capture attention but also inspire action. His colleagues see him as both a fearless creative and a generous collaborator, someone who challenges teams to push further while making space for all voices in the process.

Nick's career has always straddled the worlds of culture, entertainment, and advertising. His personal projects reflect his love for music, comedy, and storytelling, while his professional life has been devoted to creating campaigns that feel meaningful in the real world. He is also an avid cyclist, a Rapha Ride Leader, and a former Division I college soccer player — pursuits that reveal his commitment to discipline, endurance, and teamwork both inside and outside the office.

For Nick, advertising is not about gimmicks or noise; it's about finding the authentic story that connects a brand to its audience. Whether through his award-winning campaigns, his teaching, or his new book, he continues to push the industry toward a future where creativity serves culture and where people might even say they love advertising again.