About

I’m a fearless creative soul raised on the brilliant turns of phrase from Saturday morning cartoons and ’70’s TV shows.

My first writing inspiration was an intro for the game show “Card Sharks.” My submission wasn’t selected (I still have it memorized), but receiving a rejection letter from Goodson-Toddman Productions solidified my career path.

Along that path I’ve gained invaluable insight into what makes people tick and how to communicate with them emotionally.

Ideas that engage people to close the loop are what drive me. I’d love to talk about it with you.

hawkeyelien@gmail.com

1051 35th Street NE ¶ Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 ¶ 919.273.3999

chrislien.com ¶ hawkeyelien@gmail.com

Chris Lien

SEEKING

Fearless creative soul looking for his next adventure with a group of like-minded folks who are in pursuit of creative greatness.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Copywriter ¶ North Forty — Hiawatha, IA ¶ March '22 to Present

Bring a fresh perspective to long-standing clients: Mendota Luxury Gas Fireplaces and LG Appliances

Creative Director ¶ Sr. Copywriter — R+M, Cary, NC ¶ October ’07 to September ’19

Led the agency to rethink its creative work through simpler storytelling, and streamlined its UVP process and creative brief.

Developed brand concepts that customers could own emotionally.

Oversaw creative development for new brands, brand refreshes and M&As.

Presented and sold big ideas to c-suite and marketing departments.

Managed and mentored younger creative team members.

Hawked over budgets to ensure ideas were jiving with the bottom line.

Wrote every word of copy for the agency: digital, web, print, radio, video, promotions … you name it.

Created ideas for a diverse client list: America’s Boating Club, Emler Swim Schools, Wilson Warehouse, Museum of Life & Science, Novella Clinical/IQVIA, Boat Live 365, Stewart Engineering, etc.

Senior Copywriter — Clean Design, RTP, NC ¶ December ’04 to October ’07

Rebranded and launched new John Deere Forestry Division to global marketplace.

Researched and conducted extensive client and customer interviews to develop marketing strategies that were relevant to the logging industry.

Presented compelling concepts for print, collateral, direct mail, web, articles and press releases.

Senior Copywriter — Basler Design Group, Cedar Rapids, IA ¶ June ’01 to November ’04

Generated big ideas and presented to a diverse client list: John Deere Construction and Forestry Division, John Deere Corporate, Coe College, St. Luke’s Hospital, MC Ginsberg Jewelers, SnoMowBros. and Coffeesmiths (local coffee shop I named).

Worked with kickass art directors, bringing a unique voice to the high-end design group.

EDUCATION

BA, English ¶ University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA