Planet Propaganda promoted Nate Theis and David Taylor as associate creative directors in its growing design, advertising and interactive company. Theis also was named director for the firm's motion design group. They will work closely with each other and their colleagues to support such clients as Trek Bicycle Corporation, Teva footwear, and Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches.
Nate Theis, Associate Creative Director / Motion Design Director
Involved in nearly every motion design project since he joined Planet in 2001, Theis most recently has contributed to television ads for Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches, animation sequences for Hummingbird Pictures and Gary Fisher mountain bikes, and Web movies for Trek.
Before his arrival at Planet, Theis worked briefly as a video game animator on "Star Wars Jedi Knight II." A graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia, he had double majored in two-dimensional animation and film/video. As a student, his short film "Bob the Slob" was showcased during the 2002 Cannes International Film Festival. Since then, Theis' films have screened at festivals around the world including two that tied for Best Narrative or Animated Short at the Wisconsin Film Festival. His professional work has also earned honors from animation and film festivals as well as international design publications.
Dave Taylor, Associate Creative Director
Taylor joined Planet in 2000, blending work and play as a designer on accounts including Gary Fisher, Bontrager Wheelworks & Components and Trek. Teamed with Planet's brand manager and president, Rob Sax, Taylor shapes the image for the firm's cycling accounts and other outdoor and sporting goods clients such as ACR survival equipment. His work has been recognized by American Institute of Graphic Arts, Communication Arts, Coupe, HOW, Print, Type Directors Club and others.
Like Theis, Taylor studied at Savannah College of Art & Design where he earned a B.F.A. in graphic design and illustration. He went on to work his way up from studio artist to art director at Crispin Porter + Bogusky in Miami. During his five years with the self-described creative "factory," Taylor's workload at CP+B included AND1 basketball, MINI Cooper, Schwinn bikes, Shimano American Corporation's cycling components, and Truth's youth smoking prevention campaign. He also has worked as an art director and designer in Baltimore, and as an independent creative professional in multiple locations.