Twelve years ago when Brand New School opened its doors in Venice, California, Sean Dougherty was one of its first employees. He became the company's senior art director through his leadership and his vital contributions to projects for MTV, FUEL TV and CMT, to name but a few, and when BNS expanded to New York City, Sean was there, too... all the way through to 2007, when he went freelance. BNS has recently added Sean back as a creative director and director.
Since 2010, Sean has served as associate creative director and director for Superfad in New York. There, his collaborations with executives from leading advertising agencies including Euro RSCG Worldwide, Wieden+Kennedy, Young & Rubicam and many others have produced groundbreaking campaigns for Target, Starwood Hotels, Ritz Crackers, Macy's and Bloomberg, among many others. He also directed a seven-minute segment of "A Liar's Autobiography 3D," the stereoscopic 3D feature film on the life of Graham Chapman from Monty Python.
In between his time at Superfad and BNS, Sean continued his art direction and commercial director endeavors. As a founding partner of design house Golden Lucky (representation through London-based Rokkit), Sean directed US and European commercials for FUEL TV, McDonald's and Virgin Media. While working as a freelance art director for Imaginary Forces, National Television and eventually Superfad, Sean guided visual strategies for countless entertainment networks, electronics and automotive brands, and many other major accounts.
Born in Orange, California, Sean began his studies at the University of California, Irvine, before earning his BFA in Advertising/Graphic Design from Pasadena's Art Center College of Design.
"Brand New School is both familiar and new to me," Sean explained. "When Jonathan showed me around the current studio, I got excited to see the variety of projects being produced and the resources applied to each one. I also know that Jonathan and I have a good working history together that can only be enhanced by the fact that we've had other separate experiences for the last few years. In the days ahead, I'll be focusing on being a nurturing and supportive leader as a creative director, and I'll also be continuing to push forward with directing spots and projects."
"Sean's talent and personality make him incredibly valuable, especially in a group environment where he can inspire others and help them shape their ideas," added BNS founder and executive creative director Jonathan Notaro. "The timing couldn't be more perfect for the company and all of the artists here whom are sure to benefit tremendously from his leadership. Like all of us here, Sean wants to make the best work he possibly can, and have the talent and support he needs to make that happen. Thankfully, we can provide him with that opportunity and have some fun in the process."