AIGA ATL Insider

Andy Epstein began his career as a freelance illustrator and designer before transitioning to in-house
creative services - establishing and leading creative teams and actualizing operational and organizational infrastructure. His professional expertise includes creating, documenting, and implementing creative services and general
business best practices. With a passion for professional development, leadership and team coaching, and creative team business strategy, Andy has supported dozens of in-house agencies.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Andy has contributed to the creative services community, having written the book “The Corporate Creative.” He has also contributed extensively to industry online and print publications, delivered training through workshops and presentations for industry organizations, and led outreach and support initiatives for groups including AIGA and HOW.

Andy Epstein firmly believes in the potential of in-house creative teams to drive substantial positive change within their host organizations. He sees their impact extending beyond the creative they deliver to clients. Andy is dedicated to advancing this positive impact by consistently establishing and supporting in-house creative agencies. He believes that business can change the world and that creatives can change business.

This month we have a special episode of Insider where we will interview three members of the UPS Global Communications Creative Studio. They’re expert storytellers, strategists, creatives…who know there audiences and craft remarkable and memorable messages that move them. They know where and how to reach them, and the voices influencing them. And above all, they protect and deliver UPS’s world-class brand in all they do. Each member that we are speaking to today have distinct roles that balance their team. There is Ben Rivers, Vice President of Creative Studio; Neil Secretario, Creative Director, and Kelli Stoudenmire, Manager and Senior Graphic Designer.

Kevyn Faulkenberry is the Creative Director at The Brand Studio, an agency within Cox Communications. In late 2019, Kevyn came on board as one of two employees. One pandemic, forty-five employees, and 286,372 Teams meetings later, Kevyn can tell you a thing or two about building an agency from the ground up, leading through change, and always striving to do the best creative. Under his leadership, The Brand Studio went from a “what if” to a full-service creative powerhouse supporting America’s largest private broadband company. 

Before coming to Cox, Kevyn worked with brands like McDonald’s, American Heart Association, Winn-Dixie, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and more. Kevyn is a self-described pop culture addict. He lives with his beautiful wife, two daughters, and one celebrity, his dog, Phoebe Buffay.

Jermaine Barnwell is a Creative Director at RR Donnelley working onsite at The Home Depot. He leads and manages a team of more than thirty Creatives responsible for brand and creative strategy for The Home Depot’s In-Store Environment.   As a leader, problem solver and designer, Jermaine believes that with passion, pencil sketches and a “go for it” attitude you can achieve truly amazing things. In fact, earlier in his career while working a day job as a graphic design team lead for the Michigan-based retailer Meijer starting in 2005, he simultaneously explored a lifelong interest in fashion and design, essentially building a leather goods brand from the ground up on lunch breaks and at night. Sketches soon evolved into footwear, luggage, outerwear and accessories that were shown on runways and sold at stores in Chicago. Although he’s turned a chapter on fashion and product design, that determination and commitment to creativity have led directly to the leadership and mentoring roles he holds today.

Karolina Akimov is the Creative Services Manager at Mellow Mushroom. Her responsibilities include managing and creating brand campaign assets, working with freelance artists and directing photoshoots for food imagery. In addition, Karolina also is responsible for the holistic creative direction of the Yellow Room, Mellow Mushroom’s lifestyle brand. On the side, Karolina also enjoys illustrating private commissions and selling her own art prints and merchandise.