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DAN CATTERSON THE WRITER
I’m also a thinker. Maker. Builder. Doer. Director. Storyteller. Content creator. Tinkerer. Teacher. Coach. Dad. Friend. Fan. Buddy. Pal. Solid listener. Libra. Alien believer. Inventor of the cat meme (not really). But that URL would be way too long, so I settled on Dan Catterson the writer.
Rick Hamann, CCO, Onion Labs, Chicago
“At first glance, you will be tempted to hire Dan Catterson for the wrong reasons. You will be tempted to hire him to smash things. Or lift heavy objects over his head. Or crush your enemies into tiny, tiny pieces. Because Dan is built like the Incredible Hulk. He’s huge. But the minute you look at his work, all desire to use him as a blunt, violent object goes right out the window. Because the man can write. Real, real well. He has a deft command of the English language normally reserved for little bookish nerds with runny noses. I’ve seen him think his way out of the tightest corner on tough as nails clients. I’ve seen him take awful, retched assignments and turn them into beautiful. I’ve seen him bury other writers in volumes of great writing. So hire Dan for his brilliance. Hire him for his kick ass attitude. Hire him for his sense of humor. And sure, hire him because he can lift a Volkswagen over his head. But just hire him.”
Pete Noback, GCD, McGarry Bowen, Chicago
“The above is all lies!!! Underneath this guy's guy/writer's writer/employer's employee demeanor he projects so well is a diabolical genius plotting to take over the advertising world. Or, so I gathered, teaching Dan at Chicago Portfolio School. Back then he was not your typical ad student, making us believe he was going back to the well time and time again to humor our petty judgements, when in fact, he's simply his own toughest critic. I'm not surprised to see he's not your typical creative-- generous with his attention to detail, humble in his approach-- and that he has you all fooled. Dan's the real deal and I'm glad to see my suspicion is proving true.”
Adam Moroze, CD, TBWA Chiat Day, NY
“I met Dan and critiqued his work when he was at CareerBuilder, and, as a result, I pushed for him to be hired at my old agency. He has great range, doing everything from funny, headline-driven print to smart ambient ideas. Even longer format film. He has a healthy, competitive fire inside and the high standard that comes with it. And, he’s just a great, level-headed guy. Unfortunately for us, Cramer-Krasselt saw the same ability and drive and beat us to the punch. Even so, I kept up with Dan and his work over the years, and he made me realize one thing: I was right, we should’ve hired him.”
Jake Thompson, CW, Fallon, Minneapolis (former student)
"Teaching students how to create advertisements requires sensitivity and tact. As a teacher, Dan possesses neither of those things. Thank god. He's honest and direct. Emphasis on that last bit. When it comes to an advertising project, Dan can tell a student what is or isn't working in a few seconds. Hard stuff. But good stuff, if you're looking to build a campaign for your book. And that'll surely happen if you're lucky enough to have this guy as your teacher."
Tom Francesconi, AD, Mullen Lowe, Boston (former student)
"If your lucky enough to get Dan as a teacher at CPS, you will be guaranteed no fluff. Dan is one of the most entertaining teachers I have ever had, but on top of that he is very honest with his critiques, and holds his student to the industry standards, forcing everyone to raise their game. Some of my favorite portfolio pieces came from Dan's class, and his feedback and suggestions are largely responsible for the success of those campaigns. I really enjoyed having Dan as a teacher, and know a number of students who share my opinion."
Andrew Shaffer, CW, Grey, NY (former student)
"When speaking with Dan, one thing becomes apparent right away. Dan knows advertising. I was fortunate to have Dan as an instructor at CPS, and he helped me become a better writer. His assignments were fun and his feedback was fair. The most important lessons I learned from Dan occurred outside his class. He was always nice enough to stay after class and chat with his students, offering helpful advice to young creatives like myself. He’s an exceptional leader and an even more exceptional person."
Noel Catterson, My Dad, Chicago
"99% of the adverts I see on TV are complete and utter shit. Danny's made a few of those too."