CJ Carter Creative

BRAND STRATEGY

I'm often told that I am one-of-a-kind. While I would like to believe that means this ‘Caffeinated Squirrel' is truly special - the fact is - we all are! Everyone possesses qualities that make us our own 'unique brand' – not unlike your favorite coffee and ice cream, a neighborhood business, or massive global corporation.

My passion is in working to concept, build, re-boot, and grow brands. This includes my expertise in creating and producing exceptional, omnichannel content that not only emotionally connects brands to their audiences, but also sets them apart from their competitors – lifting them above the overwhelming noise in today’s media channels.

About CJ

Caffeinated Squirrel Creative Productions

Question:

"Is it possible for our brand to achieve compounding awareness and recognition, organic growth, and authentic connections with our target audience...without having to hire a big agency to help?"

Answer:

"Yes! Anything is possible - with a Caffeinated Squirrel on your side."

I've attended numerous branding sessions where clients’, claimed to have their brands’ messaging and target audience “all figured out.” It didn't take long before it became evident that the audience they were targeting – was in fact, themselves.

All too often, I find that my clients and the companies I have worked with are "too close" to their brand to see the real issues or identify the challenges they face in making their brand and business goals a reality.

When the backward slide creeps in - the "Why's" will begin:

Why are they are losing ground to their competitors?
Why do they rank lower in brand recognition when they’ve been around longer?
Why are their loyal customers dropping off so quickly?
Why aren't our campaigns working?
Why can't we attract new customers the way we used to?

To regain traction, it is often necessary to bring in an experienced ‘brand guide’. Someone who can help form a real brand, creative, and content strategy to get them back on track and achieve their goals. This is where I come in.

While successfully navigating the global brand marketing trenches for decades, I've encountered some substantiated, fundamental realities. One of the most imperative being - for a brand to thrive – it must be completely ingrained in every aspect of the business. To achieve this - the brand must be regarded as invaluable, being endorsed, and defended at the highest level within an organization.

Collaborating with you, to define your brand’s and company's goals, I will design 'the map' for the brand journey we will embark on. One that is not for the faint of heart. With the perfect blend of creative vision and brand marketing savvy, I offer a hybrid approach to developing unrivaled, omni-channel, creative, content, and brand strategies. Joining forces with an exceptionally talented network of creative and production professionals, we conceptualize intriguing storylines, and produce exceptional imagery and video - reenergizing legacy brands and bringing new brands to life.

I would love the opportunity to sit down and discuss your brand's needs - over a caffeinated beverage of your choice. Until we meet in person, please feel free to peruse my site and check out some of my work.

Cheers!

CJ Carter

Caffeinated Squirrel Creative Productions

Executive Director of Brand Strategy | Creative Director | Producer | Visionary

What people are saying about CJ

Working with CJ...

"CJ's energy is limitless! She brings so much enthusiasm to each shoot that it becomes contagious. It's a real treat to work with a Creative Director who cares so much about each project and really puts their heart into it. Her excitement for each image is reassuring. It keeps the energy positive and creates a much-needed momentum on long, grueling days on set. "

Jonny Stuckmayer

Director of Photography

Working for CJ...

"CJ is a creative talent that adds a spark to her team. She is fantastic when it comes to leveraging the strengths of her team and finding ways to develop their skills to the next level. When I worked with CJ, she created opportunities for me to grow my skill set through collaboration and gave me a seat at the table to learn. CJ is a fantastic boss and a wonderful person!

Annie McNeill

Graphic Designer & Past Employee

Client Testimonial...

"CJ is a fun, energetic, creative visionary. She is the complete package! She does it all from a high-level branding strategy to creating concepts and directing shoots. Her vibrant and welcoming personality makes her a natural collaborator and leader keeping everyone on the same page. CJ's branding expertise and insight are exceptional - elevating brand image through her art of visual storytelling. I truly enjoy working with genuine people who are as talented as she is."

Retail Client

Owner | Designer