Professional Summary
I am a creative director, director and writer, and won't compromise when it comes to authenticity, kindness and lifting others. From concept through pitch, I thrive on being in a position to make meaningful things, lead humans and collectively get better.
Work Experience
Executive Creative Director/Founder
Sotol LLC
February 2022 - Present
As the Founder of Sotol, my responsibilities are painted with a broad brush. From new-business development and client relations, to creative conception-through-delivery, to the day-to-day operations running the creative gambit. This would include visual storytelling for Axiom Space, Moment Factory, Stillwater Medical, Archer Hotel, the Osage Nation, United Way Dallas, etc.
Director/Creative Consultant
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
February 2020 - Present
Location scout through wrap, I'm responsible for shot composition, subject interviews, story creation and post-production creative direction. I.e. the co-director of NASA's Artemis creative, and consultant for Gateway project creative and messaging.
Communications Consultant
The Chickasaw Nation
October 2019 - Present
Responsible for gatekeeping (and development) of clear, concise and public-facing communications of the Chickasaw Nation. This would include print, broadcast/social and digital platforms, while also acting in a creative director capacity for outside agency vendors. In total, the creation of meaningful and impactful language. The kind that lifts the Chickasaw Nation and the communities in which it thrives.
Creative Director
Brothers & Company
December 2016 - October 2019
From ideation to presentation, I touch nearly every aspect. I often serve as the writer, director, interviewer and post-production manager on a vast number of clients, including Bushnell Golf, Adaptive Sports Center, Archer Hotel, St. John/MD Anderson, Pelican and Stillwater Medical.
Associate Creative Director
Brothers & Company
November 2013 - December 2016
Type sets to light kits, as an ACD at Brothers & Company I was expected to put my stamp on nearly everything, from Under Armour Action Sports to Carhartt. I’ve created logos and tags for national F&B clients, interviewed and shot international pieces for the energy sector, and written about the kindness and effectiveness of cutting-edge cancer care.
Associate Creative Director
Ackerman McQueen
August 2009 - November 2013
I learned about hours, working collectively and managing a team. I was responsible for the scripting and creative direction of the rebranding effort for Oklahoma State University, among others. I developed pre and post production efficiencies, while maintaining a range of writing and conceptual responsibilities.
Skills & Proficiencies
Directing (Production/Radio/VO)
Interviewing (Bio/Commercial/etc)
Leadership
Presentation
Writing (Commercial/Editorial/Free)
Creative/Art Direction
Deadline Management
Post Production
Volunteer Experience
Central Oklahoma Humane Society
Volunteer/Avid Foster Parent
2009-Present
From intake to adoption, my wife and I have our fur-covered hands in it all. 110+ fosters and counting...
Pine Pantry
Co-Founder
Pine Pantry's 7 (and growing) community pantries provide critical non-perishable food and self-care items to Oklahoma City, Moore and Edmond, Oklahoma's homeless and food-insecure populations. Pine Pantry teams with community organizers, chefs and warm-hearted individuals to provide consistent and considered nourishment to at-risk communities throughout and around the metro area. 'Leave what you can. Take what you need.'
Project Winter Watch
Founder
Project Winter Watch is a grass-roots, triage effort to better prepare our under-homed and street homeless OKC neighbors to survive the winter months. Through on-line donations (monetary and product-based), PWW has raised over $600k, resulting in 1,000’s of zero-rated sleeping bags and pairs of wool socks and gloves being provided throughout the OKC metro. Through professional partnerships and relationships (Chilis, The North Face, The Homeless Alliance, Socks of Love, Native Summit, etc.), the mission is ever-expanding, ever-focused, data-driven and increasing in expanse and effectiveness by the day. It's an honor to serve. *recipient of the Human Rights Alliance’s 2023 ‘Award of Excellence’
https://luxiere.co/editorials/community/ryan-cristelli