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Len Mitsch

Creative Director

Joined the agency in July 1999

Leave it to Beaver:

Len had a healthy, trauma-free education at a catholic elementary and high school-- he graduated from Cretin High School in St. Paul. He's grateful but slightly embarrassed to have had such an "idyllic, distressingly all-American" experience. His daughter recently complained of a similar predicament.

Education:

At the University of Minnesota, Len continued his high school ambitions by writing movie reviews, designing ads, and drawing political cartoons, some of which were reprinted in several newspapers. Once, Len relieved a call from a newspaper editor in Florida who had reprinted one of his cartoons. After he graduated with a major in advertising and minors in photojournalism and history, he was drafted.

Professional Experience:

Upon returning from the Army, he landed his first job and began his illustrious career:

1971: Started at Barickman Advertising as an Art Director
1973: D'Arcy McManus, Art Director
1976: Paragon Advertising, Art Director
1981: Clarke Livingston Advertising, Creative Director
1985: Martin/Williams, Creative Director of the Edison Group
1995: Waters & Molitor, Creative Director
1999: Risdall, Creative Director

Advertising Achievements:

Athena for Creative Newspaper Several Clio finalists for Print Several pieces in The One Show Print's Regional Design Annual New York Art Director's Club Annuals Several Awards in Twin Cities Show

Education (continued):

"The first lesson in advertising I learned was, "Always shoot the layout." The second lesson was to never date a co-worker.

Family:

Len's been happily married for 25 years to Barb, who he met at his second job after violating the second lesson. Their daughter, Darcy, is named after the agency where they met. They also have a son named David.

Claim to Fame:

Ask him about the time he turned Heather Locklear down for a part in a commercial he was shooting.

Important Note:

Never call him Lenny!

Feel free to send Len some mail.

Risdall Advertising
550 Main Street New Brighton, MN 55112
Phone: (651) 631-1098 or 1-888-RISDALL
E-mail: Contact Us

© 2000 Risdall Advertising