Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Brooks.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been a creative human for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, I was always drawing and painting. In school, my favorite classes were ceramics, art, and photography. In college, I studied product design because it allowed me to utilize the left side of my brain and apply my creative thinking in the worlds of advertising, design innovation, and business.
Entering the career world, I was unsure of which direction I wanted to go, but I gravitated towards a creative role at a start-up. I was able to flex my design skills while exploring the aspects of building a business that interested me – that’s where I naturally fell into the content marketing space with a focus on social media. This was in the era before social media was a profession. I was also an avid content creator on my own (an OG instagrammer) and learned how to curate my social channel and grow a large community of my own. I started doing brand partnerships and was exposed to opportunities within the intersection of digital creators and brand marketing.
I transitioned into the ad agency space, working at 72andSunny, with a focus on producing branded social content and influencer strategy. From there, I went on to lead content strategy and social teams at a variety of lifestyle brands: Grindr, Youth To The People, Humanrace by Pharrell, FOLX Health, and Paravel.
I’m currently freelancing for a variety of clients and primarily helping launch a new brand called Blip, a nicotine replacement therapy company. I’ve always been drawn to opportunities that allow me to make bold work and tell stories through new creative lenses.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? I don’t know her.
My journey involved a lot of trusting my instincts, working really, really, really hard, staying up late and losing a lot of sleep, failing a lot, and learning through my mistakes. I’ve also had to navigate a lot of spaces that were predominately white, heteronormative, and old-school in their ways of operating. I’ve had to learn how to professionally and confidently advocate to help brands progress, which has been scary and intimidating at times. There have been times when sharing my perspective felt risky and polarizing, but I’ve learned to feel comfortable taking a seat at the table.
Being in an industry that is constantly evolving also means that I always have to be learning and not get stuck in old ways of thinking. One day, you’re an expert, and the next, you feel like a boomer learning how to attach a PDF to an e-mail for the first time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a creative professional with a specialty in content strategy, creator/influencer strategy, and building digital communities. I’m known for creating bold, radically inclusive, and entertaining content at disruptive brands.
I’m proud of all the work I’ve done, but the work that has had the most profound impact on me is my work within the LGBTQ+ community. Helping amplify vital queer and trans stories has deepened by connection with my own community and has hopefully shed some light on important topics that continue to need a platform.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Playing with my magician kit.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattebrooks
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-brooks-6121b545/
Image Credits
Anna Greer
