Brad Mosher

Co-Founder, Actual Industries

(Brad has invited me to play with him on an assortment of video projects over the past several years.)

“When a project calls for thoughtful language that is clear and authentic, I know it's time to call Hank Hosfield. 

Hank's wealth of experience working with iconic brands, his attention to nuance, and his mindful consideration for his audience, make his work shine every time.

I truly enjoy projects that afford me the chance to work with Hank; I come away from each experience feeling we've created something special and important.  I appreciate the care that Hank takes in his work, and it's a real pleasure to watch that work take shape. 

Hank is one of a kind, in the best possible way.”

John Boiler

Founder, 72andSunny

(John and I launched our advertising careers together in the same crazy start-up agency.)

“It has been my sincere pleasure to know and to have worked with Hank since 1987. It is with confidence and a little envy that I recommend him to anyone in a position to retain his talented brain.

I spent the initial years of my advertising career working as an art director with Hank at a small Portland agency. Hank’s wry and sometimes biting wit made the days and the work worthwhile. I moved on to a position at Wieden + Kennedy in 1991, later to become executive creative director of W+K Amsterdam. In the 11 years with W+K, I sometimes had the opportunity to work with Hank, and always enjoyed it and found his thinking and work excellent.

Since then, I started 72andSunny in Los Angeles, with former W+K partner and creative director, Glenn Cole. We worked with Hank on a variety of projects and clients. He’s bailed us out of some tight spots with his quick thinking and on-target creative work. I wish we could work with him more often.

Hank’s voice and intellect would be a big asset to any agency on any job. Hire him if you can, you lucky bastards.”

Brian James

Creative Director, Downstream

(I teamed up with Brian on a wide range of Downstream projects.)

“I am happy to have known and worked with Hank Hosfield since 2010. Hank has a knack for digesting and distilling complex information into meaningful design direction. As writer and strategist on a wide range of projects at Downstream, he was known for his ability to craft a well-informed, authentic vision that always resonated with clients and provided inspiration for the design team.

It is my pleasure to recommend Hank. He is an invaluable addition to any team, but moreover, is always an advocate for the right design.”

Cory Hansen

Sr. Creative Director at Nike Brand Design

(My working relationship with Cory goes all the way back to my second agency gig.)

“The thing about Hank is, sure, he knows his way around the English language. (And now and then you'll even have to "pardon his French.") So, yeah he's a helluva writer, but the thing that separates him is that he's also a thinker. And not just about the thing he happens to be writing about at the moment. And it's that thinking he's done—about all the stuff that has nothing to do with what he's writing about in an obvious way—that makes his writing, well...Hankian.”

Sean O’Connor

EXECUTIVE Creative Director, Downstream

(I first started working with Sean on NikeTowns 20 years ago.)

“I’ve had the good fortune of working with Hank across my entire career. He’s a dedicated professional in every sense of the idea. 

Time and again, Hank displays his ability to weave together highly complex ideas into simple concepts. Hank has brought incredible guidance to team projects, working through large volumes of content and creating order for creative output. Hank works on the periphery of the team, constantly pushing the most meaningful ideas forward that keep the core vision of projects alive.

I’m looking forward to the next project with Hank.”

Greg Nelsen

Founder, Greg Nelsen Photography

(Before he quit to surf and take pictures, Greg was an award-winning art director/ACD for multiple agencies, and Hank’s partner at Grady Britton and AdFu.)

“If you’re reading this, you must be considering Hank for an assignment of some kind. Well let me say this then – you truly can’t go wrong with Hank.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with him for over 10 years. He’s a gifted writer and a great friend. I can’t count the number of times he’s made me laugh, think, or feel proud of our work. Or how many extra hours he put in with me after his job was done.

As devoted as he is to doing thorough research and good work, he’s even more committed to being a decent human. He’s the guy you want to have teach your kids how to wrestle, look in on your grandmother, or stand up to injustice – all of which he’d gladly do. But I think you’d prefer to put his talented brain to work on your writing needs. And you should!”

Laura Houston Whitlinger

Writer

(Laura and I first worked together at Nike Image Design in 1996.)

“I have worked with Hank for some 10+ years at Nike, and at an assortment of sordid advertising agencies around Portland. I can’t say enough about the man. His writing is excellent. He completes projects on time and he has a great wit about him.

But I also like Hank’s character. He’s one of the last, few, good men out there. He’s easy to work with. He’s funny. And I always envied his one-offs and his ability to write snappy, catchy, funny headlines.

I have referred four clients to Hank, and all of them have sent me a note thanking me for putting me in touch with him because they loved his work.

I plan on voting for him for president.”

Nick Thomas

Design Strategist

(I worked with Nick on multiple Downstream projects while he was our Design and Studio Director.)

“A poetic and purposeful voice on any project, Hank challenged the thinking to make it better.

You could have the greatest full-day workshop, filled with ideas, and in the end Hank’s final thoughts would surprise you with fresh insight that would become a project’s guiding light.

Often, but not always physically manifested in the experience, Hank’s thematic narratives and strategic point of view always inspired the client and provided a valuable framework for the design team."

Dave Barcos

Founder, The Bridge Incubator

(Dave links diverse talents and is always on the forefront of the next thing. He first connected us over a decade ago on numerous projects for his Remedy Design business.)

“Hank has the uncanny ability to write in a way that connects with his readers. He has been an invaluable partner in developing creative copy for projects as obtuse as seaweed and as common as health clubs. Every time I work with Hank I can count on exceptional quality writing and a great collaboration.”

Dave Waite

Founder, Zookeeper Studio

(Dave and I go back to my days as a contractor with Nike Retail working with his team on NikeTowns.)

“Hank has such a way with words that I always hire him to write my Mother's Day cards for me. From compelling concepts to the cleverest of stories, Hank creates ideas and copy that gets remembered. He's good. Damn good.”

Drew Shavere

President, Columbia Benefits Group

(I blame Drew for getting me into this business. He was co-founder of Berg/Shavere & Associates, the first ad agency that ever hired me.)

“Hank was our copywriter a Berg/Shavere & Associates and did a fantastic job. He has an ability to create an interesting and amusing story around the product. Anybody can write copy for a tire store chain, but how many can make it compelling? Hank is not quite right in the head, and I think that helps.

Hank was joined in the creative department by Roger Bentley, who has gone on to head creative departments for large Madison Ave. agencies, and John Boiler, who has had a similarly successful career including running the creative department for W+K's Amsterdam office. Both of these guys greatly admire Hank's work, and John has hired Hank several times to collaborate on a freelance basis over the years.

Hank is one of the most reliable people that I know. In the world of deadlines and sifting through piles of information to find the hook, there is no one who I would trust more to get the job done perfectly and on time.

Lastly he is just a good dude. He was a warm personality, everybody loves him, and has a drama factor of zero. He would make a great addition to any agency seeking top-level copy/creative. Any agency needing serious help with a freelance project will be very happy with what he delivers.”