Glantz: Scaling Strategy and Creativity in Tandem
Transforming a growing design studio into a scalable, high-performing creative organization
IMPACT
Led creative and operational transformation across more than 100 projects each year. The work delivered measurable business and team results, including 22% growth, 90% retention, a $185M client acquisition, and a 52% lift in e-commerce engagement for a custom jeweler.
The Opportunity
When I joined Glantz, a fast-growing creative studio in the Chicago area, the team was known for strong design but needed more structure to sustain its growth.
As the company expanded its client base and digital practice, we set out to evolve from an ad-hoc creative shop into a strategic, multidisciplinary studio capable of leading brand, UX, and campaign work with consistency and measurable results.
My Role
As Studio Lead and Creative Director, I served as both creative strategist and operational connector. My goal was to align people, process, and product to deliver exceptional work at scale.
I partnered directly with the Chief Creative Officer, acting as the Integrator within the EOS framework to set priorities, guide teams, and balance daily execution with long-term creative vision.
My leadership covered brand, UX, digital design, and creative operations. I oversaw hybrid teams of employees, freelancers, and agency partners, managing more than 100 projects each year.
I created a space where we could simply have fun doing what we love.
The most fulfilling part of creative direction is watching others find their voice, and knowing you built the environment that let them use it.
The most fulfilling part of creative direction is watching others find their voice, and knowing you built the environment that let them use it.
Approach
Aligning Vision and Operations
The insight was clear: creativity thrives when there is clarity.
We introduced EOS planning practices that created shared goals, rhythms, and success metrics. This structure gave teams space to focus on outcomes instead of outputs, and it built trust across disciplines.
“Jen didn’t just maintain our creative standards. She raised them.”
Elevating Digital & UX Practice
Glantz was ready to move beyond traditional design.
I led the transition from static graphic workflows to modern UX and product design. The team adopted Sketch and later Figma, introduced prototyping tools, and integrated user-centered design into every engagement.
We used data-driven storytelling to translate complex client challenges into intuitive digital experiences.
“Everything got better across creative, culture, and collaboration. We promoted Jen to the leadership team for a reason.”
Garrett Evangelical Seminary Website
Redefined the digital experience, clarifying user pathways and increasing conversions.
Creative Direction with Measurable Impact
Across B2B and B2C sectors, I directed creative strategies that delivered real business results.
Each project balanced creativity with usability, ensuring the work not only inspired but performed.
Christopher Duquet eCommerce Site
Drove a 17% traffic lift and 52% engagement increase with new self-scheduling features.
Logistyx Technologies SaaS Brand Launch
Positioned the client as a market leader and contributed to a $185M acquisition.
“When I think ‘brand,’ I think Jen. She leads positioning to identity and stays a champion post-launch.”
Raising the Bar on Quality and Consistency
To ensure growth didn’t dilute quality, I built studio-wide QA and creative review systems that raised delivery standards across print and digital.
This framework improved accessibility scores, increased fidelity, and reduced rework. It created the consistency needed to scale while keeping creative energy high..
“Jen brought structure to the work and fun to the office—never short on ideas or momentum.”
Leading Culture and Growth
I mentored designers, project managers, and developers, building clear pathways for advancement that led to 100% team promotion over three years and 90% retention.
We built a culture grounded in psychological safety and shared ownership, where experimentation could thrive without losing accountability.
“Under Jen’s leadership, the creative process became something we could trust, not just chase.”
Outcomes
22% business growth through creative and operational alignment
90% team retention and 100% promotion over three years under my leadership
$185M client acquisition following a brand and campaign launch
17% increase in site traffic and 52% higher engagement on an eCommerce project
100+ projects per year delivered with improved quality and accessibility
Elevated Glantz’s reputation as a strategy-driven creative partner
Winner of the 2021 Employee of the Year award for embodying company values
Reflection
Scaling creativity means building systems that protect the craft.
At Glantz, we found balance between structure and freedom, clarity and confidence, creativity and measurable impact.
This experience deepened my belief that leadership is not just about ideas. It’s about creating the conditions where those ideas can grow and last.