news & ideas

Dec
5
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Sashwatha Sridhar

There’s been much written about Sashwatha Sridhar: Her advertising professor said of her: “Some people write like sandpaper. Some like frosting. Some like air. SashContinue...
Nov
27
2019

Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Stephanie Snyder

Steph began developing her passion for photography when she was just 10. That’s when someone handed her a plastic Walgreens camera. “It was very, veryContinue...
Nov
13
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Amanda Regan

Amanda went to college to be a teacher, but she soon found her passion for communication could change the world in other ways. For her,Continue...
Oct
28
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Carly Slomski

Carly is a cool case study in contradictions. “I’m just a loving caring emo kid. I’m an aggressive hippy. I’m an assertive sweetheart. I’m aContinue...
Aug
21
2019

Now Hiring: Junior Art Director

We don’t want just an Art Director. We want someone who shakes the Hand of Adam with the machine, while pulling stardust from the sky.Continue...
Aug
19
2019

Now Hiring: Strategist + Account Executive in Des Moines

MACLYN Des Moines is looking for a hybrid: someone with the perfect blend of strategic and relationship management skills. As an Account Executive + Strategist,Continue...
Aug
16
2019

Now Hiring: Copywriters

MACLYN doesn’t just want copywriters. We want someone who reads Whitman during their lunch break, then references him in a billboard. Someone who asks forContinue...
Aug
16
2019

Now Hiring: 5 of Des Moines’ Best Brains

MACLYN is now building a squad of smart, cool people to grow our Des Moines portfolio and go where no agency has gone before. WeContinue...
Jul
15
2019

Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Danielle Ethier

After graduating from Michigan State University, Danielle hopped a 747 to pursue a career in big agencies and big brands, an adventure that took herContinue...
Jul
8
2019

Now Hiring: Copywriter

MACLYN doesn’t want a copywriter. We want someone who reads Whitman during their lunch break, then references him in a billboard. Someone who asks forContinue...
Jun
26
2019

Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Jose Torres

Jose is a visual storyteller who captures moments colored with meaning and style: a proposal on a city street, a tropical island wedding, a cherryContinue...
Jun
14
2019

Now Hiring: Naperville-based Account Executive - Media Relations

We are hiring an Account Executive with mad media relations skills to work with one of our flagship clients.  As an Account Executive at ourContinue...
Jun
11
2019

Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Kira Ryan

Kira is a Game of Thrones fanatic that was fairly disappointed with the finale. Ok she hated it. She is also self-described “dog mom” ofContinue...
May
17
2019

Meet MACLYN’s ludicrously talented new hires

MACLYN just added a trio of badasses to our account and creative teams: an Account Director, a Jr. Strategic Planner, and a Content Creator. Here’sContinue...
Apr
24
2019

Summer Copywriter Internship: Naperville

The What Is This? A high-stakes Copywriting Internship that immerses one spry young writer in the real world of creative advertising, complete with Peggy Olsons,Continue...
Apr
24
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Naomi Frantz

Our Design Intern, Naomi, is a Creative Liger Meet Naomi. She’s a student, a barista, a painter, a vegan, an artist, and a Design InternContinue...
Apr
23
2019

Now Hiring: Naperville-Based Account Executive

We are hiring an Account Executive to attract and retain clients in the Chicagoland area and beyond. As an Account Executive at our Naperville HQ,Continue...
Mar
29
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Nick Imerman

Eight Things You Should Know About Our New Jr. Art Director, Nick Imerman   #1. He has a healthy obsession with weight-lifting. He asked thatContinue...
Mar
26
2019

Under the Influence: The Power of Social Media Mavens

In the modern age of advertising, it’s not enough to talk AT people. You have to talk WITH them. After years of bombardment and asContinue...
Mar
4
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Season Travelbee

In addition to having the most funkadelic name in the world (we think she’s a secret agent), Season draws her inspiration from the most eclectic places –Continue...
Feb
22
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Brian Sauer

MACLYN’s Creative Director is a pop-culture fanatic, a G.I. Joe junkie, an award-winning creative, and a recognizable, mustachioed face around Des Moines. As Creative Director,Continue...
Feb
12
2019

Meet MACLYN's Finest: J.R. Kinney

Everyone knows J.R. What do you mean, you don’t know J.R.!? Omg. You’re walking around, doing your thing, and you don’t know J.R.? Ugh. Alright.Continue...
Jan
30
2019

We Just Opened a New Des Moines Office, and It Has Pancakes

MACLYN has opened a new location at the heart of the funkiest city in the Midwest. It’s a sweet new place for us to continue servingContinue...
Jan
30
2019

MACLYN Opens New Des Moines Location, Acquires Agency

MACLYN is thrilled to announce we have acquired Saturday MFG as we open a new Des Moines location.Continue...
Jan
29
2019

DES MOINES-BASED SATURDAY MFG. ACQUIRED BY MACLYN GROUP

Award-Winning Chicagoland Creative Agency to Solidify Presence in IowaContinue...
Jan
18
2019

The Agency/Technology Arms Race, Explained

Branding agencies & technology firms are battling for your soul. It’s kind of intense.Continue...
Dec
21
2018

Now Hiring: Des Moines-Based Account Executive

We are hiring an Account Executive to attract and retain clients in the greater Des Moines metro and beyond. As the lead Account Executive atContinue...
Dec
14
2018

SIPPING IS BELIEVING: The Story of Dunkin’ Espresso

When our client Dunkin’ needed to get the word out about their new line of hand-crafted Espresso beverages, we brewed up an unbelievable blend ofContinue...
Jul
25
2018

Now Hiring: Social Media Content Creator

MACLYN needs a social juggernaut. Someone who can speak exclusively in Emoji. Someone who can slide effortlessly into my DM. Someone who lies awake atContinue...
May
25
2018

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE MACLYN-VERSE

We’re pleased to report that both interns have survived 10 days (possibly 11, or even 12, depending on when you read this) of MACLYN’s Not-Your-AverageContinue...
Apr
30
2018

Your Company is a Rocket and Your Brand is High-Octane Fuel

The Real-Deal, No-BS Bottom Line of Your Company’s “Big Idea” – and how it’s going to take you to the moon & beyond. Let’s getContinue...
Mar
2
2018

Flying the Flag: The Crucial Component of Company Culture

When you’re building a brand, you’re building a belief system. And it becomes your company culture.Continue...
Feb
21
2018

Not-Your-Average-Intern Bootcamp

Attennnnnnnnntion! Padawans, Apprentices, Young Grasshoppers: Enlist in MACLYN’s Not-Your-Average-Intern Bootcamp, and you’ll train, create and transform alongside bona fide badasses of the advertising world.Continue...
Feb
20
2018

Winning the War: The Importance of the Advertising Long Game

At MACLYN, we believe advertising is not about the product: it’s about the consumer’s relationship with the brand. About what it allows them to do.Continue...
Feb
14
2018

From MACLYN, With Love: An Open Letter to Our Clients.

*Turns on the Barry White.* Hey, there… Client. It’s MACLYN, your partner (in advertising).Continue...
Feb
8
2018

MAKING THE IMRIS BRAND, PART 6: BRANDGUARD

After launching the IMRIS brand, we grow it, guard it, and keep it at the forefront of the industry. Launching the brand was just theContinue...
Feb
8
2018

NOW HIRING: STRATEGIC PLANNER

We’re looking for the Sun Tzu of strategic planners. You are a more-polite Genghis Khan. An Alexander the Great (without all the blood-lust). A post-rehabContinue...
Feb
7
2018

THE VALUE OF BRAND

What’s in a name? Only the key to victory. Because if sales is a war, then brand is the way to win it.Continue...
Feb
5
2018

SORRY, NICK FOLES. STORYTELLING WAS 2018'S REAL MVP.

For those of us in the advertising game, last night’s spat between the Eagles and Those Other Guys was a good chance to restock onContinue...
Feb
1
2018

Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 5: Launch

We assembled a ragtag team of talent: a pro chalk artist, a theatre troupe and a pair of musicians. Together, we put on an IMRIS-branded,Continue...
Jan
26
2018

NOW HIRING: Dunkin' Donuts Brand Ambassador

MACLYN seeks energetic, responsible individuals to join our Dunkin’ Donuts Sampling Van Crew for part-time employment. The Dunkin’ Donuts Sampling Van travels throughout the ChicagolandContinue...
Jan
25
2018

Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 4: Creation

A ballerina, a creative director and a camera crew walk into an operating theatre… Now that we have IMRIS’ Core Creative Idea, it’s time toContinue...
Jan
18
2018

Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 3: Ideation

MACLYN’s creative team gathers in the “War Room” for an early Ideation session, a no-holds-barred brainstorm – where ideas fly, inspiration strikes and a conceptContinue...
Jan
11
2018

Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 2: Search & Discovery

“Discovery” is an immersive research process. Before creating a brand, we explore the landscape, interviewing key industry players, scouting-out the competition and searching everywhere forContinue...
Jan
9
2018

"Cinematic advertising" is reshaping the consumer battleground.

Nexus Studios brings a concept to glorious, animated life in “The Story of an Idea.” This year’s ADDY Awards more closely resemble the Cannes FilmContinue...
Jan
4
2018

Making the IMRIS Brand, Part I: Humanity Returns to Healthcare

“For the Human Experience” doesn’t look or sound like other brands in the medical technology industry.Continue...
Nov
9
2017

Annual Chili Battle-Bowl: Pregame Analysis

Hold onto your spoons. Here comes MACLYN’s Annual Chili Battle-Bowl. That’s right; hordes of the agency’s harshest food-critics and most esteemed culinarians are about toContinue...
Nov
8
2017

PROMOTING THE CAUSE

In this noble war against Average, heroes make themselves known. For their years of valor and service, for their recent months of distinguished bravery andContinue...
Nov
1
2017

THE LEGEND MARCHES ON

MACLYN veteran Mike Naples will conquer a new role as Associate Creative Director.Continue...
Oct
25
2017

For Valor. For Victory. For MACLYN.

Trumpets sound and troops roar as MACLYN Creative Director Jay Paonessa assumes the mantle of Vice President.Continue...
Oct
16
2017

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Erin

Average, beware: Erin Byrne is an artistic badass. “I just feel compelled to create things - I always thought I'd be in the creative world.”Continue...
Oct
5
2017

Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Rebecca

Black: sophisticated. Yellow: happy. Orange: energetic. Green: prosperous. And red… well… …red means war.Continue...
Sep
22
2017

Musings from the Minds of MACLYN: Rigg Reflects

All my life, I’ve been a sworn Enemy of Average. The foul beast Banality and its minions marched through my village and razed it toContinue...
Jun
13
2017

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Sam Brahler

Back in World War II, “Rosie the Riveter” was a symbol of strength, feminism and we-can-do-itness. She was also famous. But was she ever... Instafamous?Continue...
May
24
2017

Cop On A Rooftop 2017: A Roundup of Stories From Around Chicagoland

MACLYN is proud to be a part of Dunkin' Donuts 15th annual Cop on a Rooftop. We are thrilled to support such an incredible cause.Continue...
May
18
2017

NOW HIRING: Art Director

If you struggle against the “good enough,” if you reject the easy and the obvious to seek out the truly original, let’s create together.Continue...
May
12
2017

Postcards From The Front: D.C. gets E.P.I.C.

We joined forces with a delegation of community & business leaders from the greater Des Moines region — nearly 200-strong. Together, we met with Congressional members, attended workshops and made an impression on key policymakers.Continue...
May
11
2017

Postcards From The Front: IACP, Changing the Conversation

The intrepid minds of MACLYN took their badass blend of fire and fortitude to the Iowa Association of Community Providers at their annual conference, held at Iowa State University. It was a thrilling thought leadership barrage the likes of which had never before been witnessed. Continue...
Feb
23
2017

Through the Looking Glass: How Augmented Reality is Changing the Game, and the World as We See it

MACLYN is perpetually in search of new tactics to turn the tide of our war with Average. Average has many allies. One of them isContinue...
Feb
7
2017

Don't Stop Believing: At Super Bowl LI, Advertising Takes a Stand

“The will to succeed is always welcome here.” As a migrant mother and daughter walked through a doorway built through a border wall, 84 LumberContinue...
Jan
19
2017

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Ian Rigg

When he’s not seeking harmony in the universe through words, Ian Rigg is creating it onstage.Continue...
Oct
19
2016

EPRD to have a major rebranding

Article by: Jonathan Krueger, The Des Moines Register Following the lead of AltoonaNow, the East Polk Regional Development, Inc. has teamed up with MACLYN to help rebrandContinue...
Oct
18
2016

NOW HIRING: Copywriter

MACLYN doesn’t want a copywriter. We want someone who reads Whitman during their lunch break, then references him in a billboard. Someone who asks forContinue...
Oct
18
2016

MACLYN is Looking for a Kickass Social Media Marketing Intern

Do new social media tools get your brain going? Do your friends know you as a social media innovator? Are you constantly looking for newContinue...
Jun
30
2016

MACLYN Announces the Opening of a Des Moines Office

Effective July 1, creative advertising agency, MACLYN, will be opening a Des Moines satellite office.Continue...
Jun
20
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Tiki | Guru

Inspired by gurus of every universe—especially those of a galaxy far, far away—Tiki is an office mascot with the soul of a sage and theContinue...
Jun
14
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Johnny Tijerina

So, will it be the hipster cat? Or do you prefer the beanie-wearing octopus? A brand story-teller who considers “alright” a slap to the face,Continue...
Jun
7
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: David Mendoza

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”Continue...
Jun
7
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Ray Kinney

His voice is heard across the office. His influence is seen around the County. But it’s his desire to improve the lives around him thatContinue...
May
25
2016

Cop on a Rooftop 2016: A Roundup of Stories from Around Chicagoland

MACLYN is proud to partner with our client, Dunkin' Donuts, on the 14th Annual Cop on Rooftop fundraiser. This year, 234 participating Dunkin' Donuts locations raisedContinue...
May
24
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Marc Hausmann

It was the shot heard ‘round the world.Continue...
May
2
2016

Eastern Polk County, Iowa Joins the Fight

Creative advertising agency, MACLYN, has been hired by the Eastern Polk Regional Development (EPRD) to create a brand campaign and website for the economic developmentContinue...
May
2
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Courtney Healy

Cabernet or pinot noir—a red pairs best with a novel in hand.Continue...
May
2
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Troy Kelleher

There is exactly one right word.Continue...
Apr
29
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Brent Seehafer

195-205. That’s about perfect. Continue...
Apr
21
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Jay Paonessa

Jay is equal-parts creative and curator.Continue...
Apr
21
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Kevin McMaster

One to greet the martini, one to maintain and one to say goodbye.Continue...
Apr
19
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Mike Naples

There’s beauty in an orange.Continue...
Apr
15
2016

Meet MACLYN's Finest: Bill Murphy

“When I’m not working, I’m with them.”Continue...
Feb
12
2016

Reaching a Younger Audience Through Snapchat

Since it’s launch in 2011, Snapchat has quickly grown into one of the most popular social media applications in the world with 200 million users.Continue...
Jan
15
2016

Native Ads Will Dominate Mobile in 2016

In a recent blog discussing 2016 advertising trends, we mentioned the importance of native advertising in order to keep up with digital and mobile trends.Continue...
Jan
4
2016

Advertising Trends to Watch Out for in 2016

At the start of 2016 we can’t help but ask, “what’s next?” in the world of digital marketing. Between ad blocking and ever-changing algorithms, learningContinue...