Photography by Michael Spain-Smith | Words by Glenn Eddie Gill
On any given day, most of Philadelphia is rightfully covering their heads. This time of year the vast majority are wearing an Eagles knit cap, some are wearing a Flyers ball cap, and a few diehard hopefuls have a Phillies cap pointed toward next season. But only one of the city's 1.6 million population is wearing a cowboy hat.
Say howdy to Jason Brantly.
SUNDAY, 5:32 P.M. JB at his Philadelphia home pondering his sock selection for the next day
Bottom right: Working/playing with photographer Michael Spain-Smith
And welcome to the thinking within the mind, beneath the hat. Appropriately enough, Jason is concentrating on launching the new Philadelphia office of the New Jersey-based advertising agency Masterminds. Haven't heard of them? Broaden your thinking on what you know about East Coast agencies that aren't on Madison Avenue. They're hotter than a two-dollar whore on the 4th of July, with a new look, new business, some new guns, and a second office.
Masterminds new website and identity.
Jason has been in the business for 20 plus years. Masterminds has been around for about 25. The two saddled up in May 2012. He's worked for JWT, Leo Burnett's Moroch & Associates, Young & Rubicam's Sicola Martin, and freelanced for a select number of agencies from Portland to Miami. Masterminds is a 50-person agency of brand intelligence with reverence and respect for those who create simple, idea-based marketing, and clients who demand simple common-sense campaigns regardless of the medium.
BTW, if you've read this far, and haven't guessed, but are eager for confirmation, yes JB hails from the Lone Star State. Don't let the Texas roots fool you. Jason's work has received national and international attention. He's had advertising published in Communication Arts, The One Show, been awarded National Addy Awards, as well as Clios, and most recently garnered a silver award in the British D&AD Show.
Jason isn't "all hat and no cattle." He believes, and the work demonstrates, that advertising should be engaging, endearing, informative and most of all, intelligent—even humorous, off the wall, or different. The work Jason has been associated with, or penned and art directed himself, is always simple and smart. No matter the client. No matter the agency. Take a look at the business cards below; everyone in the agency has them, and they're personally written for each member of the team. A fun, simple way of breathing new life into the same ole same ole.
And this creative director/art director has a ten-gallon schedule that starts at sun up, and goes until, well, sun up. When most people hang their hat up for the evening, the second part of his day is just beginning. Don't think of it as drinking, partying, karaoke, it's more like grist for his creative mill.
Put on your boots, and follow him through Philly for a week of work and a week of play as he takes us to some of his favorite watering holes, karaoke bars, and spots to grab some good grub.
SUNDAY, 10:47 P.M. McGillin's Olde Ale House for some milehigh meatloaf and "scaraoke" with DJ Joe H
MONDAY, 1:51 P.M. At the new Masterminds Philadelphia office with VP's Jen Fink & Ryan Leeds
MONDAY, 6:17 P.M. Focus group of three, with Mark McGraw & Teddy Sourias at R2L Restaurant
TUESDAY, 11:13 P.M. Fetchin' some cold ones at National Mechanics
WEDNESDAY, 3:45 P.M. Calm as a june bug at a client presentation
WEDNESDAY, 7:13 P.M. Live music with Tim Williams at The Ritz Carlton, 10 ARTS Lounge
THURSDAY, 1:28 A.M. Down the road a piece is Finn McCools Ale House
THURSDAY, 3:07 P.M. On set in tall cotton at Center City Film and Video
THURSDAY, 11:42 P.M. With fellow regulator Dave Whitnack at The Happy Rooster
FRIDAY, 7:47 P.M. "My favorite animal is steak" at The Capital Grille
SATURDAY, 9:10 P.M. "Where is the damn elevator?" at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House
SATURDAY, 11:27 P.M. Headin' back to the ranch on a trail through Rittenhouse Square
Going to be in the City of Brotherly Love? Hit him up. He'd love to buy you your first drink. And you can bet he'll show you a good time come hell or high water.
Note: Close friend and lifestyle/advertising photographer, Michael Spain-Smith, pushed the limits with his equipment to capture JB for this story. The fun challenge was shooting the gamut, from low light images at 32,000 ISO @F1.4 to shooting on his iPhone with multiple instagram filters. "The documentary of the entire week—gritty, but natural ambience, was our goal—concept to capture," Spain-Smith says.
{"http:\/\/www.rockpaperink.com\/content\/column.php?id=431":{"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454136621294846_5168508","from":{"name":"Michael R. Reyes","id":"519501938"},"message":"I'd say that about sums up a week in the life of Brantly. Great to see the City of Brotherly Love has embraced one of ours. Nice wordsmith'n Gill - From an old friend deep in the heart of Texas.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T05:46:43+0000","like_count":3,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169343","from":{"name":"Guy Tucker","id":"574311219"},"message":"Well done Jason Brantly! Wish I could pull off the hat as well as you.","message_tags":[{"id":"1441460334","name":"Jason Brantly","type":"user","offset":10,"length":13}],"can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T13:18:10+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169346","from":{"name":"Patricia Brantly","id":"1596136882"},"message":"Absolutely amazing how my eldest son can be filled with creativity when I have so little! I am extremely proud of him, and of both my sons, for that matter...\n","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T13:19:53+0000","like_count":0,"user_likes":false,"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454283977946777","from":{"name":"Norma Jones","id":"100000370505089"},"message":"What a handsome and creative guy!","created_time":"2012-11-02T15:55:13+0000"}],"count":1}},{"id":"454136621294846_5169372","from":{"name":"Andy Morfopoulos","id":"687055694"},"message":"To think I've only drank with you in one of those locations. Heavy is the head that wears the 10 gallon hat! Seriously, have fun, win big, and stay in touch.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T13:30:05+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169395","from":{"name":"Michelle Smiley","id":"571786058"},"message":"There is only one cowboy in this city and it can only be you! Well, well, well boy from Texas makes big in Philadelphia, good job! You're the best at what you do! My favorite card \"Our meetings would be quicker if everyone STFU\", priceless......","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T13:36:50+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169438","from":{"name":"David Whitnack","id":"1069941183"},"message":"Great story! Great Pictures! Greate Friend! If I only had a red solo cup...","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T13:57:27+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false,"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454246644617177","from":{"name":"Bobby Mansure","id":"639133392"},"message":"Good stuff","created_time":"2012-11-02T14:01:07+0000"}],"count":1}},{"id":"454136621294846_5169497","from":{"name":"B. Lee Brantly","id":"587962339"},"message":"I have often said that Jason has more creativity in the fingernail he just clipped off than I have in my entire body, and it is absolutely true! How proud I am of him and his accomplishments!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T14:16:46+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169517","from":{"name":"Lynn Butts","id":"100001031443649"},"message":"Love Michael's photos! Love the business cards! And love the quote about East Coast agencies not on Madison Avenue! A true Mastermind at work! Glad things are going so well.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T14:20:43+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169529","from":{"name":"Glenn Stevens","id":"1103554190"},"message":"Jayson, you've stuck out Philly and in the process brought yourself and your surroundings to better heights. Congrats on your new position. Stay true bro.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T14:24:57+0000","like_count":2,"user_likes":false,"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454279271280581","from":{"name":"Adam Walker","id":"1101737632"},"message":"Great stuff","created_time":"2012-11-02T15:37:02+0000"}],"count":1}},{"id":"454136621294846_5169577","from":{"name":"Matt Martelli","id":"1636350062"},"message":"Not too shabby there J-Bizzle! We are having an article on our house written for the Inquirer next week. I'll talk to the writer about making sure we get your name thrown in there for your decorating skillz! See if we can't get you published twice in one month!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T14:47:03+0000","like_count":4,"user_likes":false,"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454268221281686","from":{"name":"Barbara Buck-Phillips","id":"1686876224"},"message":"Matt....will your house be in the Inquirer on Sunday? Let me know which to buy! ;)","created_time":"2012-11-02T15:15:35+0000"},{"id":"454279457947229","from":{"name":"Matt Martelli","id":"1636350062"},"message":"The interview and photo shoot is Monday, so maybe not this sunday but next sunday? I'll know monday for sure and get back to you.","created_time":"2012-11-02T15:37:51+0000"}],"count":2}},{"id":"454136621294846_5169594","from":{"name":"Kevin McConkey","id":"822713258"},"message":"Cowboy. Creative. Ass kicker and fan of shitty liquor. Not many people I would trade lives with, but Jason has it going on.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T14:53:43+0000","like_count":0,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169652","from":{"name":"Barbara Buck-Phillips","id":"1686876224"},"message":"\u003C3!! ","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T15:14:32+0000","like_count":0,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169732","from":{"name":"Jamie Chabot","id":"774759237"},"message":"Great read, great photos JB, looks like you've settled in nicely. Keep your friends close and your koozie closer!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T15:38:18+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false,"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454282844613557","from":{"name":"Tim Stafford","id":"691608583"},"message":"I heard you were selling your house, first we move, then the Gettings, now the Chabots? Leaving Portland?","created_time":"2012-11-02T15:51:36+0000"}],"count":1}},{"id":"454136621294846_5169790","from":{"name":"Susan Wall","id":"1345292508"},"message":"Love the pictures and writing! The photographer ate a lot of my daughter's Halloween candy!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T15:54:19+0000","like_count":4,"user_likes":false,"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454317457943429","from":{"name":"Joseph KaraokeGuy Holtzinger","id":"1223030617"},"message":"THAT BASTARD!","created_time":"2012-11-02T17:55:42+0000"},{"id":"454376414604200","from":{"name":"Charlie Coltman","id":"1018008095"},"message":"Have it framed!!!!! Congrads!!","created_time":"2012-11-02T21:31:33+0000"}],"count":2}},{"id":"454136621294846_5169918","from":{"name":"Ken Gleason","id":"1002976612"},"message":"Philly will never be the same. And btw, the photos kick ass.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T16:33:55+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169921","from":null,"message":"The pictures are great! Now I want a beer though. Damn it.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T16:36:02+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5169930","from":{"name":"Chris Phillips","id":"1436207256"},"message":"Never a dull moment with Jason. Never seen a man make a beer koozie look so cool.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T16:38:41+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5170266","from":{"id":"104782886282707","category":"Author","name":"R. Michael Phillips"},"message":"I've had the pleasure of working with this cowboy on a number of projects, and I can tell you nobody sits taller in the design saddle than Jason. Great article about a great guy!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T18:29:19+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5170282","from":{"name":"Stacy Swanick","id":"641250676"},"message":"Lookin' good, Brantly!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T18:35:52+0000","like_count":2,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5170317","from":{"name":"Michael D. Smith","id":"1281115249"},"message":"First off congrats to JB on a great position and new venture with Masterminds.\n2nd. Following Jason around for a week was exhausting and I think I am still feeling the after effects. Finally, the best part dawned on me when the taxi driver at 1:06 am in front of the happy rooster stops for no reason and yells Cowboy! wassup! Is.... he really isn't a cowboy and has anyone ever seen him even ride a horse! HA! Love You BRO thanks for the memories once again!\nps, Susan, I only ate half of your daughters Halloween candy :)","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T18:55:57+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false,"comments":{"data":[{"id":"454370294604812","from":{"name":"Chris Phillips","id":"1436207256"},"message":"Susan he's a liar. He ate it all and then went and bought her new candy after...","created_time":"2012-11-02T21:13:51+0000"}],"count":1}},{"id":"454136621294846_5170344","from":{"name":"Nils Juul-hansen","id":"1420761855"},"message":"So glad to see them damnyankees appreciatin' on ya'.","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-02T19:11:13+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5171089","from":{"name":"Joshua Benson","id":"584893528"},"message":"I worked with Jason, total professional, thinking hat, cowboy hat and honest creative! Proud of you","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-03T00:11:48+0000","like_count":2,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5171503","from":{"name":"Vicky Pettinaro Martelli","id":"721092805"},"message":"Quite the bad ass JB! Congrats on your moving and shaking baby!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-03T02:40:01+0000","like_count":2,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5171897","from":{"name":"Jude Buffum","id":"840368603"},"message":"WHEN DO YOU SLEEP?","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-03T05:50:25+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false},{"id":"454136621294846_5172837","from":{"name":"Sean Carnegie","id":"1417434225"},"message":"Jay Bird!","can_remove":false,"created_time":"2012-11-03T15:18:26+0000","like_count":1,"user_likes":false}],"paging":{"next":"https:\/\/graph.facebook.com\/454136621294846\/comments?limit=25&offset=25&__after_id=454136621294846_5172837"}}}}
Follow Us
Subscribe to our RSS
Email Signup