My name is Matt, and I’m an Executive Creative Director at BarkleyOKRP.

A visual artist by trade, I am an Executive Creative Director that believes in making advertising that real folks actually like, while still championing creative craft. I once called this belief “artsy smartsy” on a podcast, so I’m sticking with it. This value has resulted in work that is both effective and lasting, while also being awarded at every major award show, Including a Cannes lions Grand Prix.

I oversee the Chicago creative department at BarkleyOKRP along with my partner Ben Pfutzenreuter, which is now 300% larger than when we joined. In our time at the agency, we have helped turn OKRP from a regional boutique, to a national brand in BarkleyOKRP, producing work with over half a billion in media behind it, while also adding nearly $40m in revenue. In 2023 the agency had never won a major award. In 2026 we were a top 20 independent agency at Cannes. 

Some of the work I am most proud of in my career includes firing the King from Burger King, co-creating the character Dr. Rick for Progressive, And Turning Wingstop into Thighstop in the face of a chicken wing shortage. You can see many more work samples on this site, and if you’d like more still, dont hesitate to hit me up. I love to yap. 

When not at work, I take pictures, make short films, and spend as much time as possible with my family, who are without exception, my favorite people to spend time with.

Recognition

Cannes Lions, Silver, There’s a New King
Cannes Lions, 2x Bronze, There’s a New King
Cannes Lions, 5x Social Creator Shortlist, There’s a New King
Cannes Lions, 3x Public Relations Shortlist, There’s a New King
Cannes Lions, 1x Media Shortlist, There’s a New King

Effies, 2x Silver, Million Dollar Whopper
Effies, 2x Finalists, Million Dollar Whopper
One Show, Bronze, Million Dollar Whopper
One Show, 4 Merits, Million Dollar Whopper

Effie, Silver, Whopper Whopper
One Show, Bronze, Whopper Whopper
AdFed, People’s Choice, Whopper Whopper

Cannes Lions, Grand Prix, Thighstop
Cannes Lions, 2 Shortlists, Thighstop
D&AD, Graphite Pencil, Thighstop
D&AD, 2 Wood Pencils, Thighstop
D&AD, 2 Shortlists, Thighstop
One Show, 2x Bronze, Thighstop
One Show, 6 Merits, Thighstop
One Show, 14 Shortlists, Thighstop
Clio, 1 Bronze, Thighstop
Webby, Finalist, Thighstop
Andy, Shortlist, Thighstop
ADC, 2x Shortlists, Thighstop
Addy, 4 Silver, Thighstop

ADC, Bronze, 6ourbon 7ime
ADC, 1 Shortlist, 6ourbon 7ime
Andy, Gold, 6ourbon 7ime
Clio, 2 Silver, 6ourbon 7ime
Clio, 1 Bronze, 6ourbon 7ime
Clio, 1 Shortlist, 6ourbon 7ime
One Show, 2 Merits, 6ourbon 7ime
One Show, 10 Shortlists, 6ourbon 7ime
Addy, 5 Silver, 6ourbon 7ime

One Show, 2x Merits, Brandless
One Show, 3x Shortlists, Brandless
ADC, 1 Bronze, Brandless
Addy, 3x Gold, Brandless
Addy, 1 Silver, Brandless
Addy, 1 Bronze, Brandless

Cannes, 1 Shortlist, Is Pepsi Okay?
Effie, 1 Silver, Is Pepsi Okay?

Cannes, 2x Shortlists, Now It’s Hot

Cannes, 1 Shortlist, Postcards from Lynchburg
One Show, 1 Shortlist, Postcards from Lynchburg

One Show, 1 Shortlist, Parentamorphosis

One Show, 1 Shortlist, It Started Here
Hatch Show, 2 Merit, It Started Here
Communication Arts, Annual Feature, It Started Here