At Russell Herder, our people are at the heart of every idea, every campaign and every client success. This year, we’re proud to celebrate two important milestones: Sam Bohlken, Senior Art Director, marking 10 years, and Daniel Joyce, Creative Director, marking seven years with the firm. Both Sam and Daniel bring unique journeys, experiences and perspectives that continue to shape our work and inspire those around them.
Sam Bohlken – 10 Years
Sam’s journey into design began early, nurtured by gifted art classes early on. Although his career path took a few turns, he always found his way back to creativity, whether through screen printing, illustration or graphic design.
After spending a few years away from art classes throughout high school, Sam and his twin brother, Seth, took a 3D animation workshop at the Art Institutes International Minnesota. This experience reignited his commitment to pursuing art, and from there, he completed a degree in graphic design and began building a career grounded in both skill and curiosity.
Sam began by working in-house at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino and later joined the team at Mystic Lake. Mentors saw his potential, and Sam embraced challenges with an open mind: if something was interesting, he tried it. That drive to grow has carried him through roles in in-house design and eventually into agency life.
Now, after a decade at Russell Herder, Sam has led countless projects across industries, including healthcare, government and nonprofit organizations. Known for diving headfirst into complex challenges, he brings clients a clear strategic advantage while keeping audiences front and center.
Reflecting on a decade at a firm 41 years in the making, Sam notes, “I can see why Russell Herder is still in business.” He appreciates the firm’s resilience during big shifts in the economy, public health and the industry at large. “The way that RH adapts and changes with the times is cool,” he adds.
Sam also enjoys working for a B-corp that strives to be — and work with — mission-driven organizations. His ability to apply his skills to causes in public health and social justice has given his work meaning and depth. “There are real people on the other side of every campaign.”
Over a decade, Sam’s curiosity, creativity and dedication have been vital to both our team and the clients we serve.
Daniel Joyce – 7 Years
Dan’s path into advertising took a few unexpected turns. Originally from Minnesota, he studied film, radio, TV and communication arts at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, with dreams of working in Los Angeles. After freelancing and exploring opportunities in media and production, including an editing role with PBS, he discovered a passion for the conceptual side of storytelling: the ideas, scripts and vision behind the work.
Unafraid to follow spontaneous opportunities, Dan traveled to New York City when a friend suggested that he meet with the creative director at Grey. Within five days, he was offered a copywriting position that formally launched his advertising career. Determined to grow, Dan began to teach himself the graphic design skills necessary to create accompanying visuals to his writing concepts, and moved on to attend Miami Ad School in their art direction track.
Over the next few years, Dan’s career took him to such high-profile agencies as Ogilvy Paris, Crispin Porter + Bogusky (now Crispin) and Periscope (now Betty), before eventually returning to Minnesota in 2018 — this time to Russell Herder. Dan made the shift because he wanted to “Use my powers for good in some way,” knowing that working with a B-corp would likely be more rewarding than his previous work in consumer goods.
“What’s kept me at RH is that social impact work, but making it better,” he adds.
Today, as Creative Director, Dan leads the agency’s creative department with a keen eye for opportunity and the ability to see the bigger picture. He has guided campaigns for clients such as the Association of American Medical Colleges, Timberland and state and county government organizations, ensuring each effort delivers results with impact. Seven years in, Daniel continues to embody the curiosity and persistence that have shaped his career from the start.
Looking Ahead
Sam and Dan’s journeys are proof that creativity takes many forms, and that persistence, adaptability and passion are what fuel lasting impact. Together, they have weathered industry changes and countless deadlines, all while delivering work that resonates with audiences and strengthens client partnerships.
As we celebrate their milestones, we are grateful for their leadership, creativity and vision. Here’s to the past achievements and the many more still ahead.
