HOW IT ALL BEGAN

THE DEFINING THOUGHT

OLD SCHOOL was born from a single moment: being labeled “too Old School” for a brand. What was meant as a criticism became my catalyst. It sparked the realization that old-school creative intuition—the kind built on instinct, craft, and experience—is what drives truly great ideas.

That moment inspired our manifesto—a rallying cry for bold creativity and work that refuses to blend in. It’s where old-school intuition meets new-school tools to create work that hits harder and gets made smarter.

It’s not just a name. It’s the mindset that drives everything we make.

(BTW - Great people rallied for me to stay on that account, and we went on to create some of the best work of our lives together.)

More than a belief, it’s a way of being.

We believe in the creative power of our collective experience, imagination, curiosity, intuition, and craft. Defying convention and daring to think differently. It has nothing to do with age. It’s a mindset.

We’re scrappy and nimble, defined by the anti-establishment counterculture we grew up in. We rode BMX, skated, surfed, honed our video game skills, hit home runs in the street, played music, were labeled defiant, hung out at punk-rock shows, and turned everything into a canvas. But then we brought all that attitude and artistry to some of the biggest brands in the world and made our mark on the ad industry.

Today, our creative playground has expanded, and although we have new toys like data and AI, we still believe nothing can replace a great idea, kick-ass art, and creative tenacity.

We’re not about malicious obedience and never do anything simply because we are told. We do it because we are convicted and believe there is a better way. We do it because our guts tell us we need to. We do it because it’s scary, difficult , or uncomfortable. We do it because others can’t or won’t. Taking creative risks and striving to champion something unique in a world siloed into personal echo chambers.

We’re not looking to fit in. We’re looking to stand out. Because to us, ignorable has always been the enemy.