Neil Shastri

A STORYTELLER AT HEART

Creating Moments that Connect and Inspire

I’m a creative leader with 10+ years of shaping campaigns, building brand identities, and telling stories that stick. From Broadway stages at 11 to rebranding an NBA player, relaunching LAX Airport’s social presence, art directing fashion shoots, directing commercials, and producing events, my path has been anything but linear, but always fueled by creativity. Over the past year, I’ve consulted as a Creative Director, helping startups and agencies streamline processes, run discovery workshops, and mentor designers, all while staying hands-on as a maker. Whether the budget is scrappy or big, I believe sharp storytelling can always be tailored to fit.

Now in the Twin Cities after a move from Atlanta with my wife, I’m excited to plant roots and pour my creativity into a community I already admire. Outside of work, you’ll find me behind a camera, at a comedy show, or dreaming up films and live experiences I can’t wait to direct and produce. In a world that often feels divided and glued to screens, my passion is bringing people together through stories and experiences that resonate. If you’re looking for someone who brings range, heart, and a little creative mischief, let’s build something unforgettable together.

Stories that move me

I’ve compiled some of my favorite clips that inspire my creativity. From the thought-provoking storytelling in The Truman Show to the breathtaking journey in Life of Pi, which resonates with my Indian heritage, each piece sparks something meaningful for me. Through nostalgic classics like Singin’ in the Rain and the whimsical claymation of holiday favorites, these stories remind me of the warmth & connection we all seek, much like John Lewis’ Edgar the Dragon ad, which captures the magic of love during the holidays. And who could forget Jean-Claude Van Damme’s epic Volvo split? These visuals showcase how storytelling can connect brands with people. Having a degree in Visual Effects, I also appreciate the captivating visuals in Ready Player One and the emotional impact of War for the Planet of the Apes. All these moments fuel my goal to craft meaningful narratives that resonate with and empower audiences.

Pro Tip: Watch with audio :)

FAVORITE TOOLS

Figma
Illustrator
AfterEffects
Lightroom
Midjourney

KEY SKILLS

Concepting
Brand Strategy
Presenting
Storytelling
Mentorship

INTERESTS

Photography
Cinematography
Performing Arts
Event Production
Travel & Culture

PERSONALITY TYPE

Enneagram 2: The Helper

I love to help people - from something as simple as carrying groceries in from the garage to providing tips & tricks on easing animations in After Effects. As an extrovert, I love people and getting to know their stories, learning about what they're going through, and how they'd like to grow. As human beings, I believe that empathy is one of the greatest ways we can connect.

In a collaborative setting, I believe in servant leadership. For me, it is a privilege to work with and honor others before myself. When leading teams, l like to take the time to learn about who my teammates are, inspire and mentor them where needed, and empower them so they can grow & thrive in their passions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Mark Wilson Sunderland, MBA | Principal @ STANDARD Partners / Film Producer

Neil is a remarkable creator and leader of creative teams. He and I have been working together in a variety of capacities and industries for a decade now, and he’s always one of the first people who comes to mind when I’m building a collaborative creative team. He’s entrepreneurial, intrapreneurial, and a fabulous team player. I couldn’t recommend him any more highly, and anyone would be fortunate to have him as a part of their team, circle, or partnership.

Nathan Rigaud | Creative Executive @ Whale Animation Studios

Neil is such a wonderful person to work with. As someone who I have trusted with on many projects in a variety of roles I am always impressed by what Neil brings to the table. He is a collaborative creative, that not only can see the vision of those he is working with, but will also brings ideas and solutions that support and uplift the original concepts to allow them to become the best versions possible. The skill level of his artistic abilities and area of expertises are at the top of the industry. Beyond even just his ability to execute in design and graphic work he is also an overall Creative Director and Visionary. Neil is an unmatched asset for any team and a first call for our company each and every time!

Connor DeBruin | Head of Performance Creative Marketing @ Acadia

Neil is an incredibly talented creative (no matter the medium) and a standout community builder, educator, and leader. In the year and a half we worked together I learned from his technical creative skills and also saw his ability to lead a creative team by fostering a collaborative environment where continuous learning and constructive criticism is encouraged.

Two skills I admire most about Neil are:

1. His ability to listen and understand a client's true challenges, which is unlike what many folks in the creative space do (project the solution before fully understanding the problem)

2. His team player mentality. Neil strives for team success. He invests in those he works with, because when the team wins, we all do.

I consider myself lucky to call Neil a mentor, colleague, and friend.

Abigail Castel | Senior Account Manager @ Yahoo

I had the privilege of working alongside Neil for a year at a marketing agency. Neil held the position of the art director and as an account manager, I worked closely with Neil to develop the vision of the brand for our clients. Many clients came to us with little knowledge and direction of branding, storytelling and overall vision. Neil consistently took the lead in creating outstanding direction for logos, brand design, imagery, and identity without missing a beat. Clients would come to us with absolutely nothing and leave with a brand identity that is truly timeless yet wonderfully unique. Neil is the most talented person I have ever worked with, and I can say with full confidence that the clients we served together would not have found anyone to do it better within a 50-mile radius. I don’t think they will ever know how lucky they were to be a recipient of his talent.

Joseph Guy | Art Director & Creative Strategist @ Acadia

Neil is the definition of an innovative leader. He is someone that will always inspire his team to go beyond what is expected and create an exceptional final product. He is a highly skilled designer and creative strategist with a lot of wisdom. Neil is an asset to every team that he is a part of. It is rare that you find someone so talented that also has such a remarkable personality.

Benjamin Eizenga | Creative Producer

During our time working together at Acadia, I had the privilege of witnessing Neil's exceptional skills and multi-dimensional talents firsthand. As a Senior Visual Designer, Neil's portfolio and work history demonstrates his outstanding creativity and attention to detail. He is a true expert in this field. Furthermore, Neil is also a real culture champion and community builder who embodies empathy and a can-do attitude for his coworkers. He brings positivity and grace to any team he works with and is eager to lend a helping hand. His ability to motivate and inspire others is out of genuine excitement for what projects can be. Aside from his professional abilities, Neil is also an exceptional human being. He is honest, kind, and easy to get along with. His infectious spirit and character make him a delight to work with, and he consistently fosters a positive and collaborative work environment. I consider Neil to be one of my favorite teammates, and I am confident that he will be an incredible hire for any company that has the pleasure of working with him.

Kristen Joyner | Content Strategist + Copy Team Lead @ Marketwake

Neil is a skilled web & visual designer with a passion for storytelling who actively seeks ways to connect his visual design back to a brand's "why." Neil is a strong communicator and presenter, a great collaborator, and an enthusiastic teammate who quickly becomes part of the fabric of the company culture. He would be a great addition to any creative team!

Joel Huggins | Enterprise Account Manager @ Acadia

Neil Shastri is just a tremendous person. He is honest, kind, and very easy to get along with. He is also superbly talented and has a spirit about him that is absolutely infectious. His demeanor, no matter the circumstance, puts you at ease when you speak with him. He is full of character, integrity and grace. He is a delight to work with; one of my very favorite teammates. I recommend Neil as a great human being first and foremost, and also in his professional endeavors. Can't miss with Neil.

TiAnna Conway, MSLD | People Experience Lead @ Acadia

I had the pleasure of working with Neil at Acadia for a little over a year and in that time I was able to witness how multi-dimensional he is. Neil's portfolio and work history will show he is an exceptional designer and leader! Neil is by far one of the most delightful people I had the pleasure of working with in my career. He is a true culture champion and community builder. His selfless and can-do attitude is a great addition to any team. I’m fortunate to have had the time I did with Neil, and I will always recommend him to any company interested in working with him.

The teams that made me

Original Broadway Cast of Bombay Dreams - 2004

The Muny 100th Season Marketing Team - 2018

Explore more work

Video

A.I.

Motion Design

Contact

Twin Cities, MN
neil@neilshastri.design

"Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today."

-Robert McKee