Defy Welcomes its Newest Creative Director, Erin McKnight

Erin’s been with Defy since the New Year but things at the agency have been so busy with exciting new work that we are just getting around to Erin’s official welcome post now.

Erin’s journey to Defy criss crossed states and disciplines. Along the way she picked up a little bit of something from every stop, because seemingly, and after seeing her go for a few months—she doesn’t stop. The creative tools she’s picked up have formed quite the impressive mix. One that is already taking our agency’s creative to new places.

A CD like Erin might just be the perfect fit for an agency named “Defy.”

In school at MICA, Erin knew she wanted to ultimately pursue a career as a Graphic Designer, but she also understood how her appreciation for visual language was broader than a pure Graphic Design path would provide. So, rather than go the expected route—Erin figured out her own way and proceeded to start out studying fine art.

“The straight shot curriculum seemed like a waste of an opportunity to me at the time, and looking back I think it worked out alright,” said McKnight.

Her career would start out on a similar trajectory.

Erin’s initial stints at top shops like 160over90 locally, and Crispin Porter Bogusky in Boulder, Colorado provided a fuller view of different agency models and opportunities. Eventually, she found her way back to the Philly market when she joined Tierney. As one of Philadelphia’s more established agencies, Erin gained opportunities to work on some high profile accounts as she earned promotion after promotion.

Along the way she has crafted campaigns for brands the likes of TD Bank, PECO, the Philadelphia Art Museum, developed campaign programming for Xfinity, and helped rebrand cherished spots like the Please Touch Museum.

From campaigns, to branding, and broadcast spots — we’re looking forward to seeing where Defy goes from here with Erin helping to direct the way.