BIO

BIO

Jeff Gorman, a native of Kansas City, received his Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. After graduating, he began his career in advertising as a copywriter in his hometown, where he was plunged into the business right away working on 30 accounts simultaneously.

Moving to Chicago, he worked as a Copywriter and Creative Director at a number of small and large agencies. With his broad range of agency experience, Gorman recognized a gap in the market and formed Epiphany Inc., providing creative services to agencies and clients alike. He also created and marketed the first dimensional (3-D) lollipop called Thumbsuckers, which was made and marketed through Amurol a division of Wrigley, that also makes Big League Chew.

Next, Gorman moved to the West Coast, most importantly working for Chiat/Day. While at Chiat/Day he created Nike’s first consumer ad campaign–the acclaimed outdoor, print and television campaign created for the ’84 Olympics. Among the commercials for this campaign was a blockbuster entitled “I Love L.A.” which used Randy Newman’s song and video. It was the first time a music video was adapted for use as a commercial. Gorman also conceived all of Michael Jordan’s first Nike TV commercials, including one he directed entitled “NBA,” that elevated Nike’s new basketball line into prominence. He also created the award winning print campaign for L.A. Eyeworks that has run for over 30 years featuring celebrities that ranged from Andy Warhol to Elton John.

Gorman then turned Director and formed Johns+Gorman Films (JGF), a TV commercial production company based in Los Angeles. The express purpose of this new endeavor was directing spots with “great, simple concepts.” Over the years, JGF became internationally renowned for producing award-winning comedic commercials.