Dominique Monet is an award-winning creative director at GSD&M. She has spent her career working on some of the world’s most iconic brands including Pizza Hut, Toyota, and Crocs. Her experience spans the multicultural, general and global market.
Not only has her work been awarded, but so has she. Dominique was 1 of 20 creative women recognized by Cannes Lions See It Be It in 2018. She was also one of the first creatives to be named a rising star by the ANDY Awards in 2021. While it’s an honor to be acknowledged by her peers, Dominique is most proud of her projects that have gained viral success. It’s the only time she cares what the Internet thinks.
When she’s not busy creating brand stories, Dominique uses her voice to empower others through mentorship, published articles and speaking engagements like South by Southwest. A proud graduate of Howard University and Miami Ad School, Dominique’s biggest mission in advertising is to make a difference, or at the very least, make you smile. Learn more about Dominique via her website, dominiquecreates.com.
What’s your origin story?
I was born and raised in Chicago. Luckily, I graduated high school at 16 (it wasn’t my jam), and then I went to Howard University in Washington DC. I did a pit stop at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. Then I went to Miami Ad School. It was a blast!
How did you get into advertising?
I was a cheerleader from the age of 6-16. Then I realized I couldn’t make a career out of it, and I felt it was a total waste of time. Or so I thought. After college, my high school cheerleading coach introduced me to a friend of hers that worked in advertising. She helped me become a copywriter. The rest is history.
Who were your mentors?
Lavelle Smith Hall – Former Senior Copywriter at Leo Burnett
Rob Clifton – Executive Creative Director at Leo Burnett
Lewis Williams- EVP Head of Brand Impact Weber Shandwick
Shanteka Sigers – Director at Meta Creative Shop
PJ Pereira – Creative Chairman at Pereira & O’Dell
Nicole DuMouchel Davis – Group Creative Director at GSD&M
REELated:
While there will be others, what do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
Staying true to who I am. The world, the industry, the Internet, it will all have you second-guessing who you are and what you’ve built from. But to stay true to your core, no matter what, that’s a wonderful achievement.
What drives you to create?
I can’t not create. I literally can’t. So I have to create, you know, to exist.
Award you crave, but haven’t won
Ad Color Award
What shows/movies/songs are doing the best job of portraying strong women on TV?
Grey’s Anatomy has always done a good job of showing strong women. I’m so sad it’s ending! But I’m not going to lie. As a black woman, I’m pretty tired of the “strong” stereotype. I’m ready for the era of soft.
Is there still a boys club in advertising?
Absolutely! Especially on the creative side of advertising. And especially in leadership.
Coffee, Lunch or Happy Hour. Name a famous woman (living or dead) you would like to attend each function with
Coffee: Oprah. Lunch: Beyonce. Happy Hour: Issa Rae
What keeps you up at night?
The AC. My dog’s snoring. And racism.
What’s up with Beyoncé being nominated for 4 Best Albums of the year but never winning?
Haters gonna hate.
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