Tess Johnson is a copywriter at Hill Holliday working on brands including Novartis and Dunkin’ Donuts, and numerous pro-bono projects and new business pitches. Before coming to Hill Holliday, Tess studied and wrote poetry at UMass Boston. In her spare time, she plays in an indie rock band.

"If I'm not making things, it feels like something is missing. I started writing songs and poetry really young, and it's just one of the ways that I like to create. I also make other things: music with my band, poetry and, of course, ads."
"If I'm not making things, it feels like something is missing. I started writing songs and poetry really young, and it's just one of the ways that I like to create. I also make other things: music with my band, poetry and, of course, ads."

Q: What was your role on the NYWICI Matrix Journal project?

A: As the copywriter, I worked with Duda on coming up with the concept and figuring out the details of how we would represent each winner. Later we worked with an illustrator to ensure that our vision was brought to life the way we saw it.

Q: What was your favorite part of the project?

A: I loved imagining what the 1920’s version of each winner should look like and how to represent her career in that era.

Q: Tell me a bit about your career journey that led you to your current role @ Hill Holliday.

A: After interning at Hill, I was hired on as a “copy typist” updating manuscripts for pharmaceutical websites. Luckily different creative directors gave me opportunities to do some actual writing. Before I knew it I was creating TV commercials and brand platforms and participating in new business pitches.

Q: Tell me a fun fact about yourself.

A: I do almost everything left handed except for play the guitar. I learned with my right.