Rising Stars: Meet Jordan Dunseth of Leawood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Dunseth

Hi Jordan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Both of my parents worked in the advertising industry—my father as an Art Director and my mother as a Copywriter—so I was surrounded by design and creativity from a very young age. Growing up in that environment, I developed a natural interest in the visual arts, particularly illustration. As a child, my dream was to illustrate for MAD Magazine, which inspired much of my early artistic exploration.

While that specific childhood ambition didn’t come to fruition, my creative journey took a different, yet equally rewarding, path. I accepted a tennis scholarship to Emporia State University, where I initially pursued a degree in art. However, gaining entry into the university’s graphic design program required completing two years of foundational art courses—painting, ceramics, and other disciplines that didn’t align with my specific interests. After some thoughtful advice from my father, I opted to take design courses as electives while earning a business degree. This decision ultimately provided me with a versatile skill set that has served me well throughout my career.

After graduating, I faced significant challenges in finding employment, particularly following the events of 9/11, which made an already difficult job market even more uncertain. During that time, I took on various roles—everything from mowing lawns and temporary jobs to occasional freelance design work—to make ends meet. Eventually, I secured a position at a small ad agency in Lenexa, where I gained invaluable experience over the course of nearly three years.

My career took a pivotal turn when an old friend introduced me to a contact at Tompkins Industries, a company seeking a fresh direction in their advertising efforts. Initially, I managed their account as a side project, but over time, I was fortunate enough to turn that opportunity into a full-time role. In 2010, I officially launched Big Bird Creative, and Tompkins Industries has remained a flagship client ever since.

Since founding Big Bird Creative, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients. In addition to my long-standing partnership with Tompkins, I have completed projects for several U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Homeland Security. The studio has also contributed design and development work for the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend since 2014, as well as for notable organizations such as Saint Luke’s Health System and Kearney & Company in Washington, D.C.

One of the most rewarding aspects of running my own creative studio is the opportunity to collaborate with both large and small clients, helping them refine their brand identities and develop compelling, innovative campaigns—especially in industries where creative advertising isn’t the norm. I take pride in bringing fresh, strategic thinking to every project, and I value the trust clients place in Big Bird Creative to help them stand out in meaningful ways.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path wasn’t smooth from the outset. As noted, the events of 9/11 created widespread uncertainty, making it especially challenging to secure stable employment in an already competitive market. By the time I was able to find meaningful work, many of my peers had already begun to establish themselves in their respective careers, and I often felt as though I was playing catch-up.

However, once I had the opportunity to launch Big Bird Creative and gain a foothold in the industry, momentum began to build. Over time, I was able to develop strong client relationships and create a sustainable business. Looking back, the challenges I faced early on shaped my approach and contributed significantly to the long-term success of my practice.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My core areas of focus are print, web, and branding. Within these disciplines, I strive to deliver tailored solutions that align with each client’s specific needs and objectives.

One of my strengths is the ability to adapt to different client environments and expectations. For example, my work with Tompkins Industries allows for significant creative freedom, especially in the development of their ad campaigns. In contrast, projects for the federal government—including work for agencies such as the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services—require strict adherence to established guidelines and protocols. While the approach for each client differs, both types of engagements demand strategic problem-solving, careful listening, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results. Each is rewarding in its own way.

The projects I find most fulfilling are those centered around campaign creation. I enjoy the process of evaluating a client’s objectives and constraints, then crafting a solution that not only meets their expectations but also reflects a level of creativity and professionalism that we can both be proud to share. Helping clients bring their vision to life in a way that resonates with their audience is truly gratifying.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Find what you’re good at and lean into it. Remember the names of everyone you meet in social situations. Don’t be afraid to do pro bono work or spec work with the hope it’ll turn into something bigger.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bigbirdcreative.com