“We brought Rainer and Tohru in as CD/creatives to run a small piece of business for us for about 6 months and I couldn’t have been happier. They’re real pros. Total team players. Super smart, buttoned up, diligent, fast problem solvers, great strategic thinkers, and all-around good people. Rainer’s design sense is fantastic. They’re always at the top of our list when we need help.”
— Mark Gross / Co-Founder/Co-CCO at Highdive Advertising
“I have worked with Tohru and Rainer a few times in the last year running different projects. My only regret is not teaming up with them on every project in the house. They are the best combination of many disciplines - brilliant storytelling, relevant social platform thinking, high level design/craft, and clever witty narrative writing. My experience working with them was nothing short of impressive. Lastly, the range of ideas they generated was more than inspiring. All that and they are really lovely human beings. I look forward to the next ride.”
— John Norman / CCO at McCann New York
“I’ve known Tohru and Rainer for years, starting when they were a widely-respected, award-winning creative team, working full-time at some of the best agencies in town and consistently producing work that I envied. Now they’re one of our go-to freelance teams— whether we need a team for few days to concept and write, or for a few weeks to run an assignment as CDs. One thing that always impresses me is how hyper-focused they are on strategy. They never lose sight of the brief, and every concept is dead-centered on the core brand problem and message. They’re super versatile, a true 360 team. From TV campaigns to digital activations to brand “stunts”, their work is always unexpected, original, and well-executed. I highly recommend them. (Just not when we need them, please. You can have them when we’re slow.)”
— Pat Burke / ECD at Highdive Advertising | Emmy-Nominated Writer
“Tohru and Rainer are total pros. They ask smart questions. They work flawlessly with tight deadlines. Their level of craft is ridiculously great. And did I mention they’re both wonderful humans whom you can put your trust in? Well, there, I’ve said it. Don’t make your resourcing person call around and check the avails of a dozen freelancers — just go with these guys.”
“I have a very short list of freelance teams that I trust to bring the big ideas, Tohru and Rainer are definitely on that list. They’re conceptual thinkers that bring fresh ideas to every project. And they keep coming back with more. I absolutely loved working with them. Tohru’s an incredibale writer and Rainer is one of the best designers/art directors I’ve ever worked with. I seriously can’t heap enough praises on them.”
— Marisa Groenweghe / GCD at VMLY&R Chicago
“When you work with Tohru and Rainer, you’re not just getting a couple creatives. You’re getting a premium creative team. They whip up great scripts, provide fun ideas, drop in tight comps, and they do it all very fast. These guys are pros. Their creative muscle memory is strong and because of that, we got strong work from them in a very tight timeline.”
— Bryce Hooton / CD at McCann New York
“I guess there’s a chance on some distant galaxy there are a better creative duo—but I know none better here on Earth! Tohru and Rainer have such a great combo of talent and human goodness. They bring a ton of experience in making really compelling creative that checks all the boxes in the brief. And most of all, they’re passionate about what they do and really care, which makes all the difference in their work. I’m excited for the next time we get to work with Tohru and Rainer.”
— Doug Burnett / Chief Good Officer at Buena
“If you want someone who just accepts the brief as it is, delivers what you expect, and cashes the check, Tohru isn’t your guy. He’s going to ask questions—lots of them—to mine for all sorts of insights, then use those to deliver big ideas you didn’t ask for but wished you did. His concepts are smart, his taste level is high, and his words are meticulously written. Five stars.”
