Turning Early Artistry into a Multi-Decade Career in Global Branding

Most people don’t think a teenage drawing could lead to a career in global branding. But for Roger Hooks, Jr., it all started at 17. That’s when he earned his first check for a pastel and colored pencil drawing. Just imagine - a small commission at that age would set the tone for what became a 36-year creative journey.

From Paste-Up Artist to S&P 500 Creative Executive

Roger began at the dawn of desktop publishing. Back then, he worked as a paste-up artist at AlphaGraphics. Most people would see it as tedious, but Roger saw it as a foundation. Every trim, every placement taught him precision, discipline, and design logic.

Soon, he moved into illustration. He became a food illustrator for Bay Area brands like Fresh Choice. Those early projects gave him a taste of real-world brand storytelling. 

Building Authority Through Creative Strategy

Over the years, Roger transitioned into creative strategy. He was not just designing anymore; he was interpreting CEOs’ visions, creating campaigns, and managing cross-cultural brand adaptations. For instance, he helped a Taiwanese company tailor its products and branding for Western audiences. 

Roger believes in processes and order. He focuses on audience, objectives, and function first. Every idea gets tested and challenged before execution. That’s how he keeps creativity both innovative and effective.

Award-Winning Work and Global Recognition

Throughout his career, Roger’s work consistently received multiple platinum awards in copywriting, numerous gold honors from advertising campaigns and recognition for events, showcasing both the results he delivered, and the awards he received. His work has even included partnerships with Apple, NVIDIA, Intel, and Universal Music Group, and even a few entertainers, including Snoop Dogg.

Passion Beyond Work

What makes Roger stand out is not just his career. He literally thrives on challenge. After a serious motorcycle accident, he crutched out of the hospital just eight days after surgery. He continues to play full-contact semi-pro football, run Masters track meets, and compete in multi-national RC boat racing championships. In his work life, he is driven to push ideas and embrace competition.

So, his life journey clearly depicts that with even just a little spark of passion and focus, one can make a global influence. He went from getting his first art commission at age 17 to leading the creative strategy for S&P 500 brands. In a nutshell, it is a story of talent turned into influence.

Roger Hooks continues to be devoted to his mission to share his extensive knowledge and experience, foster creative talent, and shape brand strategies for the global advancement of clients at Hookscity. Roger's work is more than work of design, more than campaigns. It is about creating sustainable value, innovation, and being an architect of the global brand future. 

If you want to learn from a master creative strategist, follow Roger Hooks, Jr. You will see how passion, strategy, and experience come together to create authority, inspire teams, and make a signature mark in the world of creative excellence.

Connect with Roger Hooks, Jr. at Hookscity and see how a lifetime of artistry becomes a blueprint for global creative leadership.