FOUNDER - MEET ROD

Meet Rod Berg, Founder of HelloCreatives!

HelloCreatives! was founded by Rod Berg, an award-winning educator and respected global creative industry professional with over 25 years of diverse experience in the design field. Rod’s career spans multiple perspectives, making him uniquely qualified to guide creatives at every stage.

  • Educational Leadership: Rod has led Career Services at Parsons School of Design, helping students navigate their paths in the creative world.

  • Agency Experience: He held creative recruitment leadership positions at McCann Worldgroup, connecting talent with opportunities in a fast-paced agency environment.

  • In-House Expertise: As Director of Talent Acquisition at VF Corporation, Rod contributed to the success of iconic brands like The North Face, Timberland, Vans, Wrangler, and Lee.

  • Design Association Involvement: At AIGA, The Professional Association for Design, he spearheaded business development and partnerships, fostering connections within the design community.

  • Executive Search: Experience as Vice President of Creative Recruitment at a global search agency, matching top talent with industry leaders.

  • Design Foundation: Rod began his career as a graphic designer, giving him a deep understanding of the creative process.

Throughout his career, Rod has empowered countless creatives to launch and elevate their careers. As a trusted industry partner, advisor, mentor, and subject matter expert, he has built an expansive network, collaborating with iconic global brands and design leaders.

Rod is a big-city global professional, born in Los Angeles, raised in London, worked in Paris, and settled in New York. His passion for the creative arts began at an early age, his grandparents were neighbors to the famed Peanuts animator Bill Melendez, Charles M. Schultz's animation partner.  Rod was privileged and fascinated to see the likes of Charlie Brown and Snoopy come to life in Bill’s studio. The die was cast for a career in the art and design world thanks to ‘A Boy Named Charlie Brown’.

Schedule a complimentary introduction call with HelloCreatives! to see how we can help you take the next step forward in your career.

Rod Berg poses in front of a wall adorned with plants, displaying his company card.
“Just want to thank you for the trillionth time and let you know I appreciate you. You are my DESIGN ANGEL!”
— Sarah M’Bodji, Informational Systems Officer
The United Nations

TESTIMONIALS

Industry Leaders

  • “I come from three generations of designers, I run Henry Roth and Michelle Roth design studios in both NYC and Sydney, Australia. I was also the Mentor of ‘Project Runway Australia.’ Frankly speaking, Rod is your man in the world of design. Period. No one I have met in my 30 years of design has the connections, knowledge, experience, network, professionalism, or tenacity to truly help, coach, and advise creative talent to pursue success across the board. He’s a true expert in his field.”

    Henry Roth 
    Fashion Designer & Project Runway Australia, Mentor

  • “I am pleased to write on behalf of Rod Berg. His deep commitment to the careers of creative students at Parsons was remarkable, and he has a remarkable way of building and managing a network that serves him and all those he works with. Rod has a strong grasp of the creative industries.”

    Scott Belsky, Chief Strategy Officer, EVP of Design & Emerging Products, 
    Adobe & Behance, Founder

  • “Rod brilliantly identifies creative people who are talented and ideal cultural fits for purpose-led brands. He is professional, insightful, and has a global reach.”

    Denielle Wolfe, VP, Global Product & Design
    Kipling

  • “Rod is a gifted arbiter of creative talent. Rod's ability to identify, understand, and connect creative talents to business requirements is truly artful. He possesses a degree of empathy that is rare in the field of human capital. He can match the intellectual, emotional, and financial needs of creative professionals with business opportunities that result not only in a great work product but a great working culture as well. Rod is a brilliant recruiter and a genuinely creative and positive human being.”

    Jason Alan Snyder, Global Chief Technology Officer 
    Momentum Worldwide

  • "I am pleased to recommend and share my insights about Rod Berg, his deep understanding of the creative industry, combined with his keen ability to match top talent like myself with the right roles, truly sets him apart. Throughout our interactions, his thoughtful guidance, valuable insights, and genuine passion for connecting talent with opportunities that align with their skills and career goals have been meaningful. Rod’s extensive network and expertise consistently lead to successful outcomes, and his commitment to finding the right fit has made him a trusted partner."

    Jayanta Jenkins, VP Global Creative
    Starbucks

Students and Creative Professionals

  • “Rod is my DESIGN and RECRUIMENT ANGEL! Before I met him, I was very frustrated and upset with my job search and had been unsuccessfully trying to find a job for a few years. It is indescribable how much he assisted me, with my resume, my confidence, and coaching me on all aspects of the process. I would not be here if not for his patience and assistance. For that, I give thanks.”

    Sarah, Informational Systems Officer 
    The United Nations

  • “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your help, in such a small way and such a BIG way you have changed my life.”

    Nina, Graphic Designer 
    Young & Rubicam

  • “Rod Berg was instrumental in developing my career. From resume and portfolio review to his wealth of contacts in the industry, he consistently presented great opportunities to me. He is proactive, innovative, and has a great understanding of positions that would be a good fit.”

    Jennifer, Creative Manager
    Target Corporation

  • “I interviewed at both Sephora and Carnegie Hall this week. I got the job at Sephora, and I accepted their offer. I wanted to thank you for being so incredibly helpful, I really appreciate it. I'm going to go celebrate!”

    Monica, Packaging Designer 
    Sephora

  • “Hey, Rod. So, they called me and offered me the position and I said, ‘I ACCEPT!!!’ He said, ‘Wait and hear about it before you accept’ and I said, ‘I ACCEPT!!’ It was funny. Thank you so much for your help. I am sooooo grateful!! So. THANK YOU.”

    Drew, Account Manager 
    Target Corporation

  • “I just received a great phone call from Target! They have extended an offer for me to join their design team as an assistant textile designer in the women's lingerie/hosiery department! It’s amazing how much I have learned from Rod’s guidance, connections, and portfolio feedback! Thank you so much for all of your help.”

    Caroline, Textile Designer 
    Target Corporation

  • “A few years after graduation, I went to Rod seeking advice on new opportunities in the field. When I met with him, not only did he understand exactly what I was looking for, but he also knew where and how to find it. His guidance has been an invaluable resource for helping me fulfill my professional aspirations."

    Abigail, Design Officer
    The United Nations

  • “I just wanted to let you know that I accepted a position at Calvin Klein as a Graphic Designer. So, thank you, thank you, thank you for everything... none of it would be possible without your help!!!”

    Eva, Graphic Designer 
    Calvin Klein

  • “Rod goes above and beyond time after time. I was lucky to work with Rod while beginning my job search six months ago. He helped fine-tune my portfolio and connected me with the relevant people in the company I was interested in. I was particularly impressed with his professionalism and eye for design, his ability to effectively critique, and his sincere desire to help me obtain my career goals.”

    Carter, Industrial Designer
    The North Face

  • “Rod is hands down one of the most thoughtful, dedicated, and reliable professionals I have ever had the pleasure and honor to work with. He's incredibly detailed, committed, and honest which makes working with him a truly inspiring experience. He truly cares about his work and his clients, and it shows in his communication and positive energy. I can't thank him enough for his tireless work, and transparent approach.”

    Rachel, SVP, Executive Creative Director 
    Jack Morton Worldwide

  • “Rod literally found me my dream job. He sought me out and helped me secure an amazing position at a company I believe in. He is at the top of his game and found a perfect fit that met my creative talents and lifestyle. His genuine enthusiasm, integrity, and friendliness made the whole process enjoyable. He answered all my questions, returned every call, and would swiftly reply to emails along the way. A truly stand-up guy!”

    James, Sr Product Designer
    Shinola

  • “Rod has an amazing, authentic drive to create partnerships that aren't just based on the logistics of a position, but on the personality and goals of candidates. His creative background allows him to understand portfolios and the creative mind. I'm infinitely thankful for his guidance and support. He found me a match with a great company where I believe in my colleagues and the work that we do together. Rod empowers companies and creatives to exceed their goals.”

    Mike, Art Director 
    SYPartners

  • “I have Rod to thank for helping propel my career into its next phase. Friendly, enthusiastic, and always ready to answer questions, Rod patiently led me through the recruitment process, discussing each step and providing insightful information about the decision-making process. He’s a positive force who wants the best for his clients, and I’m proud of the career choice he helped me make. Thanks, Rod!”

    Katie, Sr Copywriter & Content Creator
    Crate and Barrel

  • “I'm so grateful to know Rod! He has an incredible network of people in design and advertising and has always gone beyond his responsibilities as a career counselor at Parsons to help and offer advice from within the industry. Rod was instrumental in helping me kickstart my career and land my first job, always with great advice on my resumé and branding. His sincerity in wanting to see creatives achieve their potential paired with his arsenal of all types and levels of creatives make Rod an amazing connection to have.”

    Ariel, Art Director
    FCB Global

  • “Rod is a rare pearl in an ocean of recruiters! I was introduced to Rod by an ex-colleague during my vacation in New York - a vacation that completely changed my career (and life). Rod was very responsive in all aspects. The initial meeting took place within hours of our first emails. I was very impressed by his knowledge of the creative industry both locally and globally. His ability to find the right man for the right job was unlike any I’ve seen. Rod earns my top recommendation!”

    Pan, Lead Designer
    Vault49

  • “Rod has the distinction of placing me at my first job upon graduation from Parsons. This was a defining moment in my career. As an international student graduating in a tough economy, I was very thankful for the expert advice and insights he had to offer. Over the years we have stayed in touch and I'm always impressed by his positive attitude, can-do spirit, and knowledge of the industry.”

    Manali, Creative Director
    Fossil Group

Education Leaders

  • "During my time at Parsons, Rod was an invaluable asset to the students in the Communication Design department and to me as Chair. After I left Parsons, I witnessed his expertise and effectiveness from the other side. He's calm, clear-headed, intelligent, and most talented. I recommend him wholeheartedly."

    Charles Nix, Former Chairman, Communication Design
    Parsons School of Design

  • “Rod embodies the perfect combination of experience in higher education career services and corporate recruitment. He fully understands the entire recruitment process from the perspectives of students, alumni, faculty, career services professionals, and employers. His extensive knowledge of art and design, impeccable professionalism, and winsome personality make him one of our favorite talent acquisition leaders.”

    Angelina Lee, Assistant Director, Career Services
    Otis College of Art and Design

  • “I've worked with Rod for the past 15 years in different capacities, the first five years when I was the Chair of Illustration at Parsons School for Design. Our department covered Digital Design, Graphic Design, and Illustration. He was great in placing my students in wonderful creative design and art director positions. I left Parsons and continued as the CEO of my established firm. There Rod continued to work his creative matchmaking abilities in finding the right fit for the wide variety of jobs. He is very knowledgeable in all the commercial aspects of what we need.”

    Barbara Nessim, Former Chairperson, Illustration Dept
    Parsons School of Design

  • “I have had the pleasure of working with Rod during my tenure at Parsons and currently in my role as Dean. Rod’s years of experience across disciplines give him an extraordinary ability to meet students where they are and truly help them get to where they want to be. He cares about the industries and institutions he serves, but he mostly cares about the success of our students, Rod is an incredible partner in offering support around, resumes, portfolios, recruiting, interviewing, and filling the gaps where higher education often falls short.”

    Shannon Mirabelli-Lopez, Dean
    Bill & Leila Cilker School of Art & Design, West Valley College