Kyle Kelley of PMG on What You Learn When You’re Up Against It

He's prepping the next generation of creatives

As PMG’s global ECD, Kyle has built a creative practice focused on blending creativity, technology and media. He has worked with iconic brands such as Beats by Dre, Gap, TikTok and Dr Pepper.

We spent two minutes with Kyle to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired. 

Kyle, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I grew up in Sachse, Texas. That’s Sack-see, don’t try to fancy it up. 

How you first realized you were creative.

Sometimes I feel like I’m still pretending.

A person you idolized creatively early on.

I am the amalgamation of my parents. My dad is the artist. He could draw. Like really draw. I would constantly ask him to draw things for me. And while he would never say no, he eventually encouraged me to start drawing things for myself. He set me on the creative path. My mom is the communicator. When I was a teen, she would come into my room and just sit there. Sometimes we would sit for five minutes or more without saying anything. She taught me that listening can communicate more than speaking. 

A moment from high school or college that changed your life.

I applied to the Comm Arts program my junior year of college and was rejected. Deemed not even sharp enough to learn how to do advertising. You learn a lot about yourself when your back is against the wall. It can fuel you to drive harder, do better.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Rick Rubin is the epitome of good taste.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

The New York Times Podcast feeds my FOMO. It’s a culture study disguised as a music podcast.

One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on. 

PMG’s “Save Jane” movement on behalf of Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center brought an opportunity to create meaningful work, tied to a provocative idea that brought a community together.

A recent project you’re proud of. 

Sterling – “Done & Done.” A brand launch that rightfully celebrates tradespeople as heroes instead of focusing on the tools they use.

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago. 

This Diesel campaign was so stupid.

Someone else’s work you admired lately. 

The McDonald’s “Grimace Shake” on TikTok. I want to believe an agency was behind this. But I think it’s just a case of the internet doing its beautifully dark thing.

Your main strength as a creative person.

Patient. Calm. Clear.

Your biggest weakness.

The need for balance.

How you’re paying it forward with the next generation of creatives.

The next generation of creatives aren’t what we expect them to be. We need to craft opportunities for the unexpected candidate to contribute to our process. We are building a culture at PMG that makes space for anyone to bring thinking that’s interesting, unexpected and creates impact for our brands.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.

Torn between personal stylist and high school football coach. Hope I’ll never have to choose.