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Modesto Rodriguez of Spectrum Science on the Evolving Health Landscape
Boundless opportunities for meaningful work
Modesto is chief creative officer at Spectrum Science. Previous stints include McCann Health and Ogilvy CommonHealth, among others. He has spent the past 22 years building agencies, launching brands and crafting campaigns. He has worked on national and global brands across fashion, entertainment, consumer goods, education and health.
We spent two minutes with Modesto to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Modesto, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I was born, raised and still live in New Jersey.
How you first got interested in health.
I’ve always been drawn to do things that make a positive impact. I credit that to my Jesuit education and upbringing. So, whether I work in health or any other industry, I’m passionate about creating and chasing opportunities to do purposeful work that connects with people in meaningful, memorable and inspiring ways.
One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.
“The Give Card.” Holiday food insecurity, post-pandemic, was at an all-time high and donations were at an all-time low. I’d read a stat that of the 1.6 billion greeting cards sent during the holidays, approximately 85 percent go from the fridge door and mantle into the trash. We saw the opportunity to transform a disposable holiday card into a reusable donation bag and created the card that keeps giving.
A recent project you’re proud of.
As a passion project, I recently started devoting a lot of my personal time to a nonprofit housing foundation and libraries that are securing grants to create a program promoting book drops in low-income areas.
One thing about how health is evolving that you’re excited about.
Health has seeped into all other industries—tech, entertainment, retail, food and beverage, fitness and more. Likewise, many industries have made inroads into health. These include cosmetics, personal care, agriculture, environmental services. This convergence has made health ubiquitous and the opportunities to do meaningful work endless.
Someone else’s work, in health or beyond, that you admired lately.
The late, great Arnaud Mercier, whose work deeply inspired me early in my career, and who I often credit for my love of design.
A book, movie, TV show, or podcast you recently found inspiring.
The Paradox Museum. It’s more of an immersive experience and not a book, movie or podcast. The fusion of art, imagination and interactivity is a lot of fun.
A visual artist or band/musician you admire.
Your favorite fictional character.
Santa Claus, the G.O.A.T.
Someone worth following on social media.
Design for Good: a global non-profit alliance designing a better world.
Your main strength as a marketer/creative.
Knowing that I don’t know everything.
Your biggest weakness.
Thinking sometimes that I do.
Something people would find surprising about you.
I’ve always wanted to take an idea onto Shark Tank.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in health.
Trying to get an idea onto Shark Tank.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
