2 Minutes With … Jason Kreher, North America CCO, Brand, at Accenture Song

After nearly 15 years at Wieden+Kennedy Portland, working with many of the world’s top brands, Jason Kreher recently joined Accenture Song as North America chief creative officer, brand, building a new capability with a focus on entertainment, tech and web3.

In addition to his work in advertising, Jason debuted his first short film (with director Todd Selby) at the independent Slamdance Film Festival in Utah. In 2015 he published his first book with Simon & Schuster—a collection of cruel Popsicle stick jokes named SchadenFreezers—and created an online comedy series with standup Maria Bamford.

Kreher’s long-running creative collaboration with indie rock band Portugal. The Man boasts more than 350 million YouTube views and has earned him literally dozens of dollars in songwriting residuals.

Jason lives in Portland, Oregon, with his husband Eirik and son Rex.

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

Jason, tell us…

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I’m from Snellville, Georgia (Everybody’s Somebody in Snellville™), and I live in Portland, Oregon (Literally on Fire Since 2020™).

How you first realized you were creative.

Where I grew up, “creative” was a euphemism for “homosexual.” For me, both realizations happened at age 11 when I first saw the Elizabeth Taylor White Diamonds commercial.

A person you idolized creatively early on.

Baby Jessica.

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

The first time I ever got on an airplane.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Daniel Clowes and Anita Baker.

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

The Andy Warhol Diaries on Netflix. 

Your favorite fictional character.

David Droga. 

Someone or something worth following in social media.

Me on Tumblr.

How Covid-19 changed your life, personally or professionally.

When Covid hit, I had a toddler, a million personal projects, a full-time job and no childcare. I had to have a conversation with myself in the mirror where I said, Look pal. Lower your bar. Quit working so much. This is going to be intense, and something has to change. Give it a rest. And I did, but ended up with some of my favorite stuff I’ve ever made. Ever since I’ve been really interrogating what I need to do to get to good work, and how I prioritize my time.

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

The Portugal. The Man stuff has been wild. We made a bunch of videos together, I got to write songs with them (I am not good at this, btw), we worked with Mike Judge and Weird Al Yankovich and Dennis from Always Sunny. But most importantly, these guys are genuinely nice people using their talents to make a difference in the world, and specifically for indigenous people. I love them very much.

A recent project you’re proud of.

The Coinbase QR code spot was the most “I can’t believe they’re actually going to let us make this thing,” thing I’ve ever made. And that’s saying something.

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.

Jeff Kling, Jeff Williams and Jeff Selis’ Miller High Life stuff.

Someone else’s work you admired lately.

The cereal with tampons in it was flawless.

Your main strength as a creative person.

I’m pleasantly relentless.

Your biggest weakness.

My big giant fat body.

One thing that always makes you happy.

Around minute three of “Hard Habit to Break” by Chicago. 

One thing that always makes you sad.

A brand that’s lost its voice. JK could you imagine if I said that? 

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

I’d be a stay-at-home dad who is constantly Realizing Things about himself.