2 Minutes With … Anne Marie Hite, GCD at The Martin Agency

Anne Marie is a group creative director at the Martin Agency, where she’s worked for the last 27 years. She is currently helping to lead CarMax and Sanofi. Her past assignments include Old Navy, Geico, Walmart and Land O’Lakes.

We spent two minutes with Anne Marie to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.

Anne Marie, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I grew up in Rome—Georgia, not Italy—although it does have seven hills and a replica of the Romulus and Remus statue in the center of town. So basically, I grew up thinking it was normal for babies to drink milk from a wolf’s teet. That’s probably why I married a psychologist, who I now live with in Richmond, Va.

How did you first realize you were creative?

I entered a poster contest for mental health awareness in the third grade. I drew a giant rainbow with a pot of gold at the end and a family running toward it. The headline said: “Mental Health Is Wealth.” I won the contest and 10 silver dollars and my picture in the Rome News Tribune. Somewhere in my subconscious I must have thought, “Wow, copywriting is so easy. I should make it my career someday.”

A person you idolized creatively early on.

My mother—an artist and feminist—created giant sculptural pouches of canvas, with plaster and glass bursting out of them, symbolizing women’s struggles for equality. As a child, I didn’t realize the significance of this. I just thought she was cool.

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

When I was a sophomore at the University of Georgia, a family emergency required me to take a semester off and live at home with my parents. With most of my friends away at school, I started writing stories to entertain myself. At some point, I realized I was much better at writing than accounting. When I returned the following semester, I switched from business school to journalism. I am grateful for that decision every day. 

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Sofia Coppola, Tracy Chapman, Hilma af Klint. There are so many.

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

I loved the movie Past Lives. I’m fascinated by the concept of inyeon. It takes a bit of the pressure off knowing there will be many more chances to get it just right.

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

When I worked on Land O’Lakes, we found that when most people think of farmers, they think of men. Yet 30 percent of farmers are women. So, we worked with an indie country music artist and Grammy-winning songwriter to rework “Old MacDonald” as an empowering anthem celebrating female farmers. It was during the height of Me Too. And even though it was about a very specific industry, the message resonated. When we first showed the cut to the clients there was silence. They were crying. The 90-second music video premiered on The Voice and Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton tweeted about it.

A recent project you’re proud of. 

I work on Unisom (sleep aid) and when we heard that this year’s Met Gala theme was “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” we knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We partnered with designer Christian Siriano to create our own sleeping beauties—20 models, dressed in sleep-themed gowns, who would nap in locations around the city. 

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago. 

I remember when I first saw the original Nike Women’s campaign, created by Janet Champ and Charlotte Moore. It was an 8-page spread in Vogue and it stopped me in my tracks. It’s still as powerful today.

Someone else’s work you admired lately. 

I love how Pop Tarts, an almost 60-year-old brand, is inserting itself into culture. First by sacrificing a mascot into a giant toaster, and then with the perfect response to Jerry Seinfeld’s movie Unfrosted. (That response, IMHO, is funnier than the film.)

Your main strength as a creative person.

Much like Ted Lasso, I believe that if you want something to happen, you have to believe it will happen, no matter how impossible it may seem.

Your biggest weakness.

Some people on my teams might say my strength is also my weakness.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

I feel so lucky to have had Karen Costello as my boss, even though it was for way too short a time. She did so much for me and my career, often knowing what I needed without me having to ask. (And a special shoutout to Nancy Vonk, Janet Kestin and Steve Bassett.)

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

For many years, I was told that I needed to have more confidence—which is literally the worst thing you can say to someone who needs more confidence. I now consider it a huge part of my job to help younger creatives believe in themselves and have a voice. They are bringing something special and unique to the table, even if they’ve only been in this business a few days.

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

I’d love to be an actress. Is it too late?