Patients & Purpose CD Tyler Maxson on Not Knowing When to Stop

Creatively speaking, that can be a good thing

Tyler is an award-winning creative director with over a decade of experience in both consumer and healthcare advertising. He is currently senior vice president and CD at Patients & Purpose.

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

Tyler, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I’m from Belford N.J., a few blocks from the bay that overlooks NYC. I now live 20 minutes north, in Sayreville N.J.

How you first got interested in health.

I had spent almost a decade in consumer advertising when I started freelancing at a small healthcare agency. That’s where I found a tight crew of creatives who just had my vibe. The work we were producing was different and meaningful. At my current job, still work with some of those people.

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

For Dry January 2024, The SAFE Project launched “It Ain’t 5 O’clock Somewhere,” a full-length song. Because over 40 percent of popular country songs mention alcohol and encourage listeners to drink, we decided to create one that encourages people not to. We collaborated with Ryan Whyte Maloney, from NBC’s The Voice, and we took on the country music industry head on with a positive message.

A recent project you’re proud of. 

“Sounds of NPC.” We teamed up with Pomann Sound on a radio ad that helps people check their hearing in real time while raising awareness about hearing loss as a symptom of nasopharyngeal cancer. Based on patient data, the ad uses hundreds of sounds at 3500 Hz and 6000 Hz—frequencies people with this cancer often have trouble hearing.

One thing about how health is evolving that you’re excited about.

Projects like “Sensible Strumming” and “Sounds of NPC” demonstrate how health advertising is beginning to transcend traditional formats, reaching people in more engaging and impactful ways.

Someone else’s work, in health or beyond, that you admired lately.

As a new parent, I was shaken by T-Mobile’s “Message from Ella, Without Consent.”

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

I just read a biographical article about David Frieburger, former editor of Hot Rod Magazine, and now a TV host. He transformed auto entertainment. He encouraged his staff to “Think like a 13-year-old, but know stuff.” I can’t stop thinking about that line. That is what being a creative is like.

A visual artist or band/musician you admire.

Bruce Springsteen. I’ve seen him live 40+ times. His sound is the sound of New Jersey—that is the sound of where I am from. Ideas can come from anywhere—his song “Easy Money,” about the 2008 recession, inspired my first campaign. We put cats in CEO suits and created “Don’t Give Your Money to Fat Cat Bankers.” 

Your favorite fictional character.

Gregory House M.D. A lovable flawed jerk in pursuit of great answers. 

Someone worth following on social media.

36 Days of Type

Your main strength as a marketer/creative.

When I get excited about something I just go full-on. I’ll keep going unless someone yells “Stop!”

Your biggest weakness.

I get too invested in some of my work, emotionally and time-wise. I have so many passion projects.

Something people would find surprising about you.

I’m restoring a 1970 Dodge Charger in my garage, doing all the body work and welding.

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

Charter fishing captain in the Florida Keys.