Partner and Creative Director, Dan Stout, brings experience, candor and swagger to our internal team and external communications. Anything that enters and leaves our shop, lands on his desk at some point in the process.
What is your name? Do you prefer to go by a nickname?
Daniel Stout. Everyone calls me Dan. Also go by Stout, Stouter, and TooPerfect.
What is your role and what are you responsible for doing?
I am Creative Director, Copy. Responsible for all creative copy-related tasks and projects.
How do you describe what you do to friends and family?
I help businesses communicate their best and creatively solve problems. That can be done through reinterpreting existing brands, inventing new ones, or fine-tuning the things that make any business unique.
What’s been your favorite project to work on?
I don’t have a particular favorite project—just a favorite type. My favorite type of project is one that requires me to think of several creative solutions to multiple new challenges.
What do you listen to when you’re working?
When writing it’s difficult to listen to music with lyrics so it’s usually deep house or metal instrumentals. But I can always find space to listen to TOOL.
What was your first job? Did you like it?
Technically a paperboy. However, I consider my first “real job” to be detailing hearses and limousines for a funeral home. It was quiet.
How would you describe yourself?
A thoughtful, highly competitive, and self-deprecating hard-worker. Others may describe me as an odd, aloof know-it-all (in all good and bad ways).
How would you describe Mirror Matter?
Mirror Matter is able to open new doors.
Apple or Android, and why?
Apple everything. They just work better for longer.
How did you get linked with Mirror Matter?
I co-founded Mirror Matter with two longtime colleagues and friends whom, then and now, I believe in, respect and wholeheartedly trust.
What part of “agency life” do you like the most?
The pitch. And learning something new every day.
Ideal retirement plan?
Sun, golf and bottomless Dark & Stormy’s.
Coffee, tea, or other?
Big, black cold brew.
What book, show, or podcast would you recommend to the world? Why?
I’ll give you one of each. Book—Daniel Dennett’s Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking. Show—Succession. Podcast—Making Sense with Sam Harris.
Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall? Why?
Summer. Vitamin D and heat.
What are you looking forward to most about the next year?
Personal and professional growth. And maybe going to a bar.
