About BrainstormOverload
BrainstormOverload is a creative services firm specializing in strategy and creative consulting for traditional and interactive media.
In addition to being a mental super collider for hire that can help with campaign concepts we also help bring them to life through design, art direction, illustration, copy writing and information architecture. We provide our services to advertising, design and marketing agencies as well as working directly with clients.
Todd is a graphic designer and creative director with over 15 years of agency experience. Cindy holds masters degrees from the University of Minnesota in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. Together we work to address one of the things the modern world needs most – holistic thinking.
From small business to corporate campus – from for profit to non-profit we believe every business can benefit when every touch point is woven together as part of a cohesive and compelling story that the world can understand and believe in.
Using our expertise in design, strategy, and planning we are adept at projects and design challenges where solutions emerge from cross-pollination of disciplines. We do not live in a niche, nor do we want to. Rather, we bring a process and intellectual sensibility that yields a cohesive solution no matter what the challenge.
If you’d like to talk about a project large or small, about current realities or future dreams we would be delighted to hear from you.
Todd Zerger
Founding Partner
Minneapolis, MN
2000 – Present
Todd is responsible for creative output and developing new business relationships, as well as administration and project management for interactive and traditional media projects. In addition to working directly with clients he represents the firm when providing creative strategy consulting, design work and copywriting for a growing list of agencies in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Additional Experience
Associate Creative Director
SapientNitro
Minneapolis, MN
2014 – Present
+ sapientnitro.com
Creative Director
RBA
Minneapolis, MN
2013 – 2014
+ rbaconsulting.com
Creative Director
Creed Interactive
Saint Paul, MN
2009 – 2013
+ creedinteractive.com
Associate Creative Director
Colle+McVoy
Minneapolis, MN
2008 – 2009
+ collemcvoy.com
Senior Designer
Periscope
Minneapolis, MN
2005 – 2008
+ periscope.com
Associate Creative Director
JWT
Minneapolis, MN
2000 – 2005
+ jwt.com
Education
Bachelor of Art Degree in Design
University of California, Los Angeles 1992
Select Honors
Awards
Webby Awards People’s Voice Award, 2009
The AdFed Show Silver, 2008
EFFIE Bronze, 2007
One Show Silver Pencil, 2006
Webby Awards Honoree, 2006
One Show Silver Pencil, 2003
AIGA Interactive Showcase, 2004
EFFIE Bronze, 2002
One Show Bronze Pencil, 2003
FWA Site of the Year, 2002
Communication Arts Interactive Annual, 2003
Communication Arts Site of the Week, 12.02.2002
JWT North America Passion Award, 2003
Web Marketing Assoc. Standard of Excellence, 2002
Featured in Jacob Nielsen report
“Usability Return on Investment”
Globals Finalist, Healthcare Communication
Web site category, 2001
SERVICE
ASLA-MN PR Committee Member
AIGA-MN Portfolio 1-on-1 Reviewer
ADFed-MN Mentor
Cindy Zerger
Founding Partner
Minneapolis, MN
2009 – Present
Cindy works closely with Todd on many of the design challenges, and provides creative direction in the realm of physical design projects for the firm. She tracks down RFPs, networks the rich creative community in the Twin Cities and is responsible for various administrative and logistical tasks.
+ download resume
Additional Experience
Planner/Designer
Toole Design Group
Minneapolis, MN
2014 – Present
+ tooledesign.com
Center Coordinator and Research Fellow
Center for Changing Landscapes
Minneapolis, MN
2009 – 2014
+ ccl.design.umn.edu
Graduate Landscape Architect
Coen+Partners
Minneapolis, MN
2007 – 2009
+ coenpartners.com
Research Assistant
Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
Minneapolis, MN
2006 – 2007
Central Division Alpine Competition Manager
United States Ski and Snowboard Association
Minneapolis, MN
2000 – 2004
Education
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Urban & Regional Planning
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 2008
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York 1998
Associations
+ American Society of Landscape Architects
+ American Planning Association
+ Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
Awards and Fellowships
2008 ASLA Honor Award, Student Body of Work
2007 Dale A. Champman Fellowship
2007 Girard K. Gray Fellowship
2006 Kopischke Westwood Fellowship
Service
Public Awareness Representative, ASLA
Executive Board Member ASLA-MN
Volunteer, Saint Paul Greenway Committee
Volunteer, Saint Paul Bicycle Coalition