“Think Outside the Box” has forever been a mantra in the creative world, extolling the virtues of “blue sky brainstorming” and a limitless creative process.

But there are always limits. And from our point of view, working without boundaries is…boring. A true test of creativity comes from constraints, and how you “Houdini” your way out of the box. “Think Inside the Box” can be a fun and far-reaching jumping off point for panel conversation on the entire hands-on creative process. 

What are your constraints?  How do you handle them or learn to love them? What’s your process?

And if you’re one of those “outside the box” people, you’re welcome too!

Join us on Thursday, May 9th, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Digitas (40 Water St, Boston, MA 02109) for a thought-provoking conversation as we turn the creative process inside out. 

Moderator and Panelist Bios

Jonathan Markella

Moderator

Executive Creative Director, MK3 Creative

It’s hard to put into words all that words have meant to Jonathan. He’s been a creative director for his entire career, and his process always starts and ends with the written word. Writing and directing design have always been his strengths, and he’s won national awards for his work in television, video, radio, print, and digital. Prior to being a founding member of the MK3 team, Jonathan was the Director of Creative Services at NESN, and enjoyed 18 years at the sports cable network.

Jonathan has two daughters, two grandchildren, two authentic World Series rings, five Emmys, a dozen published and produced one-act plays, a bag of “favorite” tennis rackets, and an amateur acting career that favors Neil Simon. Jonathan and his wife Robin live in Duxbury MA, the town he grew up in.

Mark DiTondo

Panelist

Creative Director, MK3 Creative

For Mark, the creative process is all about having the right plan – understanding the “what” and providing the “how.” He offers over 15 years of award-winning experience in directing and producing, with a focus on video and events. Every great plan starts with an idea, and Mark enjoys the challenge of transforming project complexities into creative ideas that come to life, all according to plan.

Mark is originally from Buffalo, NY and currently lives on the South Shore with his wife Janel, daughter Olivia and dog Biggie Smalls. He loves golfing, beaching and Buffalo sports. Go Bills!

Ken Volk

Panelist

Title: VP of Creative + Brand, UKG

With 20+ years as an in-house leader Ken Volk, VP of Creative Experience at UKG, is passionate about branding, creativity, and leadership. Currently, Ken is relentlessly focused on helping his diverse team of leaders, planners, strategists, and creatives embrace the power of curiosity to develop partnerships, nurture ideas, and inspire better outcomes for all.

Malik Williams

Panelist

Title: Composer, Producer, Engineer, Educator

Malik Williams is an Emmy nominated and platinum selling composer, producer, engineer, educator whose work has appeared in records, film, television, and national advertising campaigns. His successful work as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, voiceover artist, and his ability to work in many different genres, has made Mr. Williams an in-demand producer. Mr. Williams owns and operates Reel Sync Music, a custom music production, supervision, music licensing and audio-post production company based in Boston, Massachusetts. 

He’s also a Voting GRAMMY member, Co-chair of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) Boston Section, Co-founder of The Secret Society of Black Creatives, and serves on community, educational and DEI committees including, The Loop Lab, Project STEP and Co-founder of the Town of Randolph DEI Coalition. 

Kelly Wencis

Panelist

Title: Creative Director, Bose

A graduate of Syracuse University, Kelly Wencis is on a career-defining mission to reach the music obsessed. In her role as a Creative Director at Bose Corporation, she dreams up campaign concepts, captivating retail experiences, and pioneering packaging design systems. Ever thoughtful but razor-sharp she inspires creative teams with fresh perspectives and thrives on pushing boundaries.

Originally hailing from the Boston, MA area she currently lives in the burbs with her husband, two amazing kids and boisterous pup, Maverick. She loves traveling, any culinary adventure that includes sushi and has been known to play a mean hand of poker.

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About MK3 Creative

MK3 Creative is a Boston-based creative agency specializing in video and event production.  With a team of innovative professionals, MK3 Creative delivers creative solutions to help businesses engage their audiences and achieve their goals. Learn more at https://mk3creative.com/. 

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About the American Marketing Association (AMA) Boston:

The American Marketing Association (AMA) Boston is the networking and educational hub for New England marketers. Our mission is to build a community of marketers who can share experiences, learn about the latest marketing trends, and build a powerful professional network. AMA Boston empowers its members with the knowledge and resources they need to be leaders in their careers and organizations. Learn more at https://www.amaboston.org. 

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Any questions? Please reach out to us at theoffice@amaboston.org!