The words "Nalgene Brodeck" written in black cursive script on a transparent background.

Creative leader, marketing-minded brand builder, and visual storyteller with a deep belief in wonder, humor, empathy, and a little bit of whimsy. I bring over a decade of in-house experience building and evolving brands in the CPG space, with a background rooted in marketing and communications that naturally led me into creative direction, design systems, and team leadership.

I’m endlessly curious and culture-obsessed in the best way (chronically online, of course), always paying attention to how people live, what they value, what they laugh at, and how those shifts show up in design, storytelling, and brand expression. I believe strong creative work is born from immersion: in culture, in conversation, and in the unexpected. I’m drawn to finding beauty where others might overlook it, staying open to the unfamiliar, and constantly pushing work from “good” to “better.”

At my core, I’m a relationship-based creative and a natural guide, someone who brings clarity, encouragement, and direction to both the work and the people behind it. (Adobe calls this creative type “The Guide,” which feels fitting.) I thrive in moments of change, helping teams navigate ambiguity with empathy, intention, and a steady creative point of view.

When I’m not building brands or shaping ideas, you can usually find me on long walks with my dog, Woof, thrifting my favorite Twin Cities spots, sending an alarming number of memes to friends, watching hockey, diving into a DIY project I have no idea how to do (but will figure it out as I go), or cycling through hobbies, most recently getting back into tennis and golf.

CLIENTS I’VE WORKED WITH:

Recommendations

  • "Natalie demonstrated an exceptional understanding and aptitude for navigating the complexities of modern creative direction....Natalie’s commitment, creativity, and analytical acumen have made a significant impression on me. Not to mention her active participation in discussions, feedback sessions, and her meticulous approach to the final course project - all have underscored a strong potential for leadership and innovation in the field."

    Randy Stein, Group Creative Director

  • "I can say with complete confidence that she is one of the most visionary and dedicated brand creatives I've worked with. Her ability to translate brand strategy into compelling visual storytelling is unmatched - and she does it with a deep understanding of the customer and the end goal: driving sales"

    Deanna Webb, VP of Sales

  • "Natalie led the evolution of Curio's internal creative scope to include digital creative strategy and design, copywriting and social media content strategy and creation, and campaign planning and execution. Something notable about Natalie was her passion for self-development. She was always seeking opportunities to grow. She also was known for nurturing young creative talent as the leader of Curio's first Internship Program."

    Meredith Boone Tutterow, Board Director + CMO

  • "Most of all, Natalie was an incredible manager. She advocated fiercely for our team, created space for us to grow, and always led with compassion and confidence, even when things were chaotic. She had a huge impact on my career and helped shape the creative professional I am today."

    Isabelle LeFebvre, Copy Writer

  • "She approaches every project with passion, creativity, and distinct story-telling making her an expert art director. Natalie has a strong sense of leadership and organization, seamlessly planning multi-day/multi-brand shoots and managing large teams on set."

    Bethany Patterson, Sr. Graphic Designer

  • "It has been an honor to work with someone with so much creative talent. She committed so much time and effort to make our brands beautiful in the marketplace. Her concepting and vision has pushed our brands visually into a new marketing era during times of great growth."

    Brittany Reuvers, Sr. Digital Production Designer

  • "Natalie brings a rare combination of strategic thinking, creativity, and flawless execution. Whether we were planning high-level event strategy or navigating the many moving parts of a show floor build, she consistently led with clarity, professionalism, and a strong sense of purpose. Her attention to detail and ability to keep both teams and timelines on track made every project smoother, more successful and most importantly, visually appealing."

    Ben Smereczniak, Senior Account Executive

  • "She is one of the most creative, talented, and dependable colleagues I've ever worked with. She brings great energy and fresh ideas to every project she is a part of. No matter the challenge, she is always up for it with enthusiasm...She is someone who makes work more enjoyable and inspiring."

    Keri Lipscomb, Sr. Brand Manager Capri Blue

  • "She not only brought an immense creativity but also a wonderful confidence that would shine through on every project...I also had the privilege of watching Natalie manage several photoshoots throughout the year, and I couldn't help but be in awe of how effortlessly she handled the entire process. Natalie has this remarkable ability to keep everyone energized and focused with such grace while creating a collaborative, positive atmosphere."

    Anna Alberts, Sr. Brand Manager Thymes

  • "She's not just talented - she's a true team player. Natalie is great at communicating ideas, working across departments, and jumping in to solve problems when things don't go as planned."

    Amelia Niu, Graphic Designer

  • "Natalie has an incredible eye for detail. Her creative direction has consistently elevated the brand's pressence and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who experiences her work. She goes above and beyond and truly inspires me with her work ethic. Beyond her creative talents, Natalie has been an incredible coworker and friend, she's someone who gets along with anyone and is such a natural leader."

    Morgan Shepherd, Assistant Brand Manager Capri Blue

  • "Natalie is a talented creative professional with an impeccable eye for design. She is skilled in visual mechandising and styling, storytelling, and creative concepting. She is a trend enthusiast with a strong pulse on beauty, fashion, social media and pop culture trends, consistently helping brands stay current and resonate with customers."

    Jessica Ihringer, Sr. Brand Marketing Director