Ways & Means Welcomes Ely Kim as Creative Director in Residence

Mar. 05, 2026

Ways & Means is proud to announce Ely Kim as Creative Director in Residence. Extremely well-versed in every aspect of design and advertising, Ely joins to support the award-winning creative studio during what has been a very busy start to 2026.

His career spans some of the industry’s most influential agencies, including Wieden+Kennedy, Mother, Media Arts Lab, and Anomaly, as well as extensive experience working directly with brands as both an in-house and independent creative director. As Executive Creative Director at Stink Studios, he led creative for clients including Amazon, Hinge, and Nike.

Known for work that breaks through the noise, his colorful and bombastic vision leaves audiences in a state of utter euphoria. Brands like Apple, Spotify, Google, MAC Cosmetics, Calvin Klein, and Kate Spade have partnered with Ely to bring his distinctive taste and perspective to a wide range of projects.

Ely says of signing on as Creative Director in Residence:

"It was sheer brilliance for Ways & Means to create the Creative Director in Residence opportunity. Allowing me to dig in deep culturally and creatively in all aspects of the studio and, most importantly, with our clients. A concentrated amount of time to scheme, dream, and burst forward the creativity and craft that is synonymous with Ways & Means! I could not be more excited to be working with these brilliant humans."

 

Ely will work closely with the Ways & Means team across a range of ongoing client partnerships, including Sonos and Notion, while also leading development on a new original YouTube series currently in the works at the studio.

Jett Steiger, Founder and Executive Producer of Ways & Means, added:

"Whenever we tell a new client or collaborator that we’re working with Ely Kim on a project, we get a response like ‘OMG, I love Ely!!!’ It’s easy to see why. He brings a bright, playful energy to every project he touches, every call he joins, and every conference room he sets foot in. We couldn’t be more excited for him to bring his world-class creative talents to Ways & Means for a few months — it won’t take long for us to make some magic."