In Conversation With Alexis Tomrell

Alexis Tomrell worked in the Appalachian Mountains and found inspiration in a collection of MIT posters before she hit the ground running in adland. Find out more about how her journey informs her career now as a dentsu editorial content strategist.

Q> How would you explain your job to a small child?  

Alexis> I make a big collage of cool foods, fun activities, awesome toys and interesting people. And then I lay them out in a big magazine and take colorful pictures of all those things and write stories telling other people why they should also get to know these things. 

Q> Who inspires you?  

Alexis> Jacqueline Casey and Suzanne Ciani are two women in the advertising field that have inspired me. Casey was a graphic designer who worked in advertising and fashion. I especially loved her collection of posters for MIT. She would take scientific topics and distill them in this beautiful and singular visual statement, while also conveying important information to students and faculty.  

Q> What was the most interesting job you’ve ever had? 

Alexis> I worked as an associate producer on a documentary that explored forest conservation at the turn of the century. I got to play, film and research in the Appalachian Mountains for months on end. Plus, I was the production's costume designer too, so I sourced axes, boots, trousers and mustaches for our reenactment scenes.  

Q> What was your dream job when you were younger? 

Alexis> I wanted to work for the United Nations and become a stylish ambassador for some stylish country. I wholeheartedly attribute this dream to Mary-Kate and Ashley's incredible film, 'Winning London.'  

Q> What is your theme song? 

Alexis> 'Cccan't You See' by the band Vicious Pink.