McCanners of New York: Emely Perez

Welcome to 'McCanners of New York', a series that delves into the lives of the talent behind McCann New York's greatest work. Featuring employees across departments and various roles, this series is an exploration of their personal stories, side-hustles, passions and the projects they cherish.

'McCanners of New York' offers a glimpse into the lives of these talented advertisers, showcasing both their professional and personal journeys.

In this edition, we’re getting to know Emely Perez, VP design director.

Q> Why did you decide to pursue a career in advertising?

Emely> I first got a taste of advertising and design in a vocational high school in Brooklyn. The moment I laid hands on those design programs, I was hooked! I did pretty well academically, too, graduating as Class Valedictorian. I had opportunities to study medicine or law, but those didn't interest me much. Despite my traditional Dominican family's peace of mind, I took the leap into advertising and design.

I initially got into SVA and even had my ID card ready, but after consideration, I switched to CUNY New York City College of Technology (where I met my best friends for life). In my last year, my professor Douglas Davis told me about the 4A’s MAIP program. I applied, got selected by J. Walter Thompson New York, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Q> Outside of work, do you have any personal interests or hobbies that you're particularly passionate about? Has this hobby/passion influenced your work in advertising at all?

Emely> I mean I know it sounds cliché, but I love spending quality time with friends and family and soaking in the world around me – it provides endless inspiration. Whether it's a beautiful restaurant, a museum exhibit, a movie, or a series, I take it all in. 

I also have an art series I started during the pandemic. Inmyvectors is a collection of experimental illustrations using UI as the medium. Usually, the subject is hands and their ability to express emotion. But also, I have created some pieces of famous artists like J. Cole, Bad Bunny & Biggie Smalls.

Q> Can you share a project or campaign you've worked on that you're particularly proud of?

Emely> There are two that stand out:

First, I had the pleasure of redesigning the logo for 4A’s MAIP, the very program that kickstarted my advertising career. The logo, now 11 years strong, is a tree mark constructed from stylized letters spelling "MAIP." The color application transforms the tree into a flower (growth), hive (alumni network), student reading (mentoring), and butterfly (graduation and also an element used in the original MAIP logo from 1973). Check it out here.

The second is a passion project called "ItsGettingOld," which landed an article on Adweek. At the height of the Face App trend, we used the app to highlight victims of police brutality who won't get to grow older. This simple idea turned a silly app into a powerful statement. Unfortunately, the message is still relevant as unjust lives continue to be lost. See the project here.

Q> What advice would you give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in advertising, especially at a large agency like McCann?

Emely> Show up hungry, show up open, and show yourself and others grace. 

Lastly, “If you’re worried about competing with someone, you’re not consumed enough by your own work” — Anonymous, Instagram

Q> What is your favorite area in NYC and why?

Emely> I love Bushwick with its ever-changing street art and amazing cafecito.

Q> If you could recommend one hidden gem in NYC that not many people know about, what would it be?

Emely> Montesacro Brooklyn is one of my favorite restaurants. It's Italian, with seven different Negroni cocktails, and every dish is delicious.