Frank Dattalo of Havas Chicago on Finding Creative Inspiration in Mother Nature

Plus: His work for Nike Basketball and Kraft Heinz

Frank Dattalo is CCO of Havas Chicago. Prior to that, he served as EVP, ECD at Cashmere, with clients like Google, Budweiser, Dove, Taco Bell, Grey Goose and Kraft Heinz.

We spent two minutes withFrank to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.

Frank, tell us…

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I’m from Rochester, N.Y.—once the imaging capital of the world and home to Eastman Kodak. Now I live in Los Angeles with my family.

How you first realized you were creative.

In first grade, my teacher handed me a set of pastels after class—she saw something in me. That moment felt like pure joy. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.

A moment from high school or college that changed your life.

Mr. Keenan invited me into his commercial art class. It had a darkroom, cameras, screen printing and a wall of mixed-media supplies. That’s where I found advertising.

Your most important creative inspirations, and some recent stuff you love.

My most important creative inspiration is Mother Nature. I’m unapologetic about carving out time with my family to experience her beauty. I always travel with a camera, capturing her timelessness in black and white. I recently visited the Atacama Desert in Chile—a masterpiece. Salt lagoons you can float on, northern lights you can almost touch. It’s surreal. Brutal and breathtaking.

One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on. 

Nike Basketball with Kyrie Irving and Questlove. We brought hoops and drums together in an undeniable duet of sport and music.

A recent project you’re proud of. 

“Mustard X Mustard” for Kraft Heinz. It reflects the “high-low” approach we’ve built at Havas, combining the strategic rigor of a brand with the cultural fluency and agility of social.

Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.

Photographer Nadav Kander. His ability to create worlds with emotional depth is unmatched. His recent collaboration with Jerry Lorenzo. “Fear of God X Adidas” is masterful. 

Someone else’s work you admired lately. 

A$AP Rocky. I had the chance to collaborate with Rocky at his home in L.A. Every detail in his orbit is deliberate. He’s redefined what it means to be an artist—mixing music, fashion, film and fatherhood into a new creative language.

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Your main strength as a creative person.

My passion.

Your biggest weakness.

Also my passion. I’m driven by the belief that what we do in this industry matters. And sometimes it’s hard to turn it off and live in the moment. It’s consuming.

A mentor that helped you navigate the industry.

My mom.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.

I’d be a photographer.