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Jack Westerkamp of Breaking and Entering Media on Tapping Into Nostalgia
Jack and his pal Geno share news about the ad biz
Jack is the co-founder of Breaking and Entering Media, where he creates content and shares news about the advertising industry with his childhood buddy, Geno.
We spent two minutes with Jack to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.
Jack, tell us …
Where you grew up, and where you live now.
I grew up in Lombard, Ill. Now I live in the East Village of Manhattan.
How you first realized you were creative.
In college I would get several “Haha” reactions in group chats with my buddies after sending homemade memes I created using Snapchat.
A moment from high school or college that changed your life.
Going to a high school Project X-themed party where I met a dude named Reno. The cops showed up. It was honestly a sick party.
Your most important creative inspirations, and some recent stuff you love.
My mom, Donna Westerkamp, who is a professional quilter. Monty Python movies. The Giggly Squad podcast with Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo. The Friday Beers instagram account. Recently, I’m loving stuff from creators on TikTok like Garrett Thomas and Varun Rana.
One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.
The 60-second news edits are my favorite thing to do. In particular, this video is one of my faves, having special guest Dooley Tombras join the show.
A recent project you’re proud of.
This video we made as a montage/highlight reel of the Ad Age A-List Gala. For me it was a masterpiece, since I taught myself how to edit video in the last few months. Shoutout to CapCut.
Someone else’s work that inspired you years ago.
This video from Friday Beers in 2020. The idea of niche references and tapping into nostalgia is so important and fun. Using a reference completely unrelated to the topic of your video that delivers the same message hits so hard for me.
Someone else’s work you admired lately.
My mom’s quilt patterns that she puts on Etsy.
Your main strength as a creative person.
Only caring about the work if I think it’s funny/entertaining.
Your biggest weakness.
Only caring about the work if I think it’s funny/entertaining.
A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.
What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.
What I was doing less than a year ago: risk consulting.
2 Minutes With is our regular interview series where we chat with creatives about their backgrounds, creative inspirations, work they admire and more. For more about 2 Minutes With, or to be considered for the series, please get in touch.
