SARAH SHERMAN
About
Unfortunately, I’m not Sarah Sherman, the SNL cast member. I’m a multidisciplinary creative director and strategist working across the full storytelling spectrum — from foundational brand positioning through creative campaigns and content. I come from film, journalism, advertising, emerging tech, and New York City.
Right now, I run strategy at SpecialGuest, a maker-minded creative agency, where I’ve led work on major accounts, including Meta, OpenAI, Bumble, Lyft, and Zocdoc.
Before SpecialGuest, I helped build The Atlantic’s brand studio into an award-winning creative group recognised by Fast Company, AdAge Creativity, and Vimeo Staff Picks. I’ve also worked on long-form documentary projects in different capacities over the past 15 years, including Emmy-nominated and Peabody-winning films.
A few quick hits: I’ve remotely directed Jeffrey Wright recording VO from his home studio in Hawaii, pitched 360 campaigns to Sam Altman across a giant conference table, and creative directed 100-person shoots. And my agency was just nominated for our first Grammy.
When I’m not working, I’m reading about farm animal welfare, breakdancing with my toddler, or giving my pitbulls manicures.
Films & Shows
Fault Lines (Big Sky Film Festival Official Selection, Apple TV, Amazon Prime), American Pathogen (narrated by Jeffrey Wright), Chicagoland (CNN), Freeway (Al Jazeera America), Letters From Baghdad (Amazon Prime), (Dis)honesty (Amazon Prime, PBS), Gainesville (CMT)
Clients
Zocdoc, Ray-Ban, Meta, Google, OpenAI, Lyft, Google, Oatly, Bumble, Jaguar, Porsche, Playboy, The New York Times, TikTok, IBM, Foundation, Instagram, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, CNN, Dyson, Kohler, Boeing, AT&T, VMware, Cove, Marriott, Cathay Pacific Airlines, Vurvey, Sunbit
Some Awards
Cannes Lion Silver Lion (2025), NY Addy's Silver 2025 (x3), NY Addy's Social Silver 2025, Cannes Social Shortlisted 2025 (x2), Indie Agency Top 40 Independent Agency 2024 (SpecialGuest), Webby Nominee 2025, Shorty Finalist 2024,Small Agency of the Year (SpecialGuest), AdAge Silver Addy (Shortlisted), Shorty Awards, Vimeo Staff Pick (Moral Code), Folio Class of Top Women in Media in the Up & Comers, 100 Significant Women in Native Advertising, OMMA finalist, Emmy nomination: Investigative Journalism, Webby nomination: Best Branded, OMMA Finalist, Folio Awards
Coaching
“Coaching” is a silly word, but I sometimes do work that a lot of people would describe as coaching.
What I offer: (1) Counseling through work challenges and transitional moments, e.g., managing tough relationships with colleagues, navigating negotiations, advocating for role growth or change. (2) Developing and refining the story you tell about your work experience and aspirations.
Who I support: I am field-agnostic, but I have a particular edge with people coming from media, creative industries, advertising, etc. I have the most experience with early and mid-career women.
Select Work
Bumble, Finally
HPE, Eighteen Zeros
Zocdoc, Ready to be Seen
Vurvey Labs, Rebrand
Lyft, Check Lyft
Ray-Ban Meta, Live All In
Foundation
Cove
Lizzo x Meta
Dogchurch
Bumble, Voices
Substack
Sarah Sherman © 2026