Canteen, known for producing evocative tabletop content, is extending its reach by providing complete creative ideation through delivery for brands and agencies. As a vital part of the expansion, creative director Tess Martin joins the company’s diverse team of artists, engineers, adventurers, and next-generation creatives.

Canteen is a woman-owned, creative production company where experimentation, play, and a pioneering approach to shooting have resulted in product-forward campaigns for Starbucks, Burger King, Cheerios, Pepsi and other noted brands. Carrying this spirit and experience onward, Canteen’s team of creatives and specialists have developed an integrated approach to serve clients and advertising agencies.

“We see this next stage for Canteen, including the addition of Tess, as a chance to streamline the process from creative development to execution, so that more focus can be given to crafting stories that are not only beautiful, but also have a profound impact,” explained Canteen founder/EP Elyse Sara. 

Erik Dettle, Canteen partner/director, added, “From traditional campaigns to social activations, audiences are engaged with products and brands in an increasingly heightened and sophisticated way. Whether the product is the story or embedded deep within it, we can help clients design a campaign or series of campaigns that connects to the big idea or strategy.”

Martin, who had previously been freelancing as a creative director,  expands Canteen’s reach into beauty, lifestyle and tech.  Martin is known for concepting 360-campaigns, including package design, in-store displays, print, and social media content.  She has led creative teams for a range of brands, such as E.L.F., Almay and Avon, and will lead lifestyle and beauty-focused collaborations. 

Martin related, “In partnership with Canteen, I am excited to focus on the most exciting elements of creative direction--creating impactful, beautiful and elevated work that excites the eye and the consumer. The beauty space has rapidly evolved in large part due to the proliferation of lifestyle brands on social media--a place of great creative opportunity alongside traditional media and experience design.”

Fundamental to Canteen’s ethos is an emphasis on social responsibility--where people are nurtured in tandem with ideas. The team’s passion for food on and off screen includes a deep belief in food equity and a percentage of each project supports non-profit organization Feeding America.