We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that Marshall McKinney has joined Metaleap as our Creative Director in Residence! After announcing this publicly, we wanted to give our clients, colleagues, and friends a deeper look into what this collaboration means for us and, most importantly, for the amazing brands and publications we work with. We sat down with José Reyes, Founder and Executive Creative Director, and Marshall, to hear more about their thoughts on what lies ahead and how this partnership will shape the future of creative work.
José, what led to your invitation for Marshall to join Metaleap as Creative Director in Residence?
Inviting Marshall to join Metaleap felt like an easy decision—just take a look at his impressive body of work and reputation, and you’ll see why. To break it down, there are three key reasons why this partnership makes perfect sense:
- Helping Clients Tackle Big Challenges
Marshall and I share a similar view on the evolving challenges that brands and publications face. Some are timeless (audience engagement, budgets, scaling premium brands), while others are brand new (AI, digital transformation, etc.). As these challenges grow more complex, we want to bring in the best minds to help us navigate them. Partnering with Marshall is all about helping our clients step confidently into their “next”—with courage, innovation, and bold ideas.
- Pursuing Mastery Together
I’ve always believed that mastery is less about reaching a final destination and more about staying on the path toward continuous improvement. Marshall and I have worked together before, and I’ve always admired his approach to the craft. We can debate typography all night, which tells you we’re both passionate about the details. I know that Marshall’s talent and experience will help us push the boundaries and bring new, bold thinking to the table—something our clients absolutely need as they face the increasingly complex world of design, packaging, and publications.
- Building Something Lasting
At Metaleap, we focus on helping our clients create brands that stand the test of time. Marshall has spent his career helping beloved brands evolve and thrive. His ability to think long-term and guide brands through change is exactly what we need as we continue building an enduring creative legacy. We’ve been in the game for over 20 years, but we’re just getting started—and Marshall is a key part of what’s next.
Marshall, after 16 years at Garden & Gun, what made you choose Metaleap?
Metaleap is a brand I’ve admired for years, and when the opportunity came to collaborate with José and his incredible team, my heart leapt. After spending over a decade in-house, I was looking for a place where I could continue to explore, ask big questions, and push my creativity further. Metaleap offers a rare chance to work on a variety of exciting projects across industries like hospitality, food and drink, fashion, and more, alongside a team that executes at the highest level. It’s not about sitting in a cubicle—it’s about having a creative canvas to make something truly special.
José, how do you and Marshall plan to collaborate closely?
The best part of my job is getting to create alongside people I admire. Over the years, we’ve assembled a talented team with real-world experience in publications and big brands. With Marshall on board, we’re ready to push the envelope even further. In the coming months, we’re excited to meet with some of the brands, publications, and creative leaders we’ve long respected, and work together to explore what’s next for them. We have big ideas about how to elevate hospitality brands, bring more attention to outdoor brands, and much more. There’s a line from a David Whyte poem I love about being an “appreciator of horizons,” always looking toward the future with excitement. That’s exactly what Marshall and I are doing—imagining what’s possible.
Marshall, what challenges are you most excited to tackle at Metaleap?
For me, the most rewarding part of the creative process is understanding a client’s vision, their values, and the challenges they face, then crafting solutions that truly elevate their brand. I’m especially excited to dive into legacy brands—whether in the outdoor space, hospitality, or even bourbon—and help them navigate their next chapter. I can’t wait to work with clients to explore new directions, push boundaries, and tell their stories in fresh, impactful ways. It’s all about building trust and creating an environment where bold, unique ideas can thrive. That’s when the real magic happens.
“I know that Marshall’s talent and experience will help us push the boundaries and bring new, bold thinking to the table—something our clients absolutely need as they face the increasingly complex world of design, packaging, and publications.”
José Reyes
José & Marshall, what are you most looking forward to learning from one another?
Marshall: I’ve always been in awe of José’s work. He’s a world-class designer, and frankly, he’s intimidating in the best possible way. I’m looking forward to nerding out on fonts and learning from his vast experience. But beyond that, José is also an incredible leader. As my grandfather used to say, “I love learning, but I hate being taught,” but in this case, I’m more than happy to be “back in school.” José has built something truly special with Metaleap, and I can’t wait to learn from him and his team.
José: Marshall brings a whole new level of thinking to the table. I’m excited to see how he approaches solving creative challenges, particularly when it comes to helping clients imagine what’s possible. We each bring something a little different to the process, and I know our collaboration will lead to even more exciting ideas. Plus, I have a feeling Marshall will teach me a thing or two about style—I’m definitely looking forward to that!
We couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter at Metaleap with Marshall on board. We look forward to working together to help our clients create even more powerful, timeless, and innovative brands. Stay tuned—there’s a lot more to come!