About Big Sis

Grounded in experience.
Guided by gut.

We built something together. Then we decided to keep going.

After years co-leading creative — building teams, launching campaigns, running studios — we did what people who've spent enough time in the same creative trenches eventually do: we started something of our own.

Big Sis is that something. Agency craft and brand-side speed, without the layers that slow either one down. The name isn't accidental. A big sister tells you the truth, has your back, and already knows all the shortcuts. That's exactly how we show up.

"Our role is to help brands see clearly, decide confidently, and make work that actually reflects who they are — not what trends say they should be."

Erin & Jason, Co-founders

The people

Meet the studio.

Erin Anstett

Founding Partner — Creative Direction & Design

I'm a literal big sister. Twenty-six years in, still the person in the room asking "What if?"

From small botique agencies to finding my design voice and winning accolades as an independent freelancer. I sharpened that edge as a Senior Art Director at Planet Propaganda—working across American Players Theatre, Jersey Mike's, and Duluth Trading Co.—before moving brand-side to lead/scale creative teams in tech. As VP Creative Director, I led creative for one of the country’s fastest-growing apps and built a full-scale in-house content studio spanning photography, video, and motion.

I also co-founded The Shitty Barn, a Wisconsin music venue now 15 years and 350+ shows deep, and hold a U.S. patent for feature design work. I see a need, gather the right people, and build the thing.

Creative DirectionBrand IdentityContent ProductionArt Direction

Jason Mann

Founding Partner — Creative Direction & Copy

Chicago-born, Midwest-rooted, ordained minister, two-time chili contest champion. My first job in advertising was at age two.

I spent fifteen years in agency creative at Y&R and Havas Chicago, writing and directing national campaigns for Reynolds Wrap, Craftsman, Citi, Liberty Mutual, and Kenmore. I then moved brand-side, building and leading a 20-person creative team through a major rebrand, a Super Bowl campaign, and multiple product launches.

I'm also the person who named The Figgy — a startup that credits that brand work as critical to their early fundraising. I believe being clear and clever always leads to impactful work. Clear and clever, every time.

Copy & MessagingCampaign CreativeCreative DirectionBrand Naming

What people say

Don't take our word for it.

Jason and Erin were the backbone of the creative engine that helped us scale to over 10M active users. From product design, to user lifecycle journeys, to Super Bowl commercials, they executed time and time again.

Birk Cooper

Chief of Staff, Fetch

Erin is an exceptional creative — thoughtful, receptive, and gifted at connecting ideas and aesthetics. She elevates every project with empathy and clarity, and working with her was always a pleasure.

Ignacio Godoy

Partner & Executive Producer, Buda.tv

Working with Jason was easy and deeply collaborative. He brought smart, confident creative ideas to our branding journey, including naming our product and helping establish a brand identity that played a critical role in our launch and early fundraising.

Chris Roepe

Co-founder, The Figgy

As a longtime collaborator, I've seen firsthand how Jason finds the right angle and builds smart messaging that actually connects. His sharp, witty approach to brand voice and storytelling pair perfectly with Erin's strong instincts, flawless execution and thoughtful approach to design. They're the perfect partner for brands and creative collaborators — strategic, collaborative, and genuinely enjoyable to work with.

Tracy Spera

Executive Producer, Optimus

In good company