
Jim Riswold, the creative mind behind some of the most iconic sports advertisements, has passed away at the age of 66.
At a Glance
- Jim Riswold was a former creative director for Wieden+Kennedy.
- He is renowned for Nike campaigns like ‘Bo Knows’ and Air Jordan.
- Riswold transitioned to contemporary art after a leukemia diagnosis.
- He passed away from interstitial lung disease after battling cancer for 20+ years.
A Legacy in Advertising
Jim Riswold’s career started at the acclaimed advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, where he became a household name in sports marketing. As a creative director, Riswold was the force behind the groundbreaking ‘Bo Knows’ campaign that featured baseball and football star Bo Jackson, and the Air Jordan ads that starred basketball legend Michael Jordan. His work, which often infused humor with cultural relevance, transformed the landscape of sports advertising.
His tenacity and creativity won him numerous accolades, including an induction into The One Club’s Creative Hall of Fame in 2013. Despite an impressive advertising portfolio, Riswold sought ways to innovate and push boundaries while keeping the public engaged with the brands he represented.
Jim Riswold, an immensely talented writer for Wieden+Kennedy, has passed away at the age of 66.
Most famously, Riswold is the man behind the legendary "Hare Jordan" campaign. He's the man who introduced Michael Jordan to Bugs Bunny.
We caught up with Riswold in 2020 to… pic.twitter.com/X2durFppXz
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) August 13, 2024
The Transition to Art
In 2000, Riswold was diagnosed with leukemia, prompting a significant shift in his career path. He left the advertising world to become a full-time contemporary artist. Riswold used art as a medium for defiance and confrontation, creating works that ridiculed historical villains, including Adolf Hitler. His art became a cathartic outlet, helping him cope with health struggles while continuing to express his unique perspective on the world.
“Riswold taught me there’s nothing more powerful than creation,” his daughter Hallie told Ad Age. “Especially in the face of death. Creativity, literally, keeps us alive. And after we’re gone, all that is left is what we created.”
Riswold’s ability to take everyday inspirations and transform them into impactful messages set him apart from his peers. He once admitted to never having original thoughts but rather reformulating ideas from various sources, which he defended as essential to both art and advertising. His philosophical background provided him with a unique perspective, allowing him to approach creative endeavors without inhibition.
Jim Riswold powered Honda’s sales and ‘wrote like a god’ for Nike. After living with leukaemia for over 20 years and turning his focus to art, he contemplates one ‘hell of a round’ in the advertising world
Tweet:https://t.co/AYGgV0yq69— FT Weekend Magazine (@FTMag) March 9, 2024
Impact and Remembering Jim Riswold
Riswold’s influence in advertising and art will be remembered for years to come. He consistently emphasized making “glorious mistakes” to foster creativity. His approach to starting every day “stupid” allowed him to avoid the pitfalls of inhibition, which he saw as creativity’s kryptonite. His unconventional methods left a lasting impact on colleagues and protégés who admired his genius and authenticity.
“Jim Riswold, the creative force behind some of Nike’s most memorable ads, who later became a satiric artist and who spoke openly about his battles with cancer, died Aug. 9. He was 66. The cause of death was interstitial lung disease, which came after roughly 20 years battling various cancers, according to the advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, his longtime professional home.” – Matthew Kish | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Riswold’s legacy includes a portfolio of work that redefined how athletic brands interact with the public. The ads he created are more than just marketing tools; they are pieces of cultural history that continue to inspire and engage audiences. His contributions went beyond the world of advertising, striking a delicate balance between creativity and impactful storytelling that will be remembered for generations.
Sources
- Interview with Jim Riswold | The Great Discontent
- The late Jim Riswold on a life in advertising and art
- Jim Riswold, driving force behind some of Nike’s most memorable ads, dies at 66
- Jim Riswold, Creator of ‘Bo Knows’ and Air Jordan Ads, Dies at 66
- Jim Riswold Is a Role Model