HI, I'M DAVE
Pretty much only the TSA and IRS call me David.
I'm a Creative Director/Art Director and Designer based in the Seattle area.
I've worked staff at a handful of ad agencies. And freelanced with dozens of shops and in-house departments in the Seattle and Portland markets. I've worked alongside legendary creatives, "Global" titled executives and with small business owners looking for guidance.
I concept strategically, design from meaning, and lead with empathy and courage. I work best in a fun yet dedicated creative culture. And always influence the workplace in that direction.
I have a soft spot for non-profit orgs and any company that sets out to do good in the world.
I am fearlessly honest and open.
WHAT I DO
As a Creative Leader for your business, I excel in four areas.
1. Creative Guidon. Strategic thinker, common sense commander, and daily creative champion. Bringing clarity to the ambiguous and messy. Guiding ideas to be inspiring, thought-provoking or down-right hilarious. Shepherding, selling and defending stellar creative.
2. Culture Steward. I've turned a group that felt like a library into one that felt like a creative agency. I build high-preforming teams that are trusted, inspired, and confident makers—able to understand and work seamlessly with every aspect of a business. I'm a passionate fan of my people and their work.
3. Maker. I find the strategic, human truth and bring it to life through engaging content and experiences that hit the right touch points at the right time. I'll jump in on the toughest assignments when needed. And I'm known for scraping up the most thankless assignments when I can.
4. Mentor. Showing the way for people new to the business or helping the seasoned creative face the blank screen for a difficult assignment. Always striving to be my best self as a role model for those I lead.
FOR FUN
Our place borders a river and I fly fish on occasion. But I'm also on a lifelong pursuit to catch the Washington State record largemouth bass.
I enjoy the occasional woodworking project. My father was a cabinet maker and I grew up playing with sawdust and power tools. Watching him drafting is probably why I became a graphic designer
I was active in triathlon for many years and love cycling. I completed over a dozen century rides and the Seattle to Portland group ride in one day (200 mi) with a group of friends.
I helped pay for my college degree by joining the Army Reserve. I had the unique opportunity to become a US Army Drill Sergeant and train basic trainees a few times. It was an incredible experience that is not the one you've seen in the movies.
Also, I struggle to find photos of myself that I like.
Thank you!