Strategy first, then creative.
I don't just make things look good. I make them make sense. Find where stakeholders agree, build the positioning and messaging from there, then push the creative that makes it real.
I’ve spent 25+ years leading creative teams and brand strategy across consumer, B2B, and professional services and law firms. Built a U.S. marketing operation from scratch for a global brand. Directed identity refreshes for companies repositioning for growth. Co-founded a consultancy that served Deloitte, Baker & McKenzie, and Andersen.
What runs through all of it: I build the strategic framework first, then design. Positioning before pixels.
I’m currently open to full-time creative leadership roles and selective consulting engagements.
Nature and exploration inspire me to hike the Appalachian Trail, to fish the Boundary Waters, to hunt the ever-elusive Northern lights, and swim the seven ancient seas. (Still working on that last one.)
What people say
“Particularly strong in mentoring and getting the best out of designers. He does this in a very supportive and collaborative way that is rare in people at his level. ”
“Dave is f***ing amazing. He is our secret weapon!”
“Dave brings an uncommonly sophisticated level of creativity to his work and the teams he leads. His applied work is remarkable. ”
“Dave can quickly analyze a situation—what needs to change what already works.”
mentoring
Three goals: build the team, grow the talent, mind the bottom line.
I treat people as individuals. I give them room to grow but I expect them to rise to the challenge. I manage creatives by allowing them to take chances. I'd rather they ask for forgiveness than permission. But I push them to create ideas that work, not just ideas that look good. Their thinking needs to fulfill a reason, a rationale, a business strategy. Anything else is a beauty contest. All fluff, no stuff.
People are motivated by more than money. They come to work to be connected yet independent. They want to learn new things and contribute as part of a group. Creatives have another layer: they want to express their ingenuity. Give them the iterative time to develop ideas and they will surprise you.
I taught design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. No grades. You were judged on merit and creative acumen. Many of my students went on to land jobs at branding firms, and more than a few have thanked me for pushing them.
My only ask is for people to bring their whole self to work.