hello

davie-trifecta-bw-1400

brief history

My career path is extremely unique in that I’ve exercised my creative talents across a broad spectrum of disciplines including retail environmental design, advertising, web, identity development and for the ten years created package design for Trader Joe’s nationally distributed private label food and beverage items. I am currently Creative Director at MBD managing multiple CPG and Private Brand teams and clients.

education

I spent the last year of High School studying abroad in the country of Denmark where my focus was art, music and language. I started college at the University of Montana Billings before transferring to the University of Georgia where I graduated with a BFA in photography. My degree has been extremely useful throughout my career — both behind the lens and as an Art Director.

process

Any creative endeavor is deserved of research, conceptualization, sketches and thoughtful poise. My process, as it pertains to package design, includes all of these things. I still prefer good ol’ fashioned sketching so every project starts with pen and paper. I spend a lot of time thinking about (and developing) a project’s back story–even if it’s something as simple as a can of tonic water. (Designing without a story would be a bit like building IKEA furniture with no instructions–it can be done, but it won’t be quite right.) Having “a script” also allows me to develop second and third tier elements that, once discovered, create additional levels of customer surprise and engagement.

I know some stuff

I’m very knowledgeable about packaging forms including Tetra-Pak, glass, plastic, tins, cartons, cans and bottles. I have a deep understanding of packaging print processes/substrates and how to prepare files for the best possible outcome. The first Adobe product I paid for was Photoshop 3, which I suppose makes me a 20 year veteran of the tools of the trade.

when I am not at the office

For many years I was a musician in a band (guitar and singer) but “retired” from band-life in 2011. Shortly after I took up running which has become a huge part of my life. In 2016 I trained and completed my first full-Ironman distance triathlon and in 2015 qualified for the Boston Marathon competing at the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.–two accomplishments I am very proud of. When I am not running, swimming or biking I enjoy updating my blog, cooking, spending time with my pups and traveling.