To truly stand out in the crowded online landscape, incorporating captivating introduction animations into your web design portfolio can make all the difference.Imagine this: A visitor lands on your portfolio page, and instead of being greeted by static images or a plain list of projects, they are immediately captivated by a seamless, visually stunning animation that introduces them to your work. It sets the tone, creates intrigue, and compels them to explore further.
I've been an advertising creative for over 20 years. More than half of that time, I've been a Creative or Experience Director. Inevitably, I have a large stockpile of work.
However, I'm going to keep it brief.
For each role I highlight, I'm going to share a case study from only one client. If you need me to take you through some additional examples, just ask.
This is what I do:
» Write
» Critique
» Mentor
» Lead
» Make compelling experiences
» Build clear narratives
» Create emotional connections
» Defeat complex challenges
» Drive business results
» Make excellent lists
This is how I do it:
» Listen, read, and marinate
» Empathize with the audience
» Create quickly, edit carefully
» Listen some more
» Understand business needs
» Understand customer desires
» Persuade with solutions
» Adjust if needed
» Practice for decades
» Make excellent lists
"Dave’s intuitive, with an ability to craft a brand’s voice in a way that resonates with their audience. He's also smart as a whip, able to demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of a client’s product, competitive landscape and industry within hours of starting an assignment—even with really complex, B2B, technical products. Clients love him."
— A Brilliant Account Director
"Dave is that unicorn that everyone is seeking. I’d need words crafted by Dave to attempt to describe what an amazingly talented writer he is, because “amazingly talented” doesn’t do him justice. The feats he pulls off in the form of copy are pretty phenomenal."
— An Amazing Project Manager
"I cannot be more grateful to have been taken under Dave's wing. I've learned and grown more managed by him than any other manager I've had. He was equal parts sensei and sounding board. He was an advocate for my professional growth. He's full of compassion, approachable and warm, and a wellspring of creative ideas. When you think you've thought of everything, Dave offers a different perspective. And he was beloved and respected by everyone in the organization. Anyone would be lucky to have him on their team!"
– A Fantastic Writer
"Dave is one of the best people I've worked with. He is smart, very creative, and very collaborative. I would recommend him to anyone who needs a sharp writer who also knows how to successfully manage others."
– An Impressive Client
"Dave is a creative professional. He can tell stories, educate users and generate demand. Dave is aware of business landscapes and can effectively navigate the balance between customers and organizational constraints. He is easy to work with and I look forward to the next opportunity I have to partner with someone as balanced as Dave."
— An Outstanding Strategic Planner
"Dave is a well-rounded creative leader. I've been impressed with his artistic eye and his can-do attitude. He brings unusual as well as realistic big ideas to many campaigns, he is also a skilled director and sets a great example for the junior writers he has helped along. He is highly recommended."
— An Exceptional Client
“Dave = Rockstar. Fantastic to work with. Embraces ambiguity. Crafts narratives that connect. Smart, collaborative, strategic, fun, calm, effective. I could go on.”
— A Genius Vice President
"Dave is an extremely talented writer and strategic thinker. On any project you can count on Dave to bring some very unique, outside-the-box ideas to the table. He is up-to-date on all the latest web and social marketing technologies. (In fact, he is our informal tech guru.) As a supervisor he is extremely organized and I have watched him mentor an intern to a full-level copywriter on several occasions. And did I mention he’s great at presenting, too?"
– An Incredible Creative Director
WRITING
Produced full-length plays (3)
Published full-length plays (2)
Produced one-act plays (2)
Produced short plays (40+)
Playwright in Residence (1)
Published short plays (20 collected)
Produced short film (1)
Produced TV shorts for Disney Channel (2)
Published monologues (2)
Published children's book (1)
TEACHING
ArtCenter College of Design
– Creative Direction (Substitute Instructor)
ArtCenter College of Design
– Advanced Copywriting (Substitute Instructor)
University of San Francisco
– Advanced Copywriting (Adjunct Professor)
ACTING
Stage Plays (28)
Films (4)
TV (1)
Short Films (2)
Voiceover Work (2)
AWARDS
Hermes Platinum Award (5x)
Webby Silver Award (1x)
GSF Ad Club American Silver (1x)
GSF Ad Club American Bronze (1x)
Victors & Spoils Agency Award (1x)
McDonald's Creative Marketing Excellence (2x)
Oink Ink Radio Dead Radio (1x)
You made it to the footer! At this point, you've probably had your fill of "work" Dave and might be wondering what "life" Dave is like.
Well, let me tell you a few things to give you a sense of who you'd be working with.
I can laugh at myself, but I can't eat cilantro. I may not talk to a dear friend for years, but if they need something, I'll do whatever it takes to help. I cry at happy things more than sad things. I'm a homebody, but I've traveled around the world and lived abroad—twice. I grew up in the very center of the US (Kansas City) but get claustrophobic when land-locked for too long. I love music, but can barely play the two instruments I own. I love to sing, but I can't sing well. I love to act on stage, but never have the time or opportunity to do so anymore. I'm a tech guru and an unofficial handyman.
And finally, I have two of the cutest bunnies for pets, a tween daughter who's a bookworm, and a wife who makes me go out and do stuff. Overall, I'm a happy guy.