Looking good
isn't good enough.

Strong brands are built on smart choices. As a strategy-first creative director and graphic designer, I guide brands in discovering and leveraging what moves their customers, helping them make informed design decisions that drive success on shelves, screens and whatever comes next.

Specialties

Leadership

Creative Direction
Creative Strategy
Team Management
Client/Partner Liaison
Presentation

Execution

Brand Identity
Brand Guidelines
Brand Narrative
Pitch Development
Copywriting
learn more about me
learn more about me

Principles

  • Respect and compassion are the bedrock of good business
  • Creativity drives efficiency, and the most potent creative thinking comes from diverse life experiences
  • The best branding decisions take into account both research and instinct
  • Customers are perceptive, and brands thrive when they practice good values both externally and internally
  • AI can't be ignored by creatives, but it can be utilized to strengthen our processes

Testimonials

Wendy Garay
brand design manager

I have worked with Derek on many branding projects – always making it look too easy with his innovative, fun, and on-point designs. He is always optimistic, possesses drive, welcomes challenges, and is a team player. He always impressed us with an array of concepts that achieved the creative objectives, priorities, and expectations, and always on-time! It's been a pleasure working with Derek and I plan to continue to return for his creative talent on new projects. I look forward to our project together!

John Torre
marketing leader

I partnered with Derek to refresh our brand — he was a great partner, and I would hire Derek again. He took the time to consider and design for who we were as a company, where we were in our journey, our business goals, and the multiple categories we participated within. We took the brand refresh across our website, Amazon, and packaging within three categories, pack types, and sizes. The results of the brand refresh drove a strong rate of sale in  FOOD and an even higher rate of sale in NATURAL. The brand refresh also drove new distribution at the two leading MASS retailers…. “We love how you updated your brand, so we’ve got to have you in our stores.”

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