I’m an award-winning Art Director with 20+ years leading brand, campaign, and content strategy across digital and print. I specialize in building high-impact creative that drives engagement, sharpens brand positioning, and delivers measurable results. My work blends concept, execution, and performance—leveraging data-informed insights, scalable content systems, and omnichannel campaigns to connect with audiences and move business forward.
Digital Art Director
Hamilton Beach | 2020–Present
Lead digital and social campaign development, producing motion-driven content across platforms. Drive brand consistency while improving production efficiency and campaign performance. Partner across teams to align creative with business goals and audience engagement strategies.
Impact: Strengthened brand storytelling and improved content effectiveness across digital channels.
Graphic Design & Production Manager
Virginia Museum of History & Culture | 2020–2023
Directed a comprehensive brand refresh, aligning exhibitions, marketing campaigns, and digital assets with a modernized visual identity. Led execution across print and digital touchpoints, ensuring consistency across all audience-facing materials.
Impact: Elevated brand perception and delivered a more cohesive public-facing identity.
Senior Art Director
Capital One | 2004–2019
Led creative for large-scale campaigns and enterprise communications, developing integrated brand systems across internal and customer-facing channels. Balanced creative innovation with regulatory requirements while delivering clear, effective messaging. Partnered across business units to support go-to-market initiatives and improve communication clarity.
Impact: Delivered award-winning campaigns and strengthened brand consistency across a complex organization.
Adjunct Faculty
Virginia Commonwealth University | 2009–2015
Taught design, branding, and visual communication, mentoring emerging creatives and emphasizing real-world application of strategic thinking.
Impact: Prepared students to apply creative skills in professional environments.
Core Capabilities
Brand Positioning • Campaign Strategy • Integrated Marketing • Content Strategy • Art Direction • Digital & Social • Print & Packaging • UX Thinking • Creative Operations • Cross-Functional Leadership
Graphic Design USA 2021 American Graphic Design Award for “Agents of Change Ad Campaign” a Virginia Museum of History & Culture advertising campaign
Graphic Design USA 2007 American Graphic Design Award for “Holly,” a Capital One Customer Management direct mail check package
Graphic Design USA 2008 American In House Design Award for “Help the Customer,” a Capital One Collections Department motivational campaign
Graphic Design USA 2008 American Graphic Design Award for “Leaves,” a Capital One Customer Management direct mail check package
Graphic Design USA 2009 American Graphic Design Award for “You're a Hero” a Capital One Collections Department motivational campaign
The Communicator Awards 2009 Award of Excellence for “Big Rewards,” a Capital One Customer Management Rewards division direct mail package
The Communicator Awards 2009 Award of Excellence for “Card Carrier,” a Capital One Customer Management direct mail package
The Communicator Awards 2009 Award of Excellence for “Customer Management Campaign,” a campaign of three Capital One Customer Management direct mail packages
"After having worked with Donald previously, I find that he is the benchmark I repeatedly measure other creative staff against."
Angela Devereaux, Senior Marketing Manager
“Donald is the rare type of art director that understands a good photographer has vision as well… and he’s able to use us as tools, he directs me without directing me.”
Thomas A Daniel, Photographer
“Any project within marketing requires a team effort and a leader who sets an example of professionalism. Donald has demonstrated to me that being a good Art Director isn't about bossing your team around, it's about understanding what your team members can creatively offer to any given project."
Adam Campen, Illustrator, Multi-Media Artist