I am a creative director and designer. I help my clients identify what makes their brand, idea, or organization special, and I design authentic, original brand identities that will stand out from the competition and resonate with audiences. I bring a high degree of imagination, passion, and technical precision to my work.
Planning, communication, and collaboration with my clients are key to successfully bring their unique brand vision to life. My design process and project management skills allow me to work within my clients' busy schedules and established organizational structures.
I work on an individual, case-by-case basis to understand each client's unique needs and achieve their specific goals.
I have been creative and artistic for as long as I can remember, pictured here during my brief time as a crayon. As a kid I loved to draw, write comic books, design logos for (imaginary) companies, and film short videos with my friends. In high school I was in bands (like marching band; nothing that cool), performed and produced plays & musicals, and took art & multimedia classes.
After I graduated from The University of Dayton in 2010 with a fine arts degree in Visual Communication Design I worked in-house at creative departments for a few different companies (see full list of my experience below) and roles.
In 2020 I started a small brand identity and web design agency called Studio DNVR with my business partner Adam Raiola. After over three years of operation and many fun projects for great clients, in 2024 we amicably ended our partnership to allow us both to pursue new career opportunities.
Lead the design of a wide range of branding and web design projects for clients around the country across several industries.
Worked directly with business clients across the country in a range of industries. Primary services offered were logo & brand identity design and CMS-enabled, responsive website design and front-end development in Webflow. Additional services included illustrations, advertising, marketing, vehicle graphics, murals, signage, social media graphics, merch, and apparel.
Began projects with brand questionnaires, visual moodboard reviews, and competitive analysis, then used that information to determine an effective strategy and creative direction. Developed collaborative design process with regular client interaction and feedback meetings that enabled smooth progress and improved buy-in.
Responsibilities were shared equally between the business' two partners and included sales, marketing, client relations, accounting, payment, expenses, resource management, purchasing, and long-term planning.
Directed and designed projects to help train hospitality industry workers how to sell craft beer. Led the design of a new logo and brand identity that enhanced the platform's market visibility and recognition.
Led the design of a new user-friendly, responsive website, the company's email newsletter, illustrations, icons, interactive training courses, sales collateral, and social media graphics.
Assisted nonprofits with work on critical projects to advance their mission and goals. Contributed approximately $19,343 total impact through my work with organizations that include: Ko'olau Mountains Watershed Partnership, River Network, 350 New Hampshire, Lynn Canal Conservation, and Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults.
Learn more about my impact here.
In-house creative department’s Senior Designer, collaborated with people throughout the organization to design projects that supported their collective efforts to support and promote the craft beer industry.
Projects included style guides, advertising campaigns, and environmental installations for large scale, marquee annual events of up to 60,000 attendees including the Great American Beer Festival, Craft Brewers Conference, HomebrewCon, and more.
Designed three book releases per year through the organizations Brewers Publications brand, including cover design, interior page, printing, and marketing each title.
Managed the multimedia wing of the front office's in-house creative department with one direct report. Designed projects across a wide variety of mediums. Collaborated with employees at all levels and departments throughout the front office to market 81 home games each season, increase ticket sales, provide a great experience for fans, and give back to and support the city of Chicago.
Managed the in-house creative department and led the design of advertising and promotional materials that promoted the Bloomington-Normal area as a destination for visitors, groups, conferences, sports tournaments, and events.
Designed annual visitors guide (circulation 40,000) magazine and managed the design, traffic, and performance of the organization's four websites.
Designed the student guidebook and signage for the incoming freshman class orientation and move-in events.
Danny thinks about how his work makes a brand better, a team more efficient, or an execution more seamless. Danny is the epitome of a professional design partner. He offers thoughtful suggestions and makes non-designer's ideas visually better and beautiful. I wholeheartedly believe Danny would be a wonderful addition to any team.
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I'm so excited with the results we got from Studio DNVR and look forward to working with them more in the future. I recommend Studio DNVR because of their organization, professionalism, compassion, and desire to provide our company with the perfect solution and footing for our business to grow.
Danny's helpfulness, willingness to try new ideas, comfort with being uncomfortable, and innate creativity make for a wonderful designer and a great addition to any team that would have him. Lastly, his attitude and capacity to have fun while working remain one of his most valuable traits. I fully endorse Danny and his work as both a teammate and friend.
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Each Wednesday for three school years I visited McClelan Elementary School in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood and read books with a 3rd grade student to improve his or her reading skills.
Misericordia Home is a home for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities in Chicago. Through a partnership with the Chicago White Sox, residents are brought to the ballpark before home games to help us welcome fans and provide support for guest relations. I supervised groups of four residents to provide support and encouragement while they worked.
Partnered with various Ronald McDonald Houses in the Chicago area to prep, cook, and serve meals to its guests. RMHC is a nonprofit organization that provides comfort, support, and resources to families who travel far from home for their child's medical care.
Helped build new houses in Slidell, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
