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Hi, I'm Dave Carlson — a modern creative leader with deep, cross-channel expertise spanning digital, video, and print. I blend data-driven insights with emerging AI tools to boost efficiency and elevate creative outcomes. With experience leading both agency and in-house teams, I excel in full-funnel marketing strategies that connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways. My strengths include integrated campaigns, SEO web and mobile design, SEM (including responsive ads and optimized landing pages), social media, shopper marketing, brand identity, CPG, corporate comms, POP, environmental design, and more. I've led award-winning work for national brands including Dove, Axe, Vaseline, Ace Hardware, Dollar Shave Club, Kenmore, Mazola, and universities like Kansas, Carnegie Mellon Marquette and many more.…Hi, I'm Dave Carlson — a modern creative leader with deep, cross-channel expertise spanning digital, video, and print. I blend data-driven insights with emerging AI tools to boost efficiency and elevate creative outcomes. With experience leading both agency and in-house teams, I excel in full-funnel marketing strategies that connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways. My strengths include integrated campaigns, SEO web and mobile design, SEM (including responsive ads and optimized landing pages), social media, shopper marketing, brand identity, CPG, corporate comms, POP, environmental design, and more. I've led award-winning work for national brands including Dove, Axe, Vaseline, Ace Hardware, Dollar Shave Club, Kenmore, Mazola, and universities like Kansas, Carnegie Mellon Marquette and many more.

Dave Carlson

Creative Director, Art Director, Graphic Designer

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Hi, I'm Dave Carlson — a modern creative leader with deep, cross-channel expertise spanning digital, video, and print. I blend data-driven insights with emerging AI tools to boost efficiency and elevate creative outcomes. With experience leading both agency and in-house teams, I excel in full-funnel marketing strategies that connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways. My strengths include integrated campaigns, SEO web and mobile design, SEM (including responsive ads and optimized landing pages), social media, shopper marketing, brand identity, CPG, corporate comms, POP, environmental design, and more. I've led award-winning work for national brands including Dove, Axe, Vaseline, Ace Hardware, Dollar Shave Club, Kenmore, Mazola, and universities like Kansas, Carnegie Mellon Marquette and many more.…Hi, I'm Dave Carlson — a modern creative leader with deep, cross-channel expertise spanning digital, video, and print. I blend data-driven insights with emerging AI tools to boost efficiency and elevate creative outcomes. With experience leading both agency and in-house teams, I excel in full-funnel marketing strategies that connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways. My strengths include integrated campaigns, SEO web and mobile design, SEM (including responsive ads and optimized landing pages), social media, shopper marketing, brand identity, CPG, corporate comms, POP, environmental design, and more. I've led award-winning work for national brands including Dove, Axe, Vaseline, Ace Hardware, Dollar Shave Club, Kenmore, Mazola, and universities like Kansas, Carnegie Mellon Marquette and many more.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Dave Carlson — a modern creative leader with deep, cross-channel expertise spanning digital, video, and print. I blend data-driven insights with emerging AI tools to boost efficiency and elevate creative outcomes. With experience leading both agency and in-house teams, I excel in full-funnel marketing strategies that connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways. My strengths include integrated campaigns, SEO web and mobile design, SEM (including responsive ads and optimized landing pages), social media, shopper marketing, brand identity, CPG, corporate comms, POP, environmental design, and more. I’ve led award-winning work for national brands including Dove, Axe, Vaseline, Ace Hardware, Dollar Shave Club, Kenmore, Mazola, and universities like Kansas, Carnegie Mellon Marquette and many more.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Work Experience

Creative Director at Everspring Inc.

June 1, 2025 - August 28, 2025

Led a high-performing creative team in developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies within the highly-regulated ed tech sector for university clients such as the University of Kansas, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Texas at Austin. Oversaw messaging and design across websites, email campaigns, paid search, social media, and video content. Collaborated with SEO, SEM, and analytics teams to optimize campaigns via A/B testing, achieving social campaigns with CTRs 136%–142% and CVRs 100%–225% above industry benchmarks. Integrated AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and VEED for workflow efficiency and creative quality. Managed vendors and freelancers, increased lead generation and engagement through data-informed strategies, scaled SEO blog production 7X at same cost with AI and partnerships, and implemented a Digital Asset Management system boosting productivity by 15%.

Digital Associate Creative Director at Wunderman Thompson

May 1, 2021 - August 28, 2025

Directed shopper marketing creative for Unilever personal care brands across retailers including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Ulta. Supervised digital quality control for omnichannel activations spanning ice cream, condiments, and personal care products. Led teams of art directors and copywriters to execute digital and in-store touchpoints such as web banners, microsites, push notifications, circulars, and displays. Managed creative campaigns for Dollar Shave Club launches at retail chains. Developed agency-wide creative workflows using Sizmek Ad Suite for offsite media management.

Creative Director at RR Donnelley

July 1, 2019 - August 28, 2025

Led a 20-person creative team delivering innovative marketing solutions and extensive omnichannel campaigns for Ace Hardware across web, mobile, social, print, video, and environmental design. Directed photo and video shoots producing compelling content. Cultivated strong client relationships to drive creative excellence and strategic partnerships. Established a digital and print creative department and created brand-focused intake processes including briefs, style guides, and workflow standards.

Associate Creative Director at RR Donnelley

November 1, 2017 - August 28, 2025

Supported creative leadership by managing a team of designers, writers, developers, and associate creative directors. Delivered marketing solutions and contributed to omnichannel campaigns. Strengthened client relationships and contributed to growing creative capabilities.

Associate Creative Director at Sears Holdings

May 1, 2016 - August 28, 2025

Managed full-time and contract creatives producing print and digital campaigns for Sears, Kmart, Craftsman, Kenmore, and DieHard. Oversaw staffing and collaborated with internal photo and video teams. Facilitated growth of the in-house agency from 7 to 60+. Developed internal workflows to streamline creative processes and enhance output quality.

Senior Designer at OfficeMax

April 1, 2014 - August 28, 2025

Produced in-store signage and product displays enhancing the retail experience. Directed photo shoots and provided shopper marketing solutions from concept to execution. Created out-of-home advertising and social media content aligned with brand and campaign objectives.

Art Director at Queue Brand Communications

July 1, 2013 - August 28, 2025

Created concepts and designs across shopper marketing, digital campaigns, brand identity, social media, corporate communications, packaging, advertising, and environmental design. Collaborated with in-house and freelance teams delivering award-winning work for national brands such as Mrs. Fields, TCBY, Weber, Mazola, and YoCrunch. Directed photo and video shoots and established an in-house content studio, reducing outsourcing costs.