What we do:
Branding & Identity Systems
Packaging Design
Advertising & Campaign Development
Art Direction
Creative Consultancy
Concept & Content Development
Naming & Brand Strategy
Print & Environmental Graphics
Signage & Display Design
Copywriting & Messaging
Website Design
Product
Design
Motion Concepts & Visual Storytelling Cinematic Brand Visualization
Small Agency, Big Vision
David Nelson Design helps businesses build stronger brands through strategic design, packaging, and marketing that connect emotionally and drive results. Combining big-agency experience with the flexibility and personal attention of an independent studio, we create thoughtful, highly focused creative solutions that stand out in competitive markets.
Our work spans branding, packaging, advertising, promotions, and digital design, always with an emphasis on creating cohesive, memorable brand experiences. Clients value not only our creative instincts and broad industry experience, but also the speed, accessibility, and adaptability that come from working with a smaller, highly focused agency.
Over the years, we’ve partnered with respected family-owned companies such as Solo Foods and Majestic Drug, as well as globally recognized brands including McDonald's, Kraft, Borden, Ty, Jim Beam, Kellogg's, and PepsiCo. We’ve also collaborated with many respected creative and marketing firms, including Ogilvy and JWT, bringing high-level creative thinking to projects of every scale.
Our Creative Philosophy
Every brand has its own story, challenges, and opportunities. That’s why we approach every project with a fresh perspective and strategic focus. We study the market, evaluate the competition, explore what works, and question what could work even better. We ask “why?” and then “why not?”
Once we understand your goals, audience, and vision, we develop creative solutions that bring your brand to life with clarity, personality, and purpose.
From initial concept through final production, our focus remains the same: creating visually compelling, strategically effective work that captures attention, builds emotional connection, and strengthens brand recognition, all while respecting budgets, timelines, and real-world business objectives.
When your brand identity is critical to your success, experience and creative instinct matter. Leveraging seasoned insight, refined design sensibilities, and a deep understanding of branding and packaging can make the difference between simply being seen and truly being remembered. Click here to read our manifesto.
About David Nelson
David Nelson has worked with some of the most respected companies in the country and has held both staff and consultant positions at leading advertising agencies and design firms. Recognizing the need for a more personal, agile, and creatively focused alternative to the traditional corporate agency model, he founded David Nelson Design to provide high-level creative work with greater flexibility, speed, and direct collaboration.
A trained painter and sculptor, David brings a fine artist’s eye and sensibility to every project, blending strategic thinking with strong visual instinct and craftsmanship.
David and his wife have raised two children together. Outside the studio, he is an avid sailor who enjoys navigating the challenging waters of Lake Michigan.
