I'm David Higdon—a creative director, designer, and writer based in Louisville, KY.
For over 15 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of branding, storytelling, and visual design. I’ve led teams, rebranded national companies, and collaborated with publishers, start-ups, and nonprofits to bring sharp ideas to life. My background spans identity systems, campaigns, packaging, book design, and editorial work—always driven by the balance between clarity and character.
I’m also a published writer and poet, currently working on my first novel. That creative lens shapes how I approach design: with intention, voice, and a deep respect for story.
Outside of client work, I run Bookfolx, a literary-themed merch shop that gives back to reading and writing nonprofits, and write a newsletter called Gristle, about branding, design, and creative life mid-career.
I’m drawn to projects that live at the edge of culture—books, food & bev, hospitality, arts, and mission-driven brands. If you value ideas with substance and visuals that actually speak, we’ll probably get along.
Services & Capabilities
I work at the intersection of strategy, design, and storytelling to help brands—and the people behind them—find their voice and make it visible. That might mean building an identity from scratch, clarifying a big idea, designing a product launch, or simply making something look and feel more like you.
Whether you're an author, a start-up, a creative business, or a mission-led organization, I bring 15+ years of experience helping others communicate clearly, confidently, and with character. Here’s how I can help:
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Naming, strategy, logos, typography, color systems, brand guidelines, tone of voice, and all the connective tissue in between.
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Campaign concepting, art direction, team leadership, vendor collaboration, and high-level brand thinking. Available for freelance or fractional roles.
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Cover design, author branding, layout, editorial design, and launch graphics for publishers, journals, and self-published authors.
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Email design, social media campaigns, web design support, direct mail, and anything else that helps brands stay visible and consistent.
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T-shirts, posters, pins, labels, hang tags, unboxing moments, and print pieces people actually want to keep.
A few brands I have worked with:
Testimonials
"From our first conversation, David understood my vision and brought it to life in a way that exceeded my expectations. His creativity and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and easy.”
Dallas McGarity, Executive Chef, The Fat Lamb
“David is highly creative as well as strategic. He welcomes feedback in the interest of getting it right. If you are seeking a partner for creative and marketing endeavors, you can stop now. You’ve found him.”
Jim Cheney, Owner, Prufrock Communications