Graphic Design has been a lifetime passion for me, with over 25 years experience as a graphic design professional, I have worked with clients such as: international corporations; start-ups; hospitality; retail; medical institutions; tourism; non-profits; universities and more, on a variety of Advertising, Design and Marketing projects ranging from Brand Identity and Print to Online, Web and Multimedia.
Dave Holak

ABOUT ME

For me, Graphic Design is more than the visual images I create, it’s a process of finding, building and expressing the individuality of a business. It’s through that process that I work to bring the character and personality of my clients to life, so they are able to connect and resonate with their audience.

Learning the industry from the ground up, I began running printing presses in my parents print shop by the age of 10. Following college, I took a position as a graphic designer in a small 2 person design shop. After a few years I accepted an offer with a full-service advertising agency where, over the course of 10 years, I worked as a graphic designer, art director and creative director. In 2004 I founded a full service advertising agency and in 2016 I decided to return to my roots and I formed Dave Holak Design.

Timeline

  • 1981(ish)Running The Presses

    In 1976 my parents founded an offset printing business they operated from the basement of our house. Here I learned the industry from the ground up. Doing traditional board layouts, shooting stats, negatives, burning plates and running a printing press. Learning the final production process proved to be an invaluable education for me.

  • 1992Internship

    In 1992, Michael Scotko, a graphic designer from Haddonfield, New Jersey, gave me an opportunity with an internship. A week after I started, he went on vacation for two weeks, and I was baptized by fire, left running a graphic design studio. After my internship, he hired me full-time, and I stayed with him until 1994.

  • 1994A Real Gig

    In 1994 I took an entry level position at a small 8-person ad agency outside Atlantic City, NJ, where I had an actual 401k and health benefits. I spent the next 10 years with the agency moving from Graphic Designer to Art Director and ultimately taking on Creative Director responsibilities as the company grew into a 50+ person organization. I learned everything I could about anything related to the industry. My goal was always to one day go out on my own, so for my last 2 years with the agency, I worked my 9am-6pm and when everyone at home went to bed, I worked on freelance projects until 2 or 3am.

  • September 20, 2004My Way

    On September 20th, 2004, with a 9-month old and a 6 year old at home, I took a chance on the promise of nothing. With my wife’s full support and encouragement I left the safety of my 9-5 and I started my freelance adventure. It’s been an amazing experience. Over the years I have built what has become a career based on gratitude, appreciation and dedication to my clients. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to do something I love, every single day, and I truly appreciate the opportunity, trust and loyalty I’ve experienced.