September 21, 2022

BL welcomes David Thornhill back to the agency as creative director.

David returns to Bailey Lauerman after putting together an impressive career dedicated to brand building, advertising, and design. Twenty years ago he was an award-winning BL art director who stepped away, broadened his experience, and eventually started his own agency. Most recently, he founded Nuance—a small agency of like-minded professionals focused on social responsibility—and led that for more than eight years.

“Bailey Lauerman has been producing world-class work for years. Hell, it’s where I learned what a really good idea even looked like. And how to elevate it and nurture it. Since my previous tenure at the agency, the focus on strategy, creative and emerging media has created an intersection of distinction. A unique position that clients and employees alike can really get behind. I was drawn to the notion of celebrating great work that is woven with a yet-unfound insight and being part of a team with a diverse background.” —David Thornhill, Creative Director

 
His agency experience also includes stops at Barkley, VMLY&R, Bernstein-Rein and MMGY. David’s career started in design where he soon discovered a thirst for conceptual ideas and storytelling. Consumer-focused campaigns for Walmart, First National Bank, SunCom Wireless, Marmot, On The Border, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, The United Way and Blue Bunny define much of his career. His creative philosophy, “Ideas hide, we must find them,” confirms his passion and fuels his curiosity.

David’s passion for helping nonprofits is both admirable and inspiring. Over the last 15 years, he has led rebranding efforts and campaign work for Water.org, Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City, Great Plains SPCA and March of Dimes. Most recently, David rebranded Unbound, formerly the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, and the HALO Foundation in Kansas City.

His work has been recognized in Communication Arts, Obie Awards, New York Festivals, Print, American Advertising Awards, AIGA and Graphis Design and Advertising Awards. Graphis also honored David as one of the Top 10 Art Directors over a ten-year span. Additional work of his has been featured in industry favorites AdWeek, Ad Age and AdCritic and at the William Eisner Museum of Advertising and DEsign.

“David has an amazing knack for bringing visual elegance and captivating storytelling to everything he touches. That combination is such a strong identifier of his work. His special talent and approachable leadership style have helped push brands forward with intrigue, clear focus and intent.” —Carter Weitz, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer

 
To get in touch with David, email [email protected].