We evocatively connect progressive visions with audiences’ needs by crafting charismatic brands using an alchemist’s approach: science (strategy) + art (emotion)

We are a black- and queer-owned branding studio dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations drive positive social change and uplift the collective vibration. Empathy, purpose, and wonder guide everything we do.

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Meet our team:

  • founder + director

    David Spears is a design leader deeply rooted in strategy and empathy. He has extensive experience crafting brand stories, leading creative direction, mentoring design teams, managing projects and budgets, and contributing to business development.

    David holds an MFA in Graphic Design from the Academy of Art University. His thesis project aimed to infuse text messages with nonverbal cues to bring you closer to the ones you love. After graduation, David was an adjunct professor at the Academy of Art University and taught courses on typography, branding, and thesis development. In 2021, David completed an artist residency on Building Brands with Type at the School of Visual Arts where he learned typeface design. In addition, he sat on the board of directors of AIGA DC as Salon Chair in 2022. 

    His approach to branding is founded on his undergraduate education, with a BA in Studio Arts and BS in Psychology. With a unique blend of disciplines, David brings a conceptual understanding of semiotics, empathy for audiences, and curiosity and play to visual communication.

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  • researcher + strategist

    An experienced creative director and strategist, Lilia LaGesse is the founder and lead strategist of Heard Creative Co. She is passionate about advancing the social good through bold and exciting designs and strategies that not only educate but inspire.

    Lilia learned how to build things by drawing on the family stories of generations of creators, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers. She has built her own story with years of focus on helping others through excellence in storytelling.

    She’s curious. She’s methodical. She’s the kind of person people ask for directions because they can tell she wants to help. Above all, Lilia is focused on you and your ambitions because she wants to make them a reality.

  • website strategist

    A multidisciplinary creative, Katie is the founder of Dinwood. She builds brands that mean something and websites that work hard. With a sharp eye for storytelling and a foundation in communication strategy, Katie blends clean, intentional design with messaging that resonates. With over a decade of experience across startups, nonprofits, and social enterprises, she helps mission-driven teams clarify their voice and elevate their digital presence. Known for her strategic thinking, collaborative spirit, and calm under pressure, Katie brings both vision and follow-through to every project.

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  • brand experience designer

    Courtney is a multi-disciplinary designer, educator and creative from PG County Maryland. She is the founder of CC Creative Studio, where she practices her love of art and design. With more than five years of experience, Courtney is a skilled designer who has worked with a variety of clients from small businesses, local government agencies, as well as mega-brands like Google, Meta/Facebook and Amazon.

    As a proud graduate of MICA in Baltimore, Maryland, Courtney now teaches design courses at the college. She also keeps busy with Odd Charm, an online boutique for lovers of handmade jewelry and vintage goods.

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  • digital brand experience designer

    Paul is the founder of PCB3 Designs and specializes in creating visually compelling designs that communicate ideas and inspire action. His journey began with a passion for art and technology, leading him to earn a degree in Graphic Design & Marketing from American University.

    Paul has collaborated with diverse clients, from startups to established brands, crafting everything from logos and branding materials to digital marketing assets and user interfaces. His design philosophy centers on the belief that every element must serve a purpose, enhancing the overall message while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

  • brand designer

    While working as a graphic designer he continued pursuing his degree at the Academy of Art University of San Francisco and completed his program in 2020. Although already successful in his field, Cesar believes that being an “eternal student” and continuing to hone his craft and skill is what allows him to produce his best work. With a heart for understanding the ethos of the brands he works with, Cesar builds the design around each client and their values.  He believes in discovering the deeper meaning and conveying that through graphic design, making the overall impression more impactful. Rather than working within one niche of graphic design, Cesar prefers to work with clients he believes he can bring the most value to, including non-profits. His capabilities are versatile, allowing him to work with many different brands.

    Cesar’s open-minded and creative approach expands beyond just his work. Having lived in 3 countries already and explored 16 others, he’s always in pursuit of the next adventure. “I’ve seen many cultures and backgrounds and I love to use those different perspectives of life to draw from when considering thinking creatively.” Cesar says of his passion for travel. Through travel he is able to provide his clients with an even broader perspective and draw from design inspiration around the globe. As Cesar himself puts it, “Creativity is at the core of everything I do.”

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  • foresight + futures strategist

    Julienne is a design futures researcher and educator. Her approach blends experiential foresight and design-led research to equip interdisciplinary clients with strategies that cultivate positive, lasting change. She is a part-time professor at Parsons where she teaches undergraduate students and adult learners in courses spanning design, AI, and foresight. 

These are our gifts:

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We can read your audience’s mind and craft strategies rooted in emotion using empathy and intuition.

Illustration of two hands holding a crystal ball with stars inside, above the word 'FORESIGHT'.

We use foresight to develop sustainable strategies and plans the future of your brand.

An illustration of an owl perched on a person's hand with the word 'Shapeshifting' above.

We have the ability to shape your brand’s soul, personality, and appearance.

A graphic illustration of a hand holding a megaphone over a bowl labeled 'Manifestation' with the word 'Manifestation' written above.

We manifest and bring your brand to life by crafting engaging materials.

Line art illustration of a hand holding glasses with the text 'Business Acumen' above.

We couldn’t manifest without being grounded in business development, operationalized processes, project management, purposeful strategy, and working efficiently with budgets.