About DGL

Welcome to DGL Creative! I’m David, a freelance designer and art director. The variety of work I undertake is colossal. One day, I’m whipping up key art for the next blockbuster, and the next, I’m crafting a killer brand for a new start-up.

No matter the project, I bring award-winning creativity, business savvy, and a dash of technological wizardry to make your brand shine and your profits soar. Whether it’s designing stunning visuals, plotting out a marketing masterplan, creating unique branding and logos, developing sleek websites, or diving into the thrilling realms of videography, animation, and even A.I., I’ve got you covered.

Why did I start DGL Creative? To spread my design gospel across the UK and help folks like you catapult your projects to new heights. Plus, it’s a perfect playground for my own creative escapades.

That’s the mission I embarked on, and it’s one I’m excited to continue. So, let’s make some magic together. I can’t wait to get started with you!

updates and news

  • a list of my gongs
  • uk's first motion poster
  • my businesses to date
  • 3 peaks challenge
  • 6 page article on DGL
  • charity skydive for Lakeland's

  • a list of my gongs

    Naturally I’m proud of my work. Never more so than when it has been recognised by others.

    Awards are not my ultimate goal, but they act as an indicator of the effectiveness and creativity of the work I do. Here is a list of gongs since it all began back in 2012:

    • Northants Business Of The Year Award 2024 (Trapp’d)
    • Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 (Trapp’d)
    • Northants Business Of The Year Award 2023 (Trapp’d)
    • IE 100 Best Escape UK Escape Room 2023 (Trapp’d)
    • ScareAwards Finalist 2019 (Scariest Escape Room)
    • Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence (Trapp’d)
    • National Business Awards 2017 Finalist (Best New Business for Trapp’d)
    • ScareAwards Finalist 2016 (Scariest Escape Room)
    • Northamptonshire Business Awards 2016 (best marketing campaign)
    • Northamptonshire Business Awards 2016 (innovation and technology award)
    • Internation Design Awards 2015 (Bronze Award for Design)
    • Cool Home Pages (best website design)
    • International Design Awards 2014 (honourable mention)
    • Northamptonshire Business Awards 2013 (Carlsberg Choice Award)
    • Northamptonshire Business Awards 2013 (best new business)
    • Design Firms Awards 2012 (most creative website)

  • uk's first motion poster

    In 2015 I worked alongside Producer Jonathan Sothcott and actor Danny Dyer to create the UK’s very first ‘motion poster’. A motion poster is common in Hollywood movie marketing and is effectively a moving, living poster. These are used by most Blockbuster movies now to promote their films online and we wanted to do something equally as cool for the release of British revenge flick ‘Vendetta’. The finished motion poster had some great reviews from reputable media sources like The Sun newspaper and GQ magazine and the film went on to become the biggest selling DVD over the Christmas period of 2015. A sequel is now in progress.

    The project went on to win us a sparkly new award for innovation and technology.

  • my businesses to date

    As a self taught designer and entrepreneur, I’ve now got a growing portfolio of businesses with the aim of adding more every year, as well as looking for exciting projects to invest in.

    BUSINESS TIMELINE:
    2004 – Started freelance designing
    2012 – Launched DGL Creative
    2013 – Launched Corby Awards event
    2014 – Launched Picnic Lounge restaurant
    2015 – Restyled Picnic Lounge into a cocktail bar called Malt + Bass
    2015 – Launched a camper van hire company
    2016 – Sold Corby Awards Business
    2016 – Launched Trapp’d in Corby
    2017 – Opened Second Trapp’d venue in Northampton
    2018 – Opened third Trapp’d venue at Billing Aquadrome
    2018 – Launched fourth Trapp’d venue in Wellingborough
    2019 – Opened fifth Trapp’d venue in Kettering
    2019 – Exited Malt + Bass
    2019 – Sold my camper van hire company
    2020 – Launched DESTROY’D Rage Rooms alongside Trapp’d
    2021 – Launched an Etsy company selling my artwork
    2023 – Opened sixth Trapp’d venue at Chester House

  • 3 peaks challenge

    In 2014 I agreed to participate in an epic fund raising challenge for local charity Lakelands Hospice. Little did I know that this was going to be the most physically and mentally demanding challenge I have ever took part in (to date), but one that I am so glad I agreed to. The challenge was to climb to the summit of the three biggest mountains in the UK: Ben Nevis, Scaffell Pike and Mount Snowden, and to achieve all three within 24 hours.

    We managed to raise an impressive £2061 for a great cause but it wasn’t without some blood, sweat and tears.
    Nothing will stay in the memory longer than being at the top of Ben Nevis in the pitch black and not being able to find our way back down!!

  • 6 page article on DGL

    I was asked by FilmMaker magazine to take part in an interview for one of their issues to showcase the work I do behind the scenes in the British Film Industry. The printed edition, featured a 6 page article all about my work and efforts in helping British film makers market their movies without the need for mega budgets.

    Studio quality artwork without the studio price tag was my quote for this article.

  • charity skydive for Lakeland's

    In 2012 I took part in my first ever sky dive for my favourite local charity ‘Lakelands Hospice’. Wow, what an experience!

    If you haven’t yet experienced a sky dive, Lakelands do this fundraising event once a year so get over to their website, contact Paul and get involved. Put your fears and doubts to one side as this truly is an unforgettable experience that everyone should try at least once in their life.

  • a list of my gongs
  • uk's first motion poster
  • my businesses to date
  • 3 peaks challenge
  • 6 page article on DGL
  • charity skydive for Lakeland's