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David Ligon

Art Director at ACE Content

David Ligon is an Art Director at ACE Content based in New York, New York.1 He is a former professional dancer who transitioned into advertising and art direction.

Career Highlights

Current Role:: David has been working as an Art Director at ACE Content (Anomaly Content & Entertainment) for over 2 years, collaborating with his creative partner, Chelsie Kelly.1

Education::

  • Master of Science in Art Direction from VCU Brandcenter (2019-2021)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Advertising from the University of South Carolina (2014-2017)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Dance from the University of South Carolina (2014-2017)

Professional Experience::

  • Freelance work (March 2019 - Present)
  • Brief stint as Art Director at DDB in Chicago (June 2021)
  • Co-founder of The Carriage House, a student co-op responding to the pandemic (April 2020 - June 2021)
  • Various internships and roles at agencies like MullenLowe U.S., DiMassimo Goldstein, and McKinney

Background in Dance

Before his career in advertising, David had an extensive background in ballet:

  • Ballet Instructor & Rehearsal Assistant at the University of South Carolina (2013-2017)
  • Professional ballet dancer and choreographer for various companies (2003-2014)
  • Trained at the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts (2001-2003)

David's unique journey from professional dance to art direction showcases his diverse skill set and creative background.1

Highlights

Apr 23 · linkedin

We're not want for work at ACE, in that we’re super grateful for the amount of work that comes in and how much we get to have our hands on it— which has contributed to me not updating my portfolio for almost three years! And what better excuse to finally do it than us going to Brandcenter's recruiter session to meet the next generation of creatives!

At ACE, we're not one thing— and that tickles my brain ferociously, so hopefully this can inspire these fresh minds that there's more than one way to ad.

Jun 23 · linkedin

In musical theatre the rule is: when emotions are too much for words you sing, and when they are too intense for song, you dance.

Last summer we were challenged to create a new brand film for Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy’s line of independent boutique hotels. No one hotel is the same— with each their own distinct personality, charm, and mark.

We spent a month and half shooting at six hotels, across five countries, and three continents.

The experience one has at an Autograph Collection Hotel transcends words.

ACE (Anomaly Content & Entertainment) Made With

Pip Cowley, Director  Madison Olandt, Choreographer

Myself, Art Director  Chelsie Kelly, Copywriter  Carlos Naude, Creative Director Max Simon, Producer  Megan Chacon-Diaz, Account Lead  Gabrielle Schaefer, Group Business Director

#brand #creative #film #hotel #autographcollection #marriottbonvoy #dance

Related Questions

What inspired David Ligon to transition from professional dancing to art direction?
How did David Ligon's experience at VCU Brandcenter influence his career?
What are some notable projects David Ligon has worked on at ACE Content?
How does David Ligon collaborate with his creative partner, Chelsie Kelly?
What challenges did David Ligon face when transitioning from dance to art direction?
David Ligon
David Ligon, photo 1
David Ligon, photo 2
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Experience

Art Director at ACE Content since June 2021
Art Director at DDB, Art Director & Founding Member at The Carriage House, Freelance Strategist, Strategy Intern at McKinney

Education

MS in Art Direction from VCU Brandcenter (2019 - 2021), BA in Advertising, Magna cum laude from University of South Carolina (2014 - 2017)

Location

New York, New York, United States