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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
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.
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
