Meet Doug Hill.
I’ve been designing, writing and creating ideas and ads for over 30 years. I’ve also been a musician (guitar singer/songwriter for 35 years). I consult for various companies and ad agencies and have several clients of my own; fortunately, this keeps changing and growing and it’s always challenging.
Being a good Dad is my greatest achievement (2 beautiful, independent, strong and amazing girls). Lucky to have partnered with agencies and individuals that won Addy’s, Clio’s, Effie’s, Telly’s and an Andy (you know, the one with the big head). Also, got into the TV & Radio Hall of Fame for a FedEx Super Bowl Spot with writer Ken Cills (Machinery).
I work out of my home office in Wallingford/Swarthmore area and go into Philly and NYC whenever the need arises.
My acoustic duo (92nd Street – myself and Hugh Colocott) is recording our 2nd record, due out this spring. We’ve been performing for 20 years (think Simon & Garfunkel on steroids) — www/myspace.com/92ndstreet.
You can reach Doug at dougyhill@gmail.com and www.doughillcreative.com.
And now, the 12 Questions.
1. What kind of kid were you?
Lucky. #2 of 4 kids, had an older brother that did all the talking, so I learned to get attention by doing; sports, art, magic and then guitar. We were a fishing/hunting family with dogs — so I loved being outside and still have a keen interest in nature, animals and traveling.
2. What influences have shaped you?
My mom was a concert pianist and my dad owned a design studio, so music and art are in my blood. I was a teenager in the 70’s, so I not only fell in love with shows like Lassie, Daktari, Star Trek, Gilligan’s Island and Looney Tunes Cartoons, but was exposed to the greatest diversity of phenomenal music ever:
Beatles/Stones/Jimi Hendrix/Led Zepplin/Elton John/CSN/Cat Stephens/Allman Brothers/Yes/Jethro Tull/Joni Mitchell/Bonnie Raitt/Little Feat/Bob Marley/English Beat/Squeeze/Earth, Wind & Fire/Santana. Also loved the design work of Milton Glaser, the art direction of John Doyle, and the writing of Tolkien, Cormac McCarthy and Michael Creighton.
3. Ever done anything really dumb?
Way too many to mention here. But one classic won’t hurt: Letting my little sister (almost 16 at the time) drive my manual VW Rabbit – her first attempt with a stick shift, she mistook the clutch for the brake and ran into a cedar tree…luckily, only the bumper, hood and my good sense were injured.
4. How’d you learn to do what you do?
You get inspired, try something, fail, try again, eventually succeed and then repeat.
5. What are you working on now?
Some outdoor for the University of Delaware, some marketing for Mercer Bucks Cardiology and partnering with Allied Pixel on a digital campaign. Playing my guitar, singing and riding my CAAD 10 are always a work in progress.
6. Walk us through a typical day at work.
Read some news, answer a few emails, desperately search for some lame stock imagery, design or write, depending on the assignment and then revise until it seems like there’s something worth sharing (which sometimes, can take much longer than expected).
7. Who do you love?
Page and Logan (my 2 girls), Nicki, my girlfriend and my best friends; my Dad, Bob, Hugh, Kevin & Connie, Moshe, Fred and me.
8. What are you passionate about?
My kids, my work, my music, riding my bike, spending time with Nicki, catching trout, throwing the Frisbee, and reading and talking about the issues that are dividing our country. Oh yeah, drinking quality red wine, too.
9. What are you proudest of?
Giving my daughters Page and Logan the love and inspiration they deserve to find something to be passionate about.
10. Describe a great night out.
Going to a favorite BYOB (Birchrunville Café comes to mind), ordering Duck, sharing a bottle of Red Cabernet, and then listening to a great singer/songwriter while my mind drifts off into another realm.
11. So what’s next for you?
Listening, collaborating and learning with more creative experts and brands to offer even smarter solutions to their competitive landscapes. In other words, get better.
12. What will your epitaph say?
(Hopefully) Here lies Doug, who enjoyed life to the fullest and never stopped trying new things.
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