About
Hello!
My name is David Tucker, but I go by Tucker.
When I was a kid, i always knew I wanted to be... a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. When that didn't pan out I tried a myriad of things from barista and butcher to computer technician. But everything changed for me when I discovered I could make a living doing the thing I loved most, being creative. With over 15 years of experience as a Creative Director, working across industries from entertainment to lifestyle brands, I specialize in storytelling through design. Whether in-house or agency side, I lead teams to create visually compelling work that drives strategic impact.
(And yes, pizza is still my favorite. Turtle power.)
Because designing 9-5 just isn't enough for me I can be found nights and weekends working in my studio, Polychrome, which provides Design and Strategy solutions for a variety of clients in the Entertainment, Tech, Wellness, Beauty and Fashion industries. Some of my clients include: Disney, Marvel, Nickelodeon, Mattel, Ravensburger, Starbucks, Chef HAK's, Sunny Within, LAUSD and more.
How I Got Here
I grew up in the press rooms of my grandfather’s printing company in New York. I was surrounded by creative people, while giant color charts and towering printing presses became my playground. It’s no surprise that’s where my passion for design first ignited.
Storytelling, making, teaching, and problem-solving have always driven me. I believe this blend of passions is what makes me a great designer. I love the process of bringing ideas to life—building something from nothing, shaping narratives, and solving user stories in a way that’s both creative and functional. My goal is always to present a solution that’s fresh, insightful, and visually compelling.
My Philosophy
I work at the intersection of “let’s make great shit” and “let’s have fun while we do it.” I believe that great creative solves the problems you know you have—and the ones you didn’t know were there. I encourage my team to answer the design problem directly but also push beyond it and find new opportunities to elevate the work. For me, the best work comes from collaboration, fun, and a relentless drive to deliver something truly impactful.
Strategy
Great design begins with smart strategy. Every project I take on starts with thoughtful planning, ensuring that the creative work aligns with bigger brand goals and solves real problems. It's about thinking ahead and setting a strong foundation for success.
Craft
Craft is where creativity meets precision. I focus on every detail, from concept to execution, to ensure the work is both visually compelling and functionally effective. It's about creating design that not only looks good but also works seamlessly.
Process
The creative process is where the magic happens. I guide projects from concept to completion, ensuring that each step is purposeful and aligned with the end goal. It's a blend of collaboration, iteration, and constant refinement to get to the best outcome.
Work Experience
Collier.Simon — Creative Director
Lead creative direction for a variety of client projects, driving strategy, execution, and team management to deliver impactful and innovative design solutions.
Mattel, Inc. — Senior Manager, Vehicle Brand Creative
Oversaw the Vehicle Brand Creative team, driving strategic creative direction for Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Thomas & Friends. Managed design, branding, and marketing for key product lines and campaigns.
Collier.Simon — Creative Director
Directed creative campaigns and brand strategies for clients, balancing leadership and hands-on design work. Focused on delivering high-quality, engaging content that aligns with client goals.
SOUL + REUSE — Creative Director
Co-founded and directed the creative vision for two lifestyle brands that sold curated masks during the pandemic. Focused on branding, product design, and marketing to align with a lifestyle-oriented vibe.
FOCL — Creative Director
Led creative direction for the wellness brand, focusing on product design, packaging, and digital marketing strategies to enhance brand presence.
Mattel, Inc. — Lead Designer & Art Director
Led visual design for Mattel Games, overseeing the creation of branding, brand creative, packaging, and marketing assets. Managed freelance designers, illustrators, and photographers.
Mattel, Inc. — Senior Visual Designer
Designed branding, product, packaging, and marketing for the Digital Innovation team, focusing on UI/UX for apps and developing guidelines for emerging technologies like AR, VR, and voice interfaces.
LORAC Cosmetics, LLC — Senior Graphic Designer
Led creative direction for seasonal collections, product packaging, e-commerce, and retail displays. Art-directed photo shoots and managed freelance designers.
The Walt Disney Company — Graphic Designer (Global Creative)
Contributed to global branding, product design, and packaging initiatives, ensuring alignment with Disney’s global brand standards.
Pro Bono Work
Guest Lecturer
I’ve led workshops and guest lectured at institutions like USC and Art Center, covering topics from typography to career development in design.
TypeThursday — Editorial/Design Lead
Oversaw creative and marketing strategy for TypeThursday, a community for typography enthusiasts. Led the editorial team and developed marketing initiatives to strengthen the creative community.
The International Printing Museum — Design Docent (Exhibits & Marketing)
Managed design for the museum’s marketing and exhibits, while teaching letterpress and printmaking. Led tours and workshops on historical printing techniques.
