Dave grew up in Port Huron and currently lives in West Bloomfield. He has over 37 years experience in print media design and has won numerous awards for advertising, merchandising, publishing and direct marketing work. In 1973 he began his design career at Pfaff/McCoy Design in Bloomfield Hills. His client list has included Owens-Illinois, Chrysler, Chrysler Financial, Daimler Financial, Eastern Airlines, Chevrolet, GMAC, Allied Automotive, PGA of America, Carnation, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Harley Davidson, PPG Industries, Four Winns and NBA Properties. At Campbell-Ewald, the Aegis Group, and the Quarton Group, he established the design philosophy for numerous corporate sponsored magazines and publications. In February of 1995 he established his own design firm and in 2001 along with T. Jon Worden, co-founded Group [eX], a consortium of creative companies located in downtown Royal Oak. He served for many years on the board of the AIGA Detroit Chapter as past president and education chair. He been an adjunct faculty member at CCS for 20 of the past 24 years and is currently teaching a course in Business and Professional Practices.
Group [eX] has recently expanded and moved it’s offices to 120 E. Hudson Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48067. In addition to Buffington Design, it’s members include, B. A. Castle Design, Bloom Ink, Elevator, Fieldstone Management Consultants, Eli Greenbaum Associates, Nason Design, P. Blasio & People and Worden & Company. There is still space available and Group [eX] is always looking for qualified creative candidates.
Why design?
Good design has been important to me for as long as I can remember. Good design helps makes the world a better place. Any design project that I have ever been involved with has been the result of a creative team effort, including designers, editors, writers, illustrators, photographers and clients. I think it is important tho remember that good design is a reflection of the editorial message and should always respect, complement and support it.
What inspires you?
My wife of 37 years, our two daughters, two grandsons, family, friends, history, nature, and art
What is the next best thing (design speaking)?
wine and good food
Do graphic designers have a special responsibility to promote a green society?
Everyone has a responsibility to conserve natural resources and as designers, we sometimes have the front row seat.
What is your favorite aspect of AIGA?
Networking on a national and international basis
What would your advice be for a designer just getting started in the industry?
Be humble, work hard, and be nice to people
How has living in Michigan shaped your work/design?
Inspiration. Michigan is an incredible state with vast natural resources, diversity and a rich history, just look at a NASA photo from space to see how it stands out from the rest of the world.
Who is your favorite Michigan based designer/artist?
Ron Rae
What is your favorite Michigan made product?
Pewabic Pottery
About AIGA Detroit’s Member Spotlight
Every other week, AIGA Detroit interviews a selected AIGA Detroit Member. It is a great opportunity for the Detroit design community to see who AIGA Detroit is along with all the amazing things our members are doing. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and appear on AIGA Detroit’s Member Spotlight, please contact our Membership Director, Wendy Grigsby Hatfield.
