About Me

Chad Matthew Danford

Creative Director / Front-End Designer & Developer / Photographer

In February 1999, I landed my first professional job at an advertising agency in Essen, Germany. I crafted my first Bewerbung using Microsoft Word and convinced my parents to invest $100 to send my B.F.A. portfolio—packed in my now-infamous silver case. I was hired on the spot and asked if I could start the following Monday.

Experience that Shapes Design

A look at the companies and roles that defined my creative path
    Together Concept Werbeagentur
    1999 - 2003

    Art Director

    Braun & Voigt Werbeagentur
    2004 - 2007

    Senior Art Director

    Andreas Heller Architcts & Designers
    2007 - 2019

    Lead Web and Media Designer

    Kundenbüro HH
    2019 - 2020

    Senior Art Director

    Calumet Photo Video
    2021 - 2025

    Senior Front-End Designer & Developer
    Head of Art Direction

Skills that make an impact

Blending design, code, and creativity to craft meaningful experiences.
Art Direction

Great design tells a story. As an art director, I craft visual narratives that connect, inspire, and endure—whether defining brand identities, designing campaigns, or refining aesthetics. I bring creative visions to life with clarity and purpose.

Frontend Design & Development

I bridge design and technology to create intuitive, engaging digital experiences. From pixel-perfect UI to seamless front-end interactions, I bring ideas to life with clean code—balancing usability and aesthetics.

Photography

I studied photography as part of my graphic design studies and came to Germany with my analog Canon AE-1. After years away from peeking through the viewfinder, I realized that this part of my creativity had been missing. Photography for me is about reconnecting with that hands-on, observational side — noticing light, detail, and moments that tell a story in a way only the lens can capture.

Snapshots & Stories

A glimpse behind the lens

My Instagram is where creativity meets everyday life. From behind-the-scenes moments to spontaneous captures, it’s a space to share glimpses of inspiration, process, and the visual ideas that shape my work.