Essen, Germany
Hi I'm
Damian.
I am a brand builder based in Essen, Germany. If you need help with design & strategy, get in touch.
THE INTRO
Brands can change the world.
Better said: Brands can change the way we perceive the world around us. They shape how we relate to our environment and connect with other people. Brands have the opportunity to touch our hearts — and some become part of who we are.
From a young age, I’ve been driven by creativity and a desire to bring ideas to life. I launched my design career in 2012 and embraced a design thinking mindset early on. In 2018, I took the leap and co-founded my own company with my childhood friends. Together, we built a brand from the ground up — not just as a business, but as a story people can relate to.
After launching the first watch collection, reaching around 180.000€ via Crowdfunding and in the role of the creative director, for me personally, branding became this beautiful tool to shape real-world experiences through storytelling.
Now, with over 12 years of experience in design and a strong foundation in brand strategy, I work with brands on a global scale. Along the way, I’ve learned how to blend creative thinking with clear strategy — building solutions that connect with people and support real growth.
When you work with me, you're not just tapping into design expertise — you're gaining a trusted partner, committed to bringing your vision to life.
recent Projects
MY JOURNEY
January 2023 – current
BRAND SPECIALIST,
INT. BRAND MANAGEMENT
– ALDI Einkauf SE & Co. OHG, Essen
- Managing multiple international brands with a strong focus on consistency and identity
- Translating strategic brand positioning into artwork briefs and creative execution
- Collaborating across functions in a fast-paced, efficiency-driven corporate environment
- Driving brand value through agile processes and smart storytelling
- Gaining deep insights into international retail marketing and brand operations
May 2018 – current
FOUNDER &
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
– POTTWATCH GbR, Oberhausen
- Built and positioned Ruhr Valley’s first original watch brand from concept to launch
- Created unique brand storytelling rooted in regional identity and industrial heritage
- Designed two product collections and defined the full customer experience
- Established B2B partnerships with retail stores and regional institutions
- Developed entrepreneurial skills in branding, marketing, and product strategy
September 2021 – December 2022
ART DIRECTOR
– CONTACT GmbH, Oberhausen
- Led creative direction for diverse B2B clients across industries
- Designed and relaunched complex corporate identity systems
- Working in multidisciplinary teams from concept through to final delivery
- Developed campaign assets for regional brands, retailers, and cultural institutions
- Strengthened strategic thinking in a fast-paced agency environment
August 2014 – August 2021
BRAND DESIGNER
– Self-employed, Ruhr Region
- Crafted brand identities for startups and SMEs
- Combined visual design with brand strategy and client consulting
- Delivered end-to-end creative solutions with full project ownership
- Learned to balance creative freedom with business realities
- Deepened expertise in storytelling, agile workflows, and brand ecosystems
January 2015 – December 2018
GRAPHIC DESIGNER &
SOUND ASSISTANT
– Tresohr Studios GbR, Oberhausen
- Designed visual materials for music and audio-driven projects
- Assisted in studio productions across sound, video, and live sessions
- Blended graphic design with music branding and emotional storytelling
- Gained behind-the-scenes knowledge of the music and entertainment industry
- Sharpened interdisciplinary creative thinking across visual and sound design
September 2012 – September 2014
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
– Twenty One Media GmbH, Oberhausen
- Contributed to international real estate and urban development branding projects
- Applied design thinking across digital, print, and environmental media
- Supported campaigns for major commercial projects (e.g., Centro Oberhausen)
- Gained hands-on experience in film production and cross-channel marketing
- Developed a strategic understanding of place branding and urban storytelling