David Pugh is the Head of Global Creative Design for Jo Malone London where he oversees the brand’s visual direction, including advertising, messaging and collateral. Prior to joining Jo Malone London, he served as a Creative Director/Consultant for Issey Miyake, Nike, Darphin, Clinique, Selfridges, Firmdale Hotels and Mulberry.
influences
questionnaire
What was your very first job?
Screen printer/Typesetter
Please describe, in your own words, what your job is and what work it entails?
I oversee a team of talented creatives. We concept campaigns and design digital and print collateral. Together, we save the world from smelling badly.
How did you discover that the creative world was right for you? Was there a time in your life that you credit to this discovery? What was there train of events that brought you to where you are today?
When I was 12 or so, there was a competition at school to create a magazine. I didn’t win, but they added an extra prize for the most creative entry and gave it to me. This gave me some sense that I might be okay at something. I’m still figuring out whether it’s right for me.
In your constantly growing and expanding industry, how do you find inspiration to keep your work fresh, innovative and relevant?
I look for beauty in everything. ‘A thing of beauty is a joy forever’ (Keats). I also hire people that I consider to be fresh, innovative and relevant.
If you had to pick one piece of work or project that you are most proud of, more for the creative work and innovation it required, rather than its recognition or industry “success,” what would it be?
Probably the work I did for Issey Miyake. Innovation is part of the Brand’s DNA. My biggest influence as a student became my client. This, for me, signified success.