Hello! I'm J.D. Humphreys, a creative director with a career spanning more than two decades at top-tier advertising agencies, lifestyle brands, and media outlets. A designer at heart, I help brands be unforgettable and make an impact. I'm also a proud co-dad of two rescue dogs.
Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was more than just a movie for me; it was a formative experience that shaped my understanding of creativity, branding, and storytelling even at age 5. Alongside classics like The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Willy Wonka stood out as a colorful journey through a factory of dreams, addressing themes of temptation, greed, and entitlement. It was a masterclass in branding, showcasing an eccentric and mysterious founder, a unique dedicated workforce of Oompa Loompas, and a Golden Ticket promotional campaign that went viral.
The profound impact of this movie taught me that creativity, hard work, and dedication triumphs in the end and that being genuine, like Charlie Bucket, truly pays off. My passion for creativity was ignited, and from a young age, I found myself art directing everything from school assignments to family video productions, long before I knew what art direction meant. I thrived on the creative process and loved solving problems that required imaginative, right-brained thinking.
Today, I channel that same imaginative spirit into my career, creating unforgettable experiences for brands. Just like Willy Wonka's factory, I strive to craft worlds that captivate and inspire, proving that creativity is the ultimate key to success.
“Little surprises around every corner but nothing dangerous.”
- Willy Wonka
Rescue animals will always hold a special place in my heart, filling my life with endless love, joy, and purpose.
Spudnik
"Spud" is a rescue Treeing Walker Coonhound and a former hunting dog who doesn't like loud noises. He spends retirement chasing squirrels and crows, playing with his sister, cuddling, taking long walks, and collecting toys. And this handsome guy has two colored eyes!
Raven
Raven, aka "Flea," is our adorable troublemaker who gets away with everything because she's just that cute. Like Spud, she's a Treeing Walker Coonhound and our "foster fail"—we knew it was love at first sight. She chases squirrels with Spud and her boundless puppy energy keeps us on our toes!
is my home, but my roots are in Northern Virginia. I've also lived in Richmond, Virginia, and Durham, North Carolina, but the DMV (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) is my happy place.
A perfect weekend for me includes hiking through DC's expansive museums, sipping some Cabernet Franc at a Virginia winery, illustrating, reading (I read three at any given time), cheering on the Washington Nationals and Capitals, or hunting for 60s vinyl and other midcentury modern treasures.
I share my life with my best friend and husband, Jason, whom I met in college. Our anniversary is Halloween, our favorite holiday.
Maryland
© 2024 J.D. Humphreys