Inside DHD: The Creative Process Behind Their Branding Success

Founded in 2008, DHD began as a solo freelance venture and has since grown into a dynamic creative agency serving nearly 500 clients worldwide. In his exclusive Website Planet interview, Founder David Henderson shares the story behind DHD’s evolution, their strategic approach to branding and web design, and the culture that drives their passionate team forward.

Can you share a few details about DHD’s founding story?

DHD was founded nearly 17 years ago, in September 2008. It all started when I became a freelance designer and web developer straight out of university. My initial plan was to freelance for just a few months before securing a traditional job, but by the summer of 2008, I had already learned a great deal about running a business.

At the time, I was offering logo design, website design and development, and graphic design, working with local clients in Northern Ireland. I quickly realized how much I loved the freedom of being a freelance designer. To establish a workspace, I set up a small portacabin office in my parents’ garden and worked independently for the first three years.

As demand grew, I made my first hire—a web developer named Adam—and from there, the team gradually expanded. In 2019, we moved to Belfast, which allowed us to be closed to clients.

Today, DHD has a team of 15, including designers, developers, social media experts, videographers, and strategists, all collaborating to create impactful campaigns and brands for clients worldwide. Watching the company evolve has been an incredible journey, and now, DHD proudly serves nearly 500 clients across the globe.

What is the scope of services that you offer?

At DHD, we are passionate about storytelling and helping our clients communicate their message in a fresh and engaging way. Our goal is to refine and enhance how brands connect with their audiences, often through rebranding, improving website experiences, or reshaping their social media presence.

Our core services include:

• Visual Identity & Branding – Crafting compelling brand identities that resonate with target audiences.
• Web Design & Development – Designing and building everything from eCommerce platforms to marketing websites and digital products.
• Social Media Strategy & Management – Developing and executing strategies to enhance brand presence across social platforms.
• Content Strategy – Creating high-quality photography and videography to support brand storytelling.
• Graphic Design – Offering design services for marketing materials, campaigns, and visual assets.
• Ongoing Website Support – Providing continuous maintenance and updates to keep websites optimized and running smoothly.

We work closely with our clients to ensure their stories are told effectively across all digital and visual touchpoints.

You have a well-structured 6-step process of working with a client. Can you elaborate on it?

We are very passionate about our 6-step process as we try to ensure a seamless and effective collaboration with clients. Here’s how we approach each project:

1. Understand – We start by deeply listening to our clients to grasp their story, goals, and aspirations. This helps us align with their vision from both a marketing and storytelling perspective.
2. Plan – We establish clear timelines, define expectations, and create a structured roadmap for the project. Communication is key at this stage to ensure all parties are aligned.
3. Research – We conduct in-depth research, including interviews and competitor audits, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s industry and unique needs.
4. Ideate – This is where creativity thrives. We generate bold, innovative ideas based on our research and client discussions, bringing fresh concepts to the table.
5. Develop – Whether it’s branding, website design, or social media strategy, this is where we bring everything to life, executing the work with precision and creativity.
6. Deliver – We finalize the project, make necessary refinements, and ensure everything is ready for launch. We also establish a plan to successfully introduce the work to the client’s audience.

This structured approach allows us to deliver high-quality, strategic solutions that effectively tell our clients’ stories and achieve their goals.

What is the importance of culture at DHD?

At DHD, culture is at the heart of everything we do. Our team of 15 incredible individuals thrives in an environment of collaboration, support, and shared vision.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in recent years is how to be a better leader—how to create a strong vision and strategy while also making space for my team’s personal aspirations. We hold regular strategy days, go on hikes in the mountains, and take dedicated time to think, dream, and plan together. This allows us to align not just professionally but also personally, ensuring we’re all moving in the same direction.

A defining aspect of our culture is the mindset of support. One of the most common phrases you’ll hear in our office is, “How can I help?” It’s a simple question, but it fosters an environment where everyone looks out for each other. This sense of teamwork and camaraderie has only strengthened over time, and I’m excited to see how we continue to evolve and make DHD an even more inspiring place to work.

What does the future hold for the company? Any upcoming projects we could be looking forward to?

We’re in a really exciting phase of growth at DHD. Recently, we’ve secured some incredible contracts, including one with Harvard Business School in Boston—one of the most prestigious universities in the world. We’re currently rolling out the brand for The Foundry, a startup incubator at Harvard Business School, and have been deepening our collaboration with them over the past few months.

Beyond that, we’re also in discussions with Premier League football clubs for upcoming branding and digital projects. While those contracts aren’t officially signed yet, things are looking promising, and we hope to share more news soon.

Additionally, we’re actively involved in conferences and events. We’ll be attending MAD//UpNorth in Manchester later this month, and we’ll be returning to London in July for more industry events. At these conferences, we’re not just attending—we’re playing an active role by capturing content, interviewing speakers and sponsors, and providing photography services. Some of the events we also plan to attend include SaaStock in Dublin and Web Summit in Lisbon.

It’s an exciting time at DHD, and we’re looking forward to expanding our work in education, sports, and events in the months ahead!

Is there anything else about your work that you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?

For me, one of the most important aspects of our work is helping businesses understand who they are as a company. Branding is much more than just a logo—it’s about storytelling and finding the best way to communicate your identity to the world.

When we work with clients on a rebrand, we don’t just update their visual identity—colors, typography, imagery, and tone of voice—we help them rediscover their purpose and breathe new life into their brand. A strong, refreshed brand can not only attract new customers and increase business but also energize internal teams, creating a renewed sense of excitement about the company’s direction.

So, if any of your readers are interested in rebranding, we’d love to speak with them. We work with clients across Europe, the U.S., Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, bringing their brands to life in ways that truly resonate with their audiences.

To learn more about DHD, you can visit wearedhd.com