“Creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a force for cultural connection and commercial transformation.”

Del Hawbaker is a visionary creative leader whose two-decade journey through the design and branding landscape has left a powerful imprint on some of the world’s most recognized lifestyle and apparel brands. Driven by a unique blend of artistic passion and strategic business insight, Del has consistently elevated visual identities into compelling brand experiences that resonate with consumers across generations. His career reflects a deep-rooted belief that design is more than aesthetics—it’s a dialogue between brands and people, shaped by authenticity, innovation, and emotional relevance.

From his earliest days as a graphic designer in New York City to his current work as a creative specialist and founder, Del has demonstrated a relentless commitment to crafting brands with soul. With over 20 years of experience, he has cultivated a reputation not only for creative excellence but for bridging the gap between visionary thinking and market-driven execution. Whether developing signature graphics for legacy fashion houses or launching purpose-driven entrepreneurial ventures, Del’s portfolio is a testament to his ability to create with both heart and precision.

His career began at Tommy Jeans, where he was quickly recognized for his attention to detail, typographic mastery, and ability to translate cultural trends into visual language. This experience laid the groundwork for what would become an expansive journey through high-profile creative roles, including nearly 14 years at Tommy Hilfiger. There, Del played a central role in shaping the visual identity of the brand’s men’s sportswear lines, designing the now-iconic “signature stripe” and leading the creation of several brand offshoots. His work was not only creatively influential but commercially impactful, helping to drive brand recognition and retail growth at a global scale.

Del’s trajectory continued with key leadership roles at The Children’s Place and Gap, where he took on greater responsibilities in brand storytelling, seasonal concept development, and cross-functional creative strategy. At Gap, he directed artist collaborations and special campaigns like PRIDE and Core Logo rebrands, fusing purpose-driven design with mass-market appeal. At The Children’s Place, he led a team of designers and freelancers in developing dynamic, market-ready concepts while maintaining consistent alignment with the brand’s evolving identity.

In 2020, Del stepped into entrepreneurship, founding Black Barn LLC—an e-commerce brand dedicated to sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural relevance. Melding his design expertise with his personal values, he handcrafts durable goods from reclaimed barn wood, keeping history alive through function and form. His parallel initiative, Boards for Solidarity, showcases his belief in design as a tool for advocacy. Collaborating with New York-based artists, Del created custom skate decks to support the Black Lives Matter movement, donating 100% of proceeds to Campaign Zero. These projects embody his belief that design has the power to change lives and challenge the status quo.

Simultaneously, Del continues to apply his branding acumen at Jackson Dawson, where he spearheads creative work for the Ford Bronco brand. His contributions span from merchandise development to content creation, helping shape immersive customer experiences such as the Bronco Off-Roadeo centers. Through this work, Del seamlessly integrates lifestyle branding with storytelling, reinforcing the emotional and experiential connection between the brand and its audience.

Throughout his career, Del has remained steadfast in his commitment to team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and mentorship. He has led teams of graphic designers and freelancers, driving innovation while ensuring alignment with business objectives. His leadership style is agile and inclusive, focused on nurturing creative talent and fostering environments where vision can flourish under tight timelines and evolving market pressures.

While his career has taken him across continents and corporate landscapes, Del’s values are anchored in action sports, sustainability, and human connection. A lifelong enthusiast of snowboarding, skateboarding, mountain biking, and motocross, he brings the energy, discipline, and creativity of these passions into his professional life. This lifestyle alignment with the brands he serves allows him to create work that is not only visually impactful but culturally authentic and emotionally compelling.

Del also brings international exposure to his work, with professional engagements across South America and Mexico. This global perspective enriches his understanding of diverse consumer behaviors and informs his approach to building brands that transcend geographic boundaries. His ability to infuse local nuance into global branding strategies has proven invaluable to companies aiming to scale authentically.

Currently serving on the board of Valley Mountain Bikers, Del extends his influence into community leadership, further demonstrating his commitment to meaningful engagement beyond business. His board involvement reflects a natural progression of his leadership journey—bringing creative vision, strategic thinking, and brand innovation to organizations seeking growth, relevance, and purpose.

Character:
Del is driven by purpose and grounded in empathy. He believes that design should reflect values, foster inclusion, and serve as a bridge between creativity and community.

Knowledge:
With a career spanning over two decades, Del offers deep expertise in branding, marketing strategy, and product development. His ability to move fluidly between high-level strategy and hands-on execution makes him an invaluable asset to any leadership team.

Strategic:
Del consistently aligns creativity with commercial intent, driving brand growth through design thinking and visual storytelling. He brings a long-term, multi-channel perspective to every project, ensuring relevance in both digital and physical markets.

Communication:
Whether leading internal presentations to executives or collaborating with external artists, Del is a clear and compelling communicator. He has a talent for translating complex ideas into visual forms that engage, inform, and inspire.