Talk by Creative Director David Tann

“Sleep When You’re Dead,” Furman’s 24-hour design competition is April 20.

David Tann, creative director and founder of Tantrum, will kick off the first annual “Sleep When You’re Dead,” Furman’s 24-hour student design competition on April 20. A joint venture between the Furman University Art Department and Miami Ad School @ Portfolio Center, the competition provides a forum to highlight the skills and talents of tomorrow’s design and communication professionals.

A beer and wine reception kicks off the event at 5 p.m., and the talk begins at 6 p.m.

Tann has spent his entire career working with global brands. His dedication to his craft and unparalleled work ethic, coupled with his liberal arts education, has led to a successful career as a designer and creative director. Tann will be discussing the creative industry, his personal journey from a liberal arts education to working with the NBA, and the importance of intangibles like integrity and hard work. He will focus on the cultural significance of brands and their ethical responsibility for society. Tann has a knack for connecting with today’s young professionals – his talks are meant to inspire young talent by challenging them to think differently about the industry. More importantly, he has a firm understanding of the subtleties and nuances that make great brands resonate with people and society.

Tann holds a bachelor of arts in communication from Wake Forest University and is a graduate of the design program at The Portfolio Center, where he serves as an adjunct professor. He has launched brands for Abercrombie & Fitch, designed record-breaking holiday campaigns for Bath & Body Works, managed packaging for Kohl’s department store, revitalized the OshKosh B’gosh clothing brand, directed e-commerce for Carter’s, and unveiled the new identity for his hometown NBA basketball team, the Atlanta Hawks. Tann has consistently shown a knack for recognizing trends and translating them into effective campaigns and products.