Hello! My name is Daniel Blaho, and I am a creative problem solver, designer, and strategist.

I am a creative marketer and branding specialist with a passion for building design concepts and sharing ideas. I excel at transforming abstract ideas into tangible constructs while fostering creativity. I bring a visionary perspective and strong technical knowledge to collaborate with a team or work independently. My personal philosophy is to always remain a student in order to learn as much as I can to help and improve my family, my network, and myself.

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Experience
GAINS Profile
Primary Skills
Accomplishments
Work History
2023 - Current

Owner, Creative Consultant

Formwork

Formwork is a creative consultancy dedicated to building intentional brands. As a fractional CMO or creative consultant, I leverage my background in problem-solving, design, and marketing strategy to shape brand foundations. We view an organization's brand as the core of all sales and marketing efforts, helping clients develop sustainable and communicative identities. By transforming abstract ideas into tangible concepts, we combine innovative problem-solving with branding expertise to create resonant solutions that lay the groundwork for lasting business success.

2023

Head of Marketing

Animus Digital

I served as the strategy and operational leader by leveraging my 9 years of experience running an agency. With a proven track record of delivering successful campaigns and assets that drive business growth, I used my natural leadership and relational skills to inspire and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results. Our team was focused on a results-driven mindset with a strong emphasis on data analysis and performance metrics.

2014 - 2023

Founder, Creative Director

DSB Creative

My demonstrated excellence in brand development and marketing management afforded me the opportunity to operate this business for over nine years. I served as the lead creative consultant and marketing strategist while developing design concepts and systems. The method of our small and agile team was to develop marketing strategies with a brand-first approach. This allowed us to efficiently develop cost-effective campaigns. In my time transitioning my freelance practice and running this agency, I developed expertise in a wide range of design disciplines, such as web design, graphic design, brand development, art direction, logo design, illustration, print design, and more.

2013 - 2014

UI Designer, Online Marketing Specialist

Straxis Technology

This small, yet high-output, company developed mobile apps for educational institutions. My experience in this position allowed me to grow and enhance the foundation of my skillset. This small business achieved a lot by relying on its unique team structure to perform at a high level of excellence. While there, I developed the unique skill of being able to balance serving as a UI/UX designer, account manager, and online marketing specialist. By collaborating with our cross-functional team, we had a proven track record of developing effective technology and design solutions.

2012-2013

Graphic Designer, Marketing Manager

Signs Now

I served as a graphic designer for this large format print shop, while also managing internal marketing initiatives. In addition to the creative skill set required for this position, I was able to develop strong interpersonal and sales abilities by managing client accounts and making sales calls. I also had the opportunity to learn a lot about the inner workings of a printing business, including inventory management, order management, customer service, vendor management, and operating large format printers. Excellent communication and time management skills were crucial for succeeding in this role.

2010 - 2014

Freelance Graphic Designer

Self-employed

While in college, I started the freelancing journey that ultimately laid the groundwork for establishing my own marketing agency. Juggling a full-time job and my studies, I discovered an innate passion for delivering graphic design services. Through freelancing, I acquired valuable insights into entrepreneurship, the significance of networking, and the art of overcoming obstacles. Little did I realize at the time that these experiences as a freelance designer would become some of my most valuable personal assets throughout my career.

Education
2009 - 2012

VIsual Communications

ITT Technical Institute

Diploma

2005 - 2008

Marketing, MIS

Oklahoma State University, Tulsa Community College

Incomplete

Goals: To be the go-to resource for creative problem solving, brand strategy, and design
thinking. To grow Formwork into a well-known name for brand clarity and execution across multiple industries.

Accomplishments: I’ve been self-employed since I was 25 and have run a creative business for over 13 years. I’ve earned trust in the business community by delivering consistently, learning from the hard stuff, and leading with integrity.

Interests: I’m a dad to an energetic daughter, a social sports player, an amateur woodworker, a musician, a cook, and a lifelong learner. If I’m not building something with my hands, I’m building it with my mind.

Networks: My career started with TYPros and expanded into multiple networking circles over the years. I’ve supported entrepreneurial events, co-founded creative communities like The Bridge Coworking, and volunteered for non-profits focused on the arts and education.

Skills: Brand strategy, graphic design, creative direction, marketing automation, web development, and ideation. Also fluent in collaboration, resilience, and figuring it out when others get stuck.

Skills and Expertise

Skill
Experience
Expertise
24 Years
Graphic Design
10 Years
Brand Strategy
14 Years
Sales and Networking
14 Years
Web Development
8 Years
Online Advertising
14 Years
Search Engine Optimization
6 Years
Creative Direction
8 Years
Copywriting
7 Years
Marketing Automation
  • 2025-Current: Nominated as president for his networking group chapter, setting goals to quickly become a 35+ member chapter that generates $1M+ in business.
  • 2024-Current: Elected to the board of the Broken Arrow Historical Society, serving as a director and marketing liaison, giving back to his hometown and preserving important regional and native history.
  • 2024-Current: Became a regional launch coach for BNI, successfully helping establish the ninth and tenth chapters in Broken Arrow and Downtown Tulsa within his first year in this part-time role.
  • 2023-Current: Launched Formwork, a creative agency where he serves as a fractional CMO to their clients, representing the culmination of over 15 years of experience in marketing and branding, as well as 20+ years in design.
  • 2023-Current: Began involvement with BNI (Business Networking International), a professional referral marketing organization, rapidly ascending to leadership positions including chapter president and launch coach. Nominated to serve on the leadership team for his BNI chapter, recognized as the highest-performing chapter in the region. In late 2024, helped start a new chapter in Jenks making it the eighth group around Tulsa that generated over $500,000 in its first 10 months.
  • 2015-2025: Deeply involved in reviving The Great Raft Race (originally ran 1973-1991). As a director on the planning committee, has been instrumental in every aspect of the event, from design and web development to marketing strategy and communications, contributing to broader river initiatives and helping the Gathering Place achieve its second-highest attendance in history.
  • 2022: Became a Red Bull Athlete as part of one of just 24 teams accepted to compete in the Red Bull Rapids event at Oklahoma City Riversport, bringing national attention to Oklahoma City.
  • 2018: Nominated for the Entrepreneurial Vision Boomtown Award from the TYPros Foundation, placing him alongside other prominent entrepreneurial leaders in Tulsa.
  • 2017-2018: Volunteered skills to develop brand collateral and marketing strategies for Daniel Regan's campaign for City Council.
  • 2015: Awarded TYPros Crew Member of the Year for spearheading a "Bring it to Tulsa" campaign aimed at attracting businesses to the city.
  • 2015-2023: Founded Tulsa's first coworking space, The Bridge, at age 28, cultivating a collaborative environment for entrepreneurs and remote workers while steering participation in events like Global Entrepreneur Week. He has concluded his tenure as director of The Bridge coworking space, but continues to support it as a private consultant guiding its strategic evolution.
  • 2014-2023: Volunteered skills to Tulsa Honor Academy, a charter school, developing and maintaining their brand assets as a pro bono contributor from the institution's foundation year.
  • 2014-2023: Founded and operated DSB Creative, his first marketing agency, serving numerous clients globally for nine years. It was dissolved to pursue a new creative consultancy more aligned with his passion for design and branding.
  • 2014-2018: Served as a board member for the Tulsa Debate League from its founding year, playing a role in its growth from a grassroots startup to a deeply integrated nonprofit within Tulsa’s public schools, including developing brand development, organizing fundraising events, and leveraging marketing expertise. In 2018, Concluded his board service with the Tulsa Debate League, though he continues as a skilled volunteer for the Debate League.
  • 2011-2018: Heavily involved with Tulsa's Young Professionals (TYPros), a dynamic organization fostering leadership and community engagement. Led initiatives of the Business Development Crew that promoted economic growth in Tulsa.
  • 2001: Named Broken Arrow's overall best artist of the year as a freshman.
  • 1998-2005: Achieved state, regional, and national championships for music as part of the Broken Arrow Band Association, competed in numerous state competitions for solo percussion, and was classically trained as a pianist.

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