1984 - 2005
Eat, sleep, guitar, repeat.
Born in London, but it didn’t take long to trade the city lights for the fresh sea breeze of the south coast. At just 7 years old, I picked up my first guitar. Inspired by the sounds of my dad’s music collection, I spent hours every day practising. My world opened up when I discovered guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Jimi Hendrix. Their artistry ignited my passion, and I doubled down on mastering the craft.
I was lucky enough to attend a performing arts school, which meant one thing: guitar, guitar, and more guitar! From rehearsals to tours, it was an incredible time. I studied music at a college in Sussex, then levelled up at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Surrey. Here, I met incredible musicians (and even a few famous faces!) while performing in venues around the world.
After years of non-stop strumming, I found my passion for the guitar starting to wane. It was time for a change, and I returned to Sussex to rediscover myself. Not long after, I met someone amazing who changed everything.
2005 - 2012
Design & family life.
Returning to Sussex marked the start of a whole new chapter. I met my partner, and we spent those early years enjoying life together and creating memories. Around the same time, I discovered a new passion: design. I immersed myself in learning the foundations, diving into everything from building websites to crafting brand identities for businesses across the UK. The freelance life was both challenging and rewarding, and I even explored a few business ventures along the way.
By the time I turned 27, we decided to start a family. Nine months later… twins!
2012 - 2020
Building a career.
While embracing the joys (and challenges!) of parenthood, I decided to step away from freelance design. I joined a design studio as a project manager, where I spent six years soaking up every ounce of knowledge I could. During this time, I had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, from small and medium-sized businesses to public services, organisations, and even government entities. It was a time of immense growth, both professionally and personally, as I honed my skills and built lasting relationships.
As 2020 approached, a new opportunity came knocking—I was headhunted for a marketing position at a larger company. While it was bittersweet to say goodbye to my role and the friends I’d made, it was the right time to take the next step in my journey.
2020 - 2023
Career, covid & clarity.
Taking on the role of Marketing Manager for a larger company was an exciting step forward, filled with the promise of new challenges. Not long after I joined, the company expanded by acquiring a group of businesses, and my responsibilities grew exponentially. I thrived on the challenge, but then the world changed.
The arrival of Covid-19 and the ensuing living crisis in the UK brought unprecedented pressures. The next three years were a whirlwind of stress, navigating the complexities of keeping businesses afloat in uncertain times. By the time the dust settled, I was completely burnt out. It was time to take a step back and re-evaluate my path.
In that moment of clarity, Design Shake was born—a fresh start and the chance to channel my passion and creativity into something truly my own.
2024 - PRESENT
Design Shake, family & future.
Design Shake is now my full-time focus, and I couldn’t be happier. Alongside a talented team of creatives, I manage a variety of projects for businesses across different industries. Along the way, I discovered the growing popularity of design subscriptions in the US—and quickly realised why. They offer businesses the benefits of having a dedicated designer (me) without the commitment of hiring an employee. It’s a win-win: massive cost savings for clients and the freedom for me to collaborate with a wide range of businesses.
In addition to subscriptions, I also provide a selection of ‘out of the box’ design solutions, offering flexibility and innovation for businesses of all sizes.
Although the leap into self-employment was daunting, it has proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—for my health, my family, and my future. Running Design Shake has allowed me to rediscover my passion while building a life that truly works for me.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. If you’d like to work together, have a project in mind, or just want to connect, I’d love to hear from you.
Dan Langham