Will Bullock doesn’t just design—he builds. With a background in architecture, graphic design, and a self-taught journey into front-end coding, Will approaches every project with one guiding question: “How would I actually put this together?”

His ability is seeing the big picture “beyond intersecting some lines on a computer drawing.” Carrying respect for craftsmanship into every project, Will sees design as both a discipline of vision and execution.

“Design studios taught me that the most important tool is the ability to learn.” Most of his earliest assignments involve something Will had no prior knowledge of. “I leaned in confidently because I know how to learn quickly.”  Research, pattern recognition, critical thinking, and creative ideation become his DNA.

“The biggest misconception that I often see is about the value of process.” People admire his work but underestimate what it takes. “I explain what they admire didn’t happen overnight, nor did it come from any preconceived notions.” “My best work,” he explains “comes from the collaboration itself. This isn’t my design, it’s yours.” For those searching for a quick fix, he gladly directs them to a cookie-cutter service.

“The pitfall of most designers,” Will admittingly placing himself last, “is not prioritizing any creativity within us. We become cobblers with no shoes, plumbers with a leaky faucet, or designers without a logo.”

Learning to assign himself tasks with the same discipline he gives clients has been essential in quieting self-doubt. Stepping out as WB Creative, his company, at first felt like “stepping on stage in my underwear.” But over time, he rebuilt the self-confidence that is vital to thriving in this industry.

Collaboration has always fueled his productivity. “I viewed myself as the Flavor Flav in partnerships,” he laughs. His experience at Slant Media and at Obviouslee, riffing ideas with others became his formula for success. That spirit led to national recognition—including a prestigious Addy award, designing the one-handed bottle opener Kebo, which later appeared in the MoMA gift shop. His designs even lit up Times Square.

Although he doesn’t credit himself as an arts educator, he tremendously enjoyed his time mentoring at the American College of Building Arts, the Art Institute, and the AIGA. His students’ enthusiasm sharpened his own ability to articulate and elevate design.

Above all, Will is blessed for the clients who return with “the nod”—a simple but powerful acknowledgment of trust and impact. He was entrusted to establish Magnolia Plantation & Gardens’ first cohesive rebrand for a 300 plus year historical narrative. He worked alongside both descendants of enslaved people and the plantation founders.

“It was deeply gratifying to help them embrace their entire history, not just the pretty flowers in the garden.”

As a 26-year Charleston resident, Will has witnessed the city’s unique relationship with the digital realm. “Charleston is a wonderfully historic yet discreetly metropolitan city, with fiber optic cable running beneath our cobblestone streets and 5G towers tucked inside our cupolas,” he reflects. He credits his friend and former Slant Media partner, Ernest Andrade of the Charleston Digital Corridor, for championing initiatives that connect the city’s history to its growing economy. Institutions like the Halsey Institute and the International African American Museum also earn his admiration for their vast collections of writings, images, and historical records that preserve and share African American stories through technology.

The Halsey Institute and the International African American Museum get a nod from Will for research resources, which contain a catalog of writings, images, and historical documents related to African Americans.

Beyond design, Will is drawn to capturing candid moments. A reflection the Clemson-native enjoys with his wife, Dixie, of 26 years, their three children, and their pups. Whether grilling out, jamming out, or dining out, you’ll feel sense of creativity, collaboration, and community that drives his work.  

“I truly enjoy seeing the fruits of my collaborations out in the wild,” nodding to his signature system and logo for the West Ashley Greenway. What looks like a colorful map is the result of creative problem solving and leaving a positive imprint on a community.