After being inspired by friend to pursue what makes him happy, David Ashton left a larger firm and started Ashton Design in 1985 with only himself and his assistant.
 
As technology improved and demand for print declined, Ashton Design adapted by adding web and environmental design along with print design to its portfolio. The 16-person company offers its design expertise on everything from invitations to annual reports, books, websites and signage.
 
Ashton Design hasrecently grown, taking on both large and small projects. Ashton Design counts Johns Hopkins Lacrosse, the Maryland Institute College of Art, and the Baltimore Orioles among its clients, which span the continental United States.
 
Within the next year, the Mount Vernon firm plans to take on more projects, and may hire another designer.