D-Nice Avo Expression

Client: AVO Cigars

For the limited-release AVO Expressions cigar, famed DJ and cultural icon D-Nice partnered with AVO Cigars to create a blend that reflected his personal taste, lifestyle, and legacy. As an extension of himself as a longtime cigar enthusiast, Expressions became more than a product—it became a moment.

I was brought in to develop the visual storytelling behind this collaboration. My work began with building a clear narrative structure and storyboard, designed to highlight D-Nice’s journey of connection—between artist and artisan, culture and craft. Working alongside my team at DeepSleep Studio, we traveled to the Dominican Republic, where
D-Nice met the master blenders and craftspeople responsible for bringing his vision to life.

Given his limited availability, we executed the full production in two intensive shoot days, carefully scheduled and scouted to maximize both storytelling and visual quality. I directed and co-filmed the project, incorporating vintage Kodak film camera shots to bring a rich, analog texture to our B-roll—a nod to authenticity, heritage, and timeless style.

The final result was a soulful, beautifully shot short documentary that brought the emotion and process behind the cigar to life. The project went on to receive a
Gold ADDY Award for branded content, honoring the storytelling, direction, and production behind the film.

Expressions is a testament to how narrative, culture, and design converge to build something timeless.