My Story

David grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota,
a very cold and at the same time a very warm
state. The son of a father and mother, David
spent his youth drawing Garfield, nearly getting
himself killed, and being socially awkward.

During his youth David’s parents, brothers,
sister, teachers, and random people were
certain that he would go out into the world
and be the next important artist. I’m not
going to say they were wrong, but so far
it’s not looking too good.

During his teenage years David got into
Minneapolis’ underground music and graffiti
scene. Befriending DJs, artists and producers
David formed a group in 2001 and released a
really good rap album. The group broke up when
David decided to go to college, which would
ultimately result in leaving Minnesota.

David met his now wife in college; and
after a conversation by one of Minnesota’s
10,000 lakes, accompanied by what seemed
like 10,000 mosquitoes they decided that
one of their only chances to get out of
Minnesota would come after graduating
college in the spring.

Krista and David moved to San Francisco
in April of 2006, Krista still had a
semester left of school so David stayed
in the empty apartment sleeping on a
duffle bag. During the time when David
waited for Krista, he quickly realized
that his portfolio wasn’t good enough
to get a job in the City.

David taught himself Flash and worked
tirelessly to make a portfolio that would
get him a job. During that time he worked
as a bar back at the Holy Cow and as a
receptionist at one of the agencies in town.
At that point Krista and David were paying
rent out of shoebox, literally.

In August of 2006, David landed a freelance
gig at Ogilvy West, which was the big break
David needed. Starting off as a designer,
he quickly worked his way up through the
ranks to become an AD.

In March of 2010 David left Ogilvy to test
the waters. The recession had crushed the
job market and 3 and a half years is plenty
of time to stay at one agency. Though it
meant leaving his friends and mentors,
David resigned and started freelancing.

Today David is honing his craft and
working with some excellent people on
a freelance basis. He’s enjoying the
freedom and looks forward to meeting
new colleagues and friends. Every once
in a while he’ll bust out a Garfield
drawing for old time’s sake.