How did you get started in art?

I had an edge that most won't. My father is an artist, and I grew up exposed to the creative process. He was constantly drawing, painting and laying out ads. And back then, he was adamant about NOT having a computer. So everything was done by hand. Naturally, I wanted to spend time with him so I tried my hand at whatever he was doing. And again, naturally, it sucked. So, art never really took hold while I was living at home.

Then I joined the Air Force. And suddenly had a whole lot of nothing to do. Night shifts with no one to talk to led to scribbling, and eventually to my first pieces of artwork. I had a long way to go though. Shortly after leaving the Air Force, I started landing jobs illustrating for the Small Press. While nothing glamorous, and nothing anyone now would ever see, it was valuable experience.

I started setting up at comic conventions to sell my artwork. I would be sitting next to big names like Joseph Linsner and Neil Adams. Of course some sneered, some smirked, but others like Joe were very nice and even helpful. (I had the pleasure of seeing Joseph Linsner again at Megacon this year.) And again, very valuable experience was gained. Even the brutal remarks from a shallow professional were useful in shaping my career. What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

There came a time, I knew that if I didn't leave my day job to pursue graphic design professionally, soon it would be too late. So, I walked away from a high paying job with full benefits for my entire family to work as a graphic designer. My wife, the staunch supporter and bill payer, made it my decision. Eventually, things would get back to normal.

We moved to Florida just before the travesty of 9-11, which screwed up everything. Luckily, landing jobs online was my only salvation. Now, I work for a major large format printer in Orlando. I use Photoshop and Illustrator every single day. My wife works for the Mouse, and life is good.

Now I pursue my art after work hours at my leisure. There is no pressure, so the creative process is uninhibited. Do I lack focus? Maybe, probably. Am I having the time of my life? Definitely. Don't preach to me about success and the keys to get there. Frankie said it best, "I did it my way!" -Dave