Today we’d like to introduce you to David Habben.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved to create and that love was channeled at an early age into illustration. In my home, books and illustrations were celebrated and encouraged, so I was fortunate to have a lot of opportunities to explore that part of my interests.
By the time, I was in high school, my identity as an artist was well developed, and pursuing art-making, specifically, illustration was my main focus. Along the way, I had great teachers who opened my eyes up to new techniques and perspectives and that blessing has really shaped me as an artist and educator. Educationally, I started at Boise State University and then finished a BFA in Illustration at Brigham Young University.
After that, I was mentored by great colleagues in the professional world, focusing my efforts on design in Salt Lake City at first and then on children’s book publishing in San Francisco. Eventually, I made my way back to Utah and after several years of freelancing, was offered a position creating marketing illustrations for a local game company. While my professional experiences were wonderful opportunities, I still felt there was more I could do.
Through some truly serendipitous moments, I was fortunate enough to continue my education at The University of Utah and receive an MFA under the mentorship of their incredible faculty. Now, as an illustration, professor at Brigham Young University, I’m doing my best to help prepare the next generation of illustrators with the insight my own mentors and opportunities have given me.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Like most of the goals we have in life, the biggest obstacles have mostly been of my own making.
There will always be situations out of our control or people who don’t share the same vision or perspective, but at the end of the day, we have to take ownership of our goals and find the best ways to accomplish them. I’ve had clients and employers who actually helped me by providing a difficult situation and giving me the chance to learn how to navigate it correctly.
There have definitely been times when money is scarce or unexpected bills arrive, but I’ve been blessed to see that most obstacles can be overcome with time, effort, and a bit of creativity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work has been fairly diverse in its technique and application, but I focus most of my work on drawing, both traditionally and digitally, in a variety of ways. Currently, I’m using a more abstract approach to my illustrations by drawing with traditional ink using wide brushes.
The ink drawings are then scanned and developed further digitally. I’ve been able to use this over the last couple of years for some really fun projects including a poster design for the OnStage Ogden performing arts season and for the Waking Up app which promotes mindfulness and meditation.
Both of these were awarded by the illustration community and were the result of several years of developing that style. I think what I’m most proud of though is that after 20 years of illustrating professionally, I still feel like I’m growing and developing as an artist. I hope that never stops.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
We could fill a book with the many people that have been mentors and examples to me. My mother, an artist, and librarian has always celebrated my work and I owe so much to her. In high school, Noreen Shanafelt taught me to explore techniques and tools. My college instructors, Gary Rosine, Bill Carman, and Cheryl Shurtleff-Young gave me both foundational skills and helped me develop my artistic philosophy.
At BYU, I learned from Bethanne Anderson, Richard Hull, and Robert Barrett, as well as my internship mentors Robert Neubecker and Alex Nabaum. Professionally, I was able to work alongside Mark Rawlins, Dan Christofferson, Jared Strain, and Amelia May Mack, all amazing talents. During my MFA at the U, I had the great opportunity to learn from Carol Sogard, Dan Evans, Henry Becker, Maureen O’Hara Ure, Kim Martinez, and Edward Bateman.
I’m also grateful for the mentorship and friendship of artists David Dibble, Chuck Landvatter, and many others. Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without including my amazing wife, Anna, who has encouraged and supported me through all the ups and downs of living a creative life.
Her partnership with me has enabled all of these crazy art adventures!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
We could fill a book with the many people that have been mentors and examples to me. My mother, an artist, and librarian has always celebrated my work. In high school, Noreen Shanafelt taught me to explore techniques and tools.
My college instructors, Gary Rosine, Bill Carman, and Cheryl Shurtleff-Young gave me both foundational skills and helped me develop my artistic philosophy. At BYU, I learned from Bethanne Anderson, Richard Hull, and Robert Barrett, as well as my internship mentors Robert Neubecker and Alex Nabaum. Professionally, I was able to work alongside Mark Rawlins, Dan Christofferson, Jared Strain, and Amelia May Mack, all amazing talents.
During my MFA at the U, I had the great opportunity to learn from Carol Sogard, Dan Evans, Henry Becker, Maureen O’Hara Ure, Kim Martinez, and Edward Bateman. I’m also grateful for the mentorship and friendship of artists David Dibble, Chuck Landvatter, and many others.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@davidhabben.com
- Website: http://www.davidhabben.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habben_illustration/
Image Credits
Blake Bekken
