Today we’d like to introduce you to David Regone
David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am an architecturally trained artist, illustrator, and designer. I come form a family of makers as my father is a woodworker, my mother a quilter, brother a blacksmith and sister an interior designer. I have always loved using my hands to make things and deiced to pursue architecture as a career. After graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Houston in 2014, I spent the next 6 years in New York City honing my craft with firms such as Diller Scofidio + Renfro and 2×4. During this time, I fell in love with visual storytelling and decided to pursue illustration and visual representation full time. I use graphic illustration techniques to create works that ultimately comment on the human condition. Most of my work centers around observation of urban living and the juxtaposition of natural beauty. I use my artwork as a way to connect with the community and highlight things that are otherwise overlooked. During the pandemic years I built out a campervan and moved from Brooklyn to Austin where I could be closer to family while still pursuing my career as a full time artist. I now live and work in Austin.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the beginning things were tough. When I decided to pursue art and illustration full time, I had a few big projects lined up which gave me a false sense of security. Well as it were, 2 of the 3 projects ended up falling through which sent me into existential panic. I ended up taking on any and all work that would come my way (design work, pet portraits, greeting cards, you name it!). I did things for free just to be apart of something and to get my name out there. To make ends meet I worked part time for a high end furniture designer doing random design tasks while apprenticing under her leatherworker. I also began teaching an architecture studio at the New Jersey Institute of Technology where I had to commute almost 2 hours each way. Eventually I acquired a body of work and enough clients to pay the bills and focus on being a full time artist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Most of my work centers around observation of our environment. I guess I am best known for my complex city scenes that use many layers of detail t0 celebrate the complexities of humanity. No matter how hard I try, my work always has a playful feeling to it. I have come to embrace this as I present complex social dynamics with empathy and optimism.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Three things.
1.) Meet as many people as you can. Often us creative types can be shy and reserved, but the best way to get work is word of mouth.
2.) Don’t worry about pleasing everyone. Do the best work you can for the things you’re most excited about.
3.) Don’t wait for work to come to you. Make your own projects and show them to the world for free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://regonestudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.regone/?hl=en
