Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Bregande. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Graphic design is often a fleeting pursuit that requires creating something that is temporary, of the moment, and quickly replaced by the next round of advertising, a change in the direction of marketing, evolving trends, or lost in the shuffle of multiple publications, email blasts, or digital assets. As a graphic designer, I understand that much of my work will lack permanence, so when the opportunity arises to create something that will have a long shelf life, and perhaps occupy a moment in history, there is nothing quite as rewarding.
Designing logos and branding for companies can sometimes stand the test of time as they grow into something bigger, but, with very few exceptions, the designer of a logo is mostly a background character – you don’t get any residuals or a signature on your work – and once ownership of that design is turned over to the client, the work is done and no longer “yours.” Although a successful logo can be a great portfolio builder, logos are often intensely collaborative and not fully representative of your own tendencies or tastes.
As such, it is rare that full freedom to create and bring your own vision to the table is part of the job description. I’ve been very fortunate to work on some projects that will endure the test of time in some fashion or another, chief amongst them developed from a chance meeting with Henry Paul of the legendary Southern Rock band The Outlaws, Blackhawk, and the Henry Paul Band. Tasked to update the famous skull logo for a new generation of fans was an incredible moment that lead to a 15 plus year working relationship and friendship that has included tour posters, t-shirt and merchandise, books, and album covers, and a chance to work with great musicians and world-renowned photographers. Henry has a clear vision of his musical legacy, and I have been able to deliver some work that I am extremely proud of.
As a child absorbing every last detail of a beautiful gatefold album cover – every lyric, every credit, and every photograph – I dreamed that one day I could play a part in that magic. The idea that I have given that chance to another music-obsessed kid somewhere means more than any accolade.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My family had artistic and musical talent on both sides, and my love for sports, comic books, G.I. Joe, and Star Wars movies left me glued to a sketchbook around the clock creating action scenes that even my action figures couldn’t perform. My Western NY hometown is home to SUNY Fredonia, where music, arts, and writing are stressed, and as such my high school was hotbed for academics and creative pursuits that everyone took part in. There was no delineation between cliques – for example I captained the soccer team and sang in the madrigal chorus, and the supporting lead of our high school production of Jesus Christ Superstar was on the football team – and delving into it all was strongly encouraged.
I continued to the University of Notre Dame to study graphic design. The industry was changing rapidly however, with digital quickly overtaking the traditional practices, so my degree held value more for my time spent in Italy, and the core education requirements than it did for any career-ready skills. I spent the next 15 years pursuing music and using my design skills to create my band’s posters, cds, etc all the while picking up freelance clients in a variety of industries, and learning the new computer based world of design that is now taken for granted.
The learning continues today as the field evolves from print, to digital, to experiential. But through each iteration of the discipline of design, the one thing that remains is my love for drawing and creating something exciting for the viewer or user. An eye for composition, color, shape, form, and practicality is learned through experience, and as I move into the next phase of this career path, these are the things that I will allow me to stay ahead of the curve.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It is important when you are looking to hire a creative that you have a good understanding of what they excel at, and the style that they work in. With the sheer number of artists out here, choosing to work with someone that already has the aesthetic you desire will make the experience much better for both of you. I’ve never quite understood the desire to squeeze something out of an artist that’s not what attracted you to their work to begin with, akin to admiring Picasso greatly, then asking him to paint you something in the style of Van Gogh. Try to match your desired outcome to an artist that seems to exemplify that, or, if you aren’t quite sure what you want, find someone whose style you like, and let them go!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Looking back on a body of work that you can be proud of has to be what drives you forward. This might include awards, big paychecks, and public accolades, but in most cases it will not. The satisfaction of helping someone with your work to achieve something of their own, to feel something they might not have, or to be inspired, has to be enough. Reviewing your work and the story behind what sparked it, and where it went when you finished it, and the creation of it, combined with admiring the final product, might be the only reward you derive, so be certain that you put every ounce of thought and work into it so you can be proud of what you’ve done. This is your legacy and only you can create it, and if you stick to your work ethic and feed your artistic integrity, good things will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.usedave.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usedave/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/usedave/
