We caught up with the brilliant and insightful David DeLooper a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

David , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

In my current role, a strong focus is to provide the creative community within the sports world, an often overlooked and underserved segment that exists at the intersection of sports and culture. Traditionally, sports storytelling has focused on what happens on the court or field, but there’s a rich narrative off the court that deserves to be seen, celebrated, and amplified. That’s where our efforts come in, bridging the gap between sports and art on and off the court.

A nice example that happened recently is working with the Danny Rumph Classic and supporting them to create their inaugural art exhibition. This was more than an event; it was a platform that allowed artists who have been inspired by sports to showcase their creativity and passion. Many of these artists have struggled to find spaces where their work is truly understood and appreciated, especially when it comes to highlighting the culture and community that surrounds sports. By bringing together 25 artists and over 300 attendees, we created an environment where sports and art could coexist and and where the stories of passion, perseverance, and creativity could be told.

The exhibition celebrated how the love for the game goes beyond just playing; it’s about how basketball influences lifestyle, art, music, and personal expression. The Exhibition featured images from the last 19 years of the Danny Rumph Classic, Painting created of Danny Rumph, and a full highlight room dedicated to the long time MC Ghee Funny and his best words on the court., Seeing their art alongside the tournament’s legacy empowered these artists, giving them a voice to tell their stories—stories that extend far beyond the game, touching on themes of community, culture, and identity.

Ultimately, we do this because the intersection of sports and culture is where real, lasting connections are made. By shining a spotlight on the artistic expressions inspired by sports, we’re not only enriching the experience for fans but also supporting a creative community that has so much more to say. It’s about expanding the narrative, making sure every aspect of the game—on and off the court—is heard, seen, and celebrated.

Big shout out to Mike Morak for curating the entire event with Shariff, Steven Taylor for designing the space, and the Danny Rumph Classic Foundation and Team for allowing us to create a special night for the creative community of Philadelphia basketball.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I currently live in Philadelphia, a city I’ve grown to love. Before settling here in 2019 for a new role with Red Bull, I had the chance to live in Atlanta, LA, and New York. I’m still part of the communications team at Red Bull and deeply enjoy the company culture and the colleagues I work with every day.

My creative journey outside the corporate world began simply by getting inspired by those around me and starting conversations about what I was passionate about. I made it a habit to show up, work hard, and always be responsive. Whether it was a project, a collaboration, or just offering support, I focused on being present and reliable, and that mindset has been the backbone of my career.

One of the defining moments of my journey was when I decided to pursue a personal project called ‘30 for 30 for 30.’ Over 30 days, I attended 30 NBA games and managed to get on the jumbotron 30 times. It was a fun, ambitious challenge that went viral, getting coverage from ESPN, Complex, House of Highlights, and more. I did it! And it’s one of my proudest moments—knowing that a simple dance on the jumbotron could electrify the crowd, no matter what was happening on the court. That experience eventually led to the creation of Milk Crate Basketball, a platform designed to find the interaction of basketball and art. This has led to having work featured at NBA All Start Weekends and more.

That being said, my biggest takeaways are:
<b>1. Authentic Community</b>: What sets me apart is my emphasis on community. I genuinely believe that like-minded people support each other, and there’s a special power in that collective spirit. My projects are all about fostering collaboration, celebrating shared passions, and building spaces where creativity and culture can thrive. I’m most proud of how my work has created these connections, bringing people together in meaningful ways.

<b>2. The Creative Process is Challenging, but Rewarding</b>: Creativity can be frustrating and even ‘testy’—there’s always a feeling that you can do better. That drive is what pushes me, but it’s not about achieving perfection. For me, it’s about the act of creation itself—taking an idea, bringing it to life, and sharing it with the world. That’s the magic of what I do. It’s not always perfect, but it’s new, fresh, and can positively impact someone’s day.

<b>3. “Fuck It” is the Best Creative Mantra:</b> Honestly, ‘Fuck it’ is a phrase that’s helped me navigate the ups and downs of creativity. It can mean, “Let’s start over,” or “Let’s keep pushing forward and figure it out as we go.” It’s about having fun with the process, embracing the unknown, and not being afraid to take risks. In the end, we often just say, “Fuck it,” and that’s what allows us to keep creating, trying new things, and enjoying the ride.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I had realized sooner the value of simply having conversations and connecting with other creatives. Early on, I thought that creativity was a solo journey, but the truth is that collaboration is the key to success. When you open up and talk to people, you find that many are willing to help, share their experiences, and get involved. It’s in those conversations where real connections are made, and that’s where projects start to grow and evolve.

Whether it’s brainstorming with a colleague, seeking advice from a mentor, or just chatting with someone who shares your passion, collaboration drives creativity forward. The creative community thrives on that spirit of mutual support, and it’s something I prioritize in my work now.

Key Takeaway: Collaboration drives accelerated creativity

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing an idea transform into something tangible and watching it resonate with people. Whether it’s an event, a piece of art, or a campaign, there’s a unique satisfaction in bringing a vision to life and seeing how it connects with others.

For me, the celebration doesn’t end once the project is complete. I genuinely enjoy those moments of recognition and celebration with the team—it’s a chance to reflect on the hard work and creativity that made the vision possible.
Everything we do is interconnected, almost like a spiderweb. Whether it’s through face-to-face interactions at events or the way a piece of art speaks to someone, these connections create a network of shared experiences. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how creativity can bridge different ideas, bring people together, and spark new conversations.

As Rick Rubin once said, “All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now.” That philosophy keeps me grounded and motivates me to continue creating, knowing that each project has the potential to make a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://daviddelooper.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_delooper/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-delooper-22046270/