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

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

At multiple points in my career, I’ve had the opportunity to jump out of a comfortable situation into something more challenging or even terrifying. After several difficult professional experiences and positive teaching opportunities, I felt strongly that I would thrive in an academic environment. Unfortunately, that meant leaving a steady paycheck and benefits behind to pursue more education and the necessary qualifications. More importantly, my young family would be asked to sacrifice with me. I’ll be forever grateful to my supportive wife for her encouragement to pursue a dream and her sacrifices to help make it happen. I was also truly blessed to have amazing mentors at The University of Utah who gave me the opportunities and advice to succeed. By leaving the comfort of security, I gained more education and ultimately became a professor at Brigham Young University while still maintaining a full-time freelance illustration career. While it does require personal courage to take a risk, the successes are always a group effort from those who care about us most.

David, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an illustrator, artist, and educator. My illustration focus is on providing creative solutions to a variety of clients in publishing and product design. Some of my projects include children’s books, editorial illustrations, snowboard graphics, and poster design. I love helping my clients by bringing new ideas to projects and working with them to create something truly unique. Moreover, I hope to create work that has a truly positive impact on the lives of the people who interact with it. I want the work I do to bring more good into the world and be a source of joy.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Building a thriving creative ecosystem requires respect for the critical role that everyone plays in developing a successful endeavor, whether that’s a business, a community, or any relationship. We must develop communities that allow everyone to do their best and be rewarded for their effort. Like many creatives, I worry that the imaginative problem-solving necessary for progress is looked at as a barrier rather than an essential part of the foundation. The use of technology in an attempt to circumvent the process rather than enable it creates a perspective that creativity is disposable. That perception limits the vision of the creative community and the society it could serve if we honored their contribution more fully.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal has changed over time. When I was younger, I just hoped to make cool illustrations that would provide an income. Now, as my opportunities and experiences have shaped me, I’m much more interested in using my skillset to nurture creative and courageous thinking. We’re swiftly approaching a time where are making will be similar to making your own clothes. People will do it, but the majority won’t see a need to learn the skills and put in the time when it’s readily available in other ways. I hope my work and my teaching opportunities can encourage people to make art because it is personally beneficial to their well-being and to enjoy their own creative and imaginative opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.habbenink.com and http://www.davidhabben.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/habbenink
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/habben

Image Credits
All images @HABBENINK. The SLUG Magazine art directors were Grace White (Comedy Localized Poster) and Asha Pruitt/Joshua Joye for the cover.