“If I don’t enjoy what I’m drawing, then I can’t expect my audience to enjoy it either.”
That quote is a simple statement reaffirming David’s love for illustration, which began around the age of six. “From the moment I picked up a pencil, I knew exactly what I wanted to do!”
A 1974 graduate of New Albany High School, David began pursuing his childhood dream of illustrating comic books by training at the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey. However, an introduction to the vast field of advertising illustration and design gave him a different and more exciting path to follow!
For over 34 years, illustrating television storyboards for design firms and advertising agencies has honed David’s skills as a graphic storyteller, and allows him to now add author-illustrator of children’s books (Cuccia Kids Books) to his repertoire. And for over 34 years, he has always drawn pencil portraits for various clients and friends, who have lost relatives or pets. “Although I can illustrate anything in the world, my favorite subjects to draw are people and animals!” The opportunity to provide a lasting memory in pencil keeps David actively pursuing more illustration work.
An avid animal rights advocate, David still donates his time and talents to various rescue organizations and shelters all over the world. Proud of his Sicilian heritage and family, David’s portraits have been commissioned throughout the United States and now Europe. Even his children’s books are published in both English and Italian versions! His love for the pencil still endures to this day!