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Humans of the U: Dave Titensor

"I've learned how important a well-rounded education and broader life experiences are to draw inspiration into my work."

This piece was adapted from the College of Fine Arts’ Finer Points Blog.

“I grew up with an interest in visual arts. My mom and grandmother enjoyed painting watercolor landscapes as a hobby. I enjoyed drawing, drafting and design classes in high school. I knew I wanted to explore a career in something art-related but was not sure what kinds of jobs would be available. I always heard that artists tended to be starving, so I was not sure it was a viable choice. After a few semesters doing general classes in college, I decided to go for it and applied to the graphic design program at the U.

I had wonderful, creative instructors at the U. I learned to take criticism to help improve my work. I learned how important a well-rounded education and broader life experiences are to draw inspiration into my work. Perhaps the most eye-opening experiences were the trips we took with the graphic design department to New York and San Francisco. We toured design firms and art museums. I was able to see first-hand what I had only seen in books or slide shows for my art and art history classes. I returned from each trip pumped up and inspired creatively.

After graduating in 1992 with a BFA, I joined the award-winning design firm, Richardson or Richardson in Phoenix, Arizona. There, I managed complex projects and acquired a taste for cactus salsa and blue corn chips.

Drawn back to my native Utah, I created and managed Carr Printing Company’s graphic design division for eight years. Next, wanting more independence, I took a leap and became a full-time freelancer when I formed my own design company, Titan Design in 2001.

After growing weary of working alone in my pajamas, I now have a full-time job at the University of Utah as the associate creative director for University Marketing & Communications. I continue to do freelance graphic design work in the evenings from my home studio—when I’m not having fun with my family or sleeping.”

—Dave Titensor, associate creative director for University Marketing & Communications; art director and photographer for University of Utah Magazine; Department of Art & Art History alumnus

Read the full interview here.