Meet David Loebman

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Loebman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have David with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic is rooted in structure, routine, and balance. When working independently, setting a realistic schedule is key. For me, it’s a 10-5 workday, Monday through Friday. Having small rituals in the morning—like walking the dogs or brewing a cup of coffee—helps me transition into ‘work mode’ and establishes a rhythm for the day.

I also rely heavily on to-do lists to stay organized. I keep mine on my phone, so if I think of something, like ‘I need to apply for that expo,’ I can capture it immediately and follow up when I’m at my desk. It’s a simple system, but it keeps my thoughts in order and helps me stay on track.

That said, a sustainable work ethic requires flexibility. Giving yourself permission to step away from work is just as essential as the work itself. Whether it’s a walk during lunch, a quick meditation, or reading a book, these moments of rest help me reset and refocus, ensuring I can maintain both creativity and productivity without burning out.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a visual artist and the owner of Star Lake Studios, where my focus is on creating collectible, meaningful art, often taking inspirations from modern pop culture. Much of my work combines elements of fantasy, anime, and symbolism, with an emphasis on storytelling. I love creating art that, while looking nice and is something someone may want to hang on their wall, also possesses deeper meaning— art that not only captures attention but also invites people to connect with it personally.

One of my more notable projects (5 years in the making!) is an isekai-anime themed tarot deck, where I blend well-known anime characters with the symbolism of tarot. It’s been an exciting journey working on this project because each card offers a unique opportunity to pair characters with themes that resonate with fans on a deeper, almost archetypal level. I share my creative process step-by-step on Instagram, @artofdavidloebman, to show the effort and thought behind each piece.

Aside from the tarot deck, I’m always looking for new ways to engage with fans, whether through prints, stickers, or convention appearances. I’ll be attending PAX soon as a vendor, and I’m also working on launching a Kickstarter to bring the full 78-card tarot deck to life. You can find a link to it here:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidloebman/isekai-tarot-complete-deck-expansion

It’s an exciting time, and I look forward to sharing even more new work in the coming months.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Great question! As artists, it always feels like we’re beginners – that feeling never goes away. We’re constantly experimenting, refining, and adjusting. Whether that be in the projects we undertake, the mediums we use, the compositions we try, or the studies we do. Always approach your art with the curiosity of a novice!

As for me, the three most impactful areas of knowledge would likely be the following:

1. Be adaptable – times and tools change. Embrace change, but don’t lose your voice along the way. Stay curious and don’t be afraid to try new techniques or pivot your approach when things aren’t working. Flexibility will allow you to grow, even in uncertain times. Learn what it is that you want to say with your art and try different ways of saying it.

2. Be consistent – For beginners, the key is to focus on progress over perfection—developing a steady rhythm will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Break down the larger projects and give yourself the satisfaction of successfully completing each step along the way, even if it’s something as small as a daily sketch.

3. Build meaningful connections – Participate in communities, attend events, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice—many doors open through conversation! You may find that some of your life-long clients and friends come about by just showing up and being yourself.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client is someone who values both creativity and collaboration! They appreciate art not just as a product, but as a process, and they’re excited to be part of that journey with me. Whether they’re commissioning a personal piece, supporting my work through a convention purchase, or backing one of my Kickstarters, the best clients are communicative and trust my creative instincts.

Moreover, I also really enjoy working with clients who are passionate about storytelling—those who see art as a way to connect emotionally or convey deeper meanings. It’s even more rewarding when a client is clear about their vision but flexible enough to allow for experimentation. That blend of direction and creative freedom leads to the best results.

Lastly, an ideal client values timeliness and communication. I thrive in environments where feedback is constructive and mutual respect guides the process. When we both share these values, the collaboration feels natural and the results speak for themselves, I think.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

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