DAVID BAKER
VISUAL PROBLEM SOLVER, STORYTELLER, AND STAND UP GUY
Hello, I’m David Baker, a Texas-based Graphic Designer and Muralist. I work primarily in Dallas and Houston and live in Shenandoah, Texas. When I am not working on a design project or painting murals, you can find me working on my car, camping, skateboarding, climbing, or organizing art festivals for my side business, North Texas Makers.
I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The University of North Texas (UNT). I was among the top 40 students selected out of a starting class of 200 to enter into the prestigious and competitive Communication Design program. While completing my intensive BFA, I earned minors in Marketing and Art History.
In addition to my education, I sought other opportunities to expand my visual expertise by taking classes from famous artists and designers. These workshops included live talks and workshops from designer Aaron Draplin, Illustrator David Plunkert, Artist Charlie Hunter, and Designer Zipping Zhu. Alongside these workshops, I had heavy involvement with local design organizations, including the Dallas Society of Visual Arts. I was an officer in the University of North Texas chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) for two years.
During my final months at UNT, I began my career in the advertising space when I accepted a freelance design position at 3Headed Monster, an AdAge two-time Small Agency of the Year winner. I was a part of a team 50 and worked as a graphic designer with clients such as TikTok, Cici’s Pizza, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. After 3HM, I was the creative director for Falcon Events. I helped the company transition to a full-service agency specializing in event production and branding. Following Falcon Events, I took a contract position at The Shop Agency, joining a small team of 12. I built campaigns for their clients, including Major League Rugby and Tiff’s Treats. After The Shop, I did a brief stint at Pinpoint Merchandising as a freelance clothing designer.
During this time, I also maintained personal clients, including 6Stitch merchandising, Armadillo Ale Works brewery, Bore and Barrel gun smith and museum, Deal Findrs reality, Down To Golf clothing, Texas Camper Co., Fantym Studios, Georgia Tech Research Department, Rooted wellness, Cyntroid cyber security, and the Oil Painters of America.
Feel free to reach out, check my social media, or browse my portfolio.
PRESS
North Texan: Expanding Art Scene
David Baker gives artists a way to showcase their work through the North Texas Makers.
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Denton Record-Chronicle: Denton artist and designer wins Thrift for Good's mural competition
Denton artist David Baker's mural was selected as the winner of Thrift for Good’s Earth Day mural design competition.
CW33: Dallas Artist Wins Earth Day Mural Competition
Dallas artist David Baker won the Thrift for Good Earth Day mural competition, which emphasized the brand’s mission of sustainability.
North Texas Daily: Alumni debut arts and music festival Denton Makers Fest
”Makers Fest was founded by university printmaking alumna Madison Mercer, 27, and communication design senior David Baker, 24. The duo wanted to create an inclusive space for new artists to share and sell their work”
North Texas Daily: Thin Line, Denton Makers Festival join efforts, connect with community
”Around 90 vendors, from tattoo artists to food vendors to painters, filled the grassy area surrounding the Courthouse-on-the-Square and Hickory Street, which was closed for the festival.”
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Denton Record-Chronicle: Armadillo no more: Union Bear mural complete along Bell Avenue ahead of opening
”The new mural was designed by 48 Savvy Sailors and painted by David Baker, and it reads “Driven by Denton. Bonded by beer,” along with a bear holding a flag.”
Denton Record-Chronicle: Denton Makers Fest makes its debut after getting rescheduled by the pandemic
”Mercer said the Denton Makers Fest was going to be hosted in April 2020; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was canceled and further delayed.”
CW33 - Check out this newly completed mural in North Texas
Thrift for Good has revealed the completed mural by eco-positive Dallas artist David Baker at the Denton store.
SKILLS
What I Know
InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Figma XD, Design, Branding, Logo Design, Packaging, Marketing, Market Research, Professional Selling, User Interface, Layout Design, Drawing, and Concepting
Other Skills and Hobbies
Eagle Scout, Service Industry Soft Skills, Ad Campaign Building, Client Relations, Presentation Deck Building, Skateboarding, Backpacking, First Aid, Mural Design/Painting, Artistic Generalist, Maker of Things, and Overall Friendly Dude
EDUCATION
Denton Record-Chronicle: Market collaboration brings big crowd to downtown for Thin Line Fest
”Day four of Thin Line Fest brought a jammed-packed crowd into downtown Denton throughout Saturday evening.”
Denton Record-Chronicle: Denton Makers Market returns June 22 with a new name, collaborator and after-dark vibe
”The Denton Makers x Thin Line Market is coming back to Denton after a month’s delay with a new name and new collaborations.”
Voyage Dallas: Rising Stars: Meet David Baker
Today we’d like to introduce you to David Baker.
Community joins together to help paint Thrift for Good's winning mural
“Locals were invited to help paint a mural with local artist David Baker during the Community Mural Painting Event at Thrift for Good Denton on Sunday.”
Thrift for Good Denton Community Mural Reveal
“Locals were invited to help paint a mural with local artist David Baker during the Community Mural Painting Event at Thrift for Good in Denton.”
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
2015, Chicago, Illinois
Pre-College Figure Drawing program
University of North Texas
2016–2022, Denton, Texas
Communication Design Bachelor in Fine Arts, Minor in Marketing and Art History
WORK
Full Time Freelance
2023-2024, Dallas, Texas
Transitioned from salary and part-time freelancing to full-time starting in February of 2023. Tasked with generating a wide variety of visual creative work for clients including 6Stitch merchandising, Armadillo Ale Works brewery, Bore and Barrel gun smith and museum, Deal Findrs reality, Down To Golf clothing, Texas Camper Co., Fantym Studios, Georgia Tech Research Department, Rooted wellness, Cyntroid cyber security, and the Oil Painters of America.
3Headed Monster
2022-2023, Dallas, Texas
AdAge two-time winner of Best Small Agency. Tasked with creating visuals for clients such as TikTok, Cicis Pizza, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Part Time Freelance
2016–2023, 2024-Present
Contracting for a variety of industries, including advertising agencies, public figures, food and beverage, entertainment, and personal fitness.
North Texas Makers
2020–present, Denton, Texas
Volunteer co-founder and lead designer. Tasked with leading the creative team as we built ad campaigns and visuals for North Texas Makers events. This is work I do in my free time to give back.
Armadillo Ale Works
2019–2022, Denton, Texas
Hybrid position working in-house as a designer, muralist, sales, merchandising, and service position.
City of Denton
2024-Current, Denton, Texas
Marketing Specialist and Graphic Designer. Tasked with generating assets for public and internal projects.