Introduction: Who Is David Bromstad?
David Bromstad is more than just a familiar face on HGTV. He is an artist, designer, television personality, and tattoo enthusiast who has turned creativity into a lifelong career. Known for his energetic personality and bold style, Bromstad captured the nation’s attention when he won the very first season of HGTV Design Star. Since then, he has become a household name, bringing color, imagination, and fun into every project he touches.
What makes David’s journey fascinating is how it blends art, resilience, and reinvention. He began his career as a Disney artist before pivoting to interior design, eventually becoming a celebrated HGTV star. His story is not only about fame but also about perseverance, passion, and staying true to himself.
Quick Bio Information
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Full Name: David Reed Bromstad
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Date of Birth: August 17, 1973
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Birthplace: Cokato, Minnesota, USA
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Education: Ringling College of Art & Design, Sarasota, Florida
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Early Career: Disney visual merchandiser and window display artist
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Breakthrough: Winner of HGTV’s Design Star Season 1
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TV Career: Host of Color Splash and My Lottery Dream Home
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Tattoos: First tattoo was a dragonfly; favorite is Mickey Mouse
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Tattoo Partner: Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co., Orlando
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Current Role: HGTV star, artist, designer, and television personality
Early Life in Minnesota: The Making of a Creative Mind
David Bromstad was born in Minnesota in 1973 and grew up in a tight-knit, conservative Christian family. Life in the Midwest taught him discipline, but it was his weekends filled with cartoons and Disney movies that fueled his imagination. He has often recalled waking up on Saturday mornings with a bowl of cereal, spending hours watching animated shows, and sketching his favorite characters.
Every Friday night, his family gathered to watch The Wonderful World of Disney. This family ritual sparked his lifelong love of Disney storytelling and animation. While many children enjoyed Disney casually, for David, it was the beginning of a dream. He knew he wanted to create magic like the animators he admired on screen.
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The Disney Dream: Education at Ringling College of Art & Design
With a clear vision for his future, David Bromstad pursued formal training in art. After high school, his father took him to visit the Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida, a school known for producing top animators and illustrators. David enrolled and majored in illustration, finding it offered him more variety and freedom than animation.
Although he initially dreamed of becoming a Disney animator, he realized during college that computer animation was emerging as the industry standard. Drawing the same characters repeatedly did not excite him, so he leaned into illustration. This allowed him to paint, sculpt, and experiment across many different art forms, giving him a broader creative foundation.
First Steps at Walt Disney World
After graduation, David Bromstad landed a job at Walt Disney World as a visual merchandiser. At first, the work was uninspiring, but his talent quickly stood out. He was soon recommended for a role with Disney’s Parks Production Company, which designed and built the magical storybook window displays seen in the parks.
This role was transformative. It taught him the importance of perfection, detail, and finishing touches. At Disney, every sculpture and design had to be flawless—no mistakes allowed. This discipline influenced both his later design work and his passion for tattoos. Bromstad often credits Disney with teaching him that art without precision can lose its impact.
The Turning Point: From Disney to Struggles After 9/11
While Disney had given David valuable skills, he longed for more creative freedom. After moving away from Disney, he freelanced and took on different projects. But the events of September 11, 2001, shook the economy and led to widespread layoffs in creative industries. David lost his job and faced serious financial challenges.
He came dangerously close to bankruptcy, nearly losing his home. Just when things looked bleak, he met an interior designer at his gym who offered him a small project painting a child’s room. That opportunity sparked a surprising new direction in his career, one that he had never fully considered before—interior design.
A Surprising New Path: Interior Design Beginnings
The project gave David the chance to combine his love of art with the practical world of design. What started as a simple assignment turned into a series of fantastical kids’ rooms, full of creativity and storytelling. His ability to bring color, personality, and imagination into spaces quickly set him apart.
Even without formal interior design training, David found himself thriving in this new arena. His background in illustration and sculpture gave him a unique approach, one that clients loved. He realized that interior design was not only a new career path but also a perfect platform to express his creativity in ways that painting alone could not.
HGTV Design Star: The Big Break
In 2006, a friend encouraged David to audition for HGTV Design Star, a new competition series looking for fresh talent. Despite doubts about his lack of professional interior design experience, David applied. His creativity, personality, and artistry carried him through the competition, and he ultimately won the very first season.
Winning Design Star was life-changing. It launched his television career and gave him the platform to showcase his artistic voice to a national audience. For David, it was proof that following his instincts and seizing opportunities, even in times of uncertainty, could lead to incredible success.
Life as an HGTV Star: Over a Decade on TV
Since his victory on Design Star, David Bromstad has built an impressive television career spanning more than 13 years. He has hosted several shows, including Color Splash and My Lottery Dream Home, where his lively personality and fearless use of color have become his trademarks.
Fans love David not only for his designs but also for his authenticity. He doesn’t play a role on TV; what viewers see is his real personality—fun, quirky, and full of life. His presence has made him one of HGTV’s most beloved stars, showing that interior design can be both approachable and entertaining.
Tattoos as Art: David Bromstad’s Creative Canvas
While his design career flourished, David also explored another artistic passion: tattoos. He views his body as a canvas, one that he is gradually covering with meaningful ink. His first tattoo was a dragonfly, symbolizing a design company he started with his sister. From there, his collection grew.
Among his many tattoos, one stands out as his favorite: Mickey Mouse. For David, Mickey is a source of joy, nostalgia, and Disney magic. He often explains that the tattoo not only makes him happy but also brings joy to everyone who sees it.
David doesn’t stick to one style; each tattoo is different, playful, and meaningful. He works closely with artists at Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. in Orlando, returning again and again for new pieces. His goal is to have about 40 percent of his body covered, treating tattoos as both art and self-expression.
Style and Personality: What Makes David Unique
What sets David Bromstad apart from others is his versatility. He is not just a designer or TV host—he is an artist in every sense. His background in painting, illustration, and sculpture gives him a creative edge that shines through in his designs.
He is also known for his bright, uplifting personality. He often describes himself humorously, once calling himself “an enigma wrapped in a tortilla, sugar-coated of course.” This playful spirit makes him relatable and fun to watch, while his positivity inspires those who follow his career.
Lessons from David Bromstad’s Journey
David’s life story carries important lessons. He shows that setbacks can be stepping stones if met with resilience and creativity. Losing a job after 9/11 could have ended his career, but instead, he turned it into a chance to reinvent himself. His success is built on embracing opportunities, working hard, and staying authentic.
For aspiring artists and designers, David’s journey is proof that you don’t have to follow a traditional path to succeed. Passion, creativity, and determination can open doors—even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Conclusion: David Bromstad’s Lasting Impact
Today, David Bromstad is not just a TV personality; he is a symbol of creativity, reinvention, and joy. From his early days as a Disney artist to his current role as an HGTV favorite, he has proven that following your passion can lead to extraordinary places.
Whether through his colorful designs, his meaningful tattoos, or his lively on-screen presence, David continues to inspire people to embrace art and life with enthusiasm. His story reminds us that no matter the obstacles, staying true to your passions can create a life full of magic and success.
FAQs About David Bromstad
Is David Bromstad married?
No, David Bromstad is not currently married. He prefers to keep details about his personal relationships private.
What is David Bromstad best known for?
He is best known as the winner of HGTV’s Design Star and as the host of My Lottery Dream Home.
Did David Bromstad really work for Disney?
Yes, he worked at Walt Disney World as a visual merchandiser and later with the Parks Production Company designing storybook displays.
What kind of tattoos does David Bromstad have?
David has a variety of tattoos, each with personal meaning. His most famous is a Mickey Mouse tattoo, symbolizing joy and Disney magic.
How did David Bromstad start on HGTV?
He auditioned for and won the first season of HGTV Design Star, which launched his television career.
What is David Bromstad’s design style?
His style is bold, colorful, and imaginative. He blends artistic creativity with playful energy, making each design unique.
What inspires David Bromstad?
His inspiration comes from Disney, art, storytelling, and his belief in living life joyfully and authentically.
