About the author

Donald Keith Hogan II

29 years old, I’ve been an artist since I was, well probably since I was born.  I remember the first drawing that I got any praise for, or more importantly, that I was proud of.  I drew our little terrier.  His name was Marmaduke.  I can recall the sensation of recognizing the sketchy/messy qualities of his fur and translating that into the movements that would produce a like visual on the paper.  I was shocked, proud, excited and energized by the discovery.  That was to be the beginning of a life long love affair, that grew into a full-blown marriage around junior year of high-school.

In high-school I thought I’d become an architect.  I was hungry for any books about architecture, especially books on Frank Lloyd Wright.  I admired his philosophy, and appreciated the balanced yet asymmetrical aspects of his work.  Living in PA I got to see Falling Water, something i’d recommend anyone, not just fans of his, to visit when in that area.

I was home schooled through junior high years, and when I re-entered the public school system in 10th grade, they determined my math skills (or lack therein) would put me back in 9th.  I started in 9th which was fine since I was usually young for my classmates anyway.  I doubled math credits every year (and science when they’d let me) in order to best prepare myself for the chosen career path.  Sophmore year (or maybe Junior) I discovered sculpture.  It would be green (water based) clay that transformed my understanding of passion for a vocation.  I found all kinds of freedom, and expression, and hundreds of hours, buried in green clay over the next couple of years.  An instructor saw some of my pieces in the display cases at the school, and said “have you considered art school?”  I hadn’t, something I quickly remedied.

I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2001 with an associates degree in IDT.  I started again some months later to complete a bachelors in another 2 years (spread the credits out so I could work).  I took so well to the digital arts, that I ended up tutoring, TA-ing, and even teaching some advanced level skills to my classmates.

Upon graduating I started working at (then) IDL, a Pittsburgh based company who designed and manufactured POP displays for a wide range of clients.  IDL had an office out west (portland) that I was very interested in.  I was told it was possible to go there, but that we’d have to ‘see how it goes’.  It wasn’t until later I realized that they meant to say: “if you are awesome enough, and if the CD over there likes your skills enough, THEN you might be able to go”.  Once I realized this, I attempted to position myself, and take any spill-over work from that office as it came in.  Eventually I got that position in the Portland office.

I parted ways with (now) IDL WorldWide a couple of years ago.  I spent 2 years in that Portland office and learned an insane amount.  The staff there is multitalented and incredibly driven.  I worked with clients like, Nike, Microsoft, T-mobile, Starbucks, Intuit, Virgin, Apple, you get the idea.  It was big-name stuff, and it was an incredible honor.  I moved on to try and strike out on my own as a gun for hire.  I had my sights set on ICON Motosports in Portland.  A friend of mine worked there and I got my first sportbike under his guidance.  He taught me to ride, and I proceeded to go on trips with the guys from ICON, and just ride whenever I could.  I quickly became an all-seasons rider, preferring the feeling of being on a bike over any other form of transport.  The ICON job ultimately was not to be, I did some freelance work for them, and sought some opportunities in Seattle.

I moved to Seattle in Aug of 08.  I’ve lived here ever since, and am so happy and blessed to be in this city.  I still miss PDX sometimes, but on the whole, i’m enjoying the scope and availability this city offers.

I started working for AltRider late in 2008.  They were a start-up with big ambitions and awesome ideas.  They had the backing necessary to make a go of it in a difficult economy, and I was in a rough spot because of that same economy.  I signed on for contract design work with them.  The relationship gelled really well, and late last year (2009), I signed on as a full-time salaried employee.  I’m currently the lead designer at AltRider, and intend to be for a long while.  This is the best company, with the best people, and the most drive I’ve ever worked for, or seen for that matter.

I’ve released the SV650 (my sportbike) from it’s bonds of service to me, and I’m currently riding a 2006 Husqvarna TE610.  It’s a dualsport bike with a hearty following, and for good reason.  I can’t say enough great stuff about that bike.  I also have a Husaberg FE501 from 1998.  It’s got supermoto trim, and it’s also my dirt bike.

I ride year round, rain, shine, snow/sleet, It doesn’t matter.  I (and my whole office actually) are true all-season riders with an irrational passion for riding.  I don’t own a car, I don’t even have a bicycle (yet) which for people who know me is a complete and utter shock.  (that’s also why that status won’t last too long ).  I spend a lot of time considering design, and philosophy, and human interaction.  I am TERRIBLE at maintaining contact with people, and this blog will be a real challenge for me.  I’m always up for a challenge, so please, come by and check back frequently, and most importantly,

N-joy