Behind the scenes with our new systems thinker
We’re thrilled to officially introduce Aaron David, our Studio Manager! With a unique blend of creative energy, operational know-how and community-minded values, Aaron's the kind of person who makes everything (and everyone) around him work a little more smoothly.
Aaron joins the team with a rich and varied professional background. Before joining the team, he spent two years as Digital Systems Manager at Rural Schools Collaborative, a national non-profit that supports rural education and place-based learning. There, he wore many hats — helping with everything from operations and finance to web, IT and project management — and developed a deep appreciation for the fiercely committed educators and advocates working in rural communities across the country.
He currently continues freelance work as the webmaster for the International Visual Literacy Association, where he helps keep the organization’s digital infrastructure running smoothly. Before that, Aaron lived in Vermont for five years and worked as a production manager and press operator at a screen print and embroidery shop, supporting local artists and businesses with humor, grit and an eye for detail. He also spent time teaching adult screen printing classes at Burlington City Arts, which sparked a love of teaching he hopes to revisit in the future.
Aaron’s creative and technical chops are backed by a BFA in Printmaking and Neon Glass Bending from UW-Madison, as well as a Certificate in Software Engineering from the Flatiron School. (He’s also a proud alum of the Madison public school system, from Sandburg Elementary all the way through East High.)
Outside of work, Aaron brings the same enthusiasm and curiosity to his hobbies as he does to his professional life. A passionate home cook, he’s been known to spend full weekends experimenting in the kitchen with friends. (He also has more cookbooks than novels in his house — by a wide margin.) His Google Maps list of Madison restaurant recs now boasts more than 60 local favorites, and he’s always on the hunt for a new hole-in-the-wall spot.
Aaron and his wife recently bought their first home, which means his Pinterest boards full of DIY design ideas are finally being put to good use. When he’s not working on home projects, you can find him playing soccer in a local league, hosting board game nights or planning his next travel adventure; he’s visited 18 countries and counting, across six continents.
A few more fun facts? The first concert he ever went to was *NSYNC. The first cassette he ever owned was the Men in Black soundtrack. And in college, he was selected as the lead printer for a limited-edition print series designed by none other than Virgil Abloh.
We’re so glad to have Aaron anchoring the studio with his organization, perspective and generosity. Welcome to the crew, Aaron!
Proust Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Honestly, I’m a fan of spending genuine moments with the people who see and appreciate the real you. I find those moments to be cooking a good meal with friends and then playing goofy games that make us laugh. Those are the moments that feel like perfect happiness.
What is your greatest extravagance?
In my current lifestyle, my greatest extravagance has to be my Aesop fragrance, candle and hand lotion. They just smell SO GOOD. I’m a sucker for a unique fragrance.
When and where were you happiest?
Playing Jackbox Games cry-laughing during Tee K.O. and Quiplash. Having to make a drawing that will not be better than your best KidPix art piece in elementary school and then labeling it with a chaotic prompt from your friend is sure to be a good time.
What is your most marked characteristic?
My laugh and how easy it is to get a laugh out of me. If I was a Batman villain, with certainty I would be “The Giggler”. And honestly, my crimes would probably be laughing at peoples jokes that aren’t even that funny.
