Dave Mowder

Illustrator of licensed characters

Where are you originally from?
I was born in northeast Ohio (Alliance), but grew up in Akron, Ohio, and call Akron "home."

What do you do at Hallmark?
Create original illustrations of licensed characters for use on greeting cards, gifts and Keepsake Ornaments.

The three words that best describe you:
Appreciative, Considerate, Seasoned.

What inspires you?
Emotion, Invention (technique, product, writing, personalities), Sketches/drawings.

Why do you do what you do?
Perseverance. Not only in developing this skill but by sticking with an early premonition. Oh, and because I get to draw cartoons for a living. If it wasn’t for my wife, I probably wouldn’t be here at Hallmark, or be a Dad.

My creativity is due to:
Being the youngest of four and my siblings' innate ability to ignore. Also, the support of my parents. And getting up so early to watch cartoons that I had to sit through a half hour of farm reports before I’d witness the WB shield.

What makes you laugh?
My kids (two daughters, ages 6 and 4) and surprises!

What makes you cry?
Sincerity.

When I was a kid, I wanted to:
“Fly” when I grew up.

If you were able to choose any other career, what would it be?
Pilot. I still want to fly.

What is your personal motto?
“DUCK!”

More facts about Dave:
• Cancer survivor.
• Used to sail competitively in Narragansett Bay, R.I.
• Served nine years in the Ohio Army National Guard.
• In 2008, recognized by the National Cartoonists Society with the prestigious Reuben Award for greeting cards.