Sophia Michaels
David Bromstad rose to prominence in 2006 after winning the first season of “Design Star,” a show by HGTV that aimed to capture the popularity of talent competitions like “American Idol,” but instead of a music contract, he received a Mercury Mariner SUV and a chance to host his own show.
Since then, he has established himself as a key figure on the network, contributing to various programs such as “Color Splash,” “My Lottery Dream Home,” “Design Star: All-Stars,” and “Rock the Block.”
Yet, what do we know about his life beyond the cameras of HGTV? What was his journey before hitting the limelight? How has he handled his celebrity status? And what led to the lawsuit from his former partner? From ambitions to career struggles, here’s a glimpse into the intriguing life of David Bromstad.
Boredom led David to leave his initial Disney role
After completing his studies at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, David secured his dream job at Disney. However, instead of joining the animation team, he found himself working as a visual merchandiser in a retail store.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the mundane tasks: “It wasn’t that creative of work,” he noted about his six months there. Fortunately, his abilities caught the attention of his supervisor, who encouraged him to seek a different position within the company.
Eventually, he spent 18 months honing his craft at Disney World, where he became a contractor and was involved in exhibits for Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, proudly stating, “There wasn’t a store without some of my art or sculpture.”
David compared his “Design Star” experience to boot camp
Winning “Design Star” offered David a vehicle and the opportunity to become a regular on HGTV, but it was not without its challenges. He often reflects on the experience as being quite tough, especially due to the restriction on communication.
Contestants’ phones were taken away, and they were prohibited from consuming news or media. Although the reason for these strict guidelines remains uncertain, David appreciates their purpose in enhancing focus.
Reflecting on the impact, he said, “Taking all of that stuff away makes you really focus on what you’re there to do,” and added that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, stating, “I loved it so much.”
David has a passion for tattoos
For those familiar with David Bromstad’s Instagram, it’s evident that he is one of HGTV’s most tattooed personalities. He aims to adorn at least 40% of his body with tattoos in the coming years, showcasing his love for body art through numerous shirtless selfies.
In a discussion with Tattoo Co. Orlando, Bromstad shared that his fascination with tattoos began during his high school years. This passion didn’t resonate with his Christian parents, who warned that if he chose to get inked, he’d have to handle the financial costs on his own. Respecting their advice, the former Disney artist waited until after completing his studies at Florida’s Ringling College of Art and Design to get his first tattoo, which depicted a dragonfly.
Once he settled in Orlando, he quickly expanded his collection, adding an array of designs, including a scratch n’ sniff sticker, a dabbing unicorn, and his personal favorite, a Mickey Mouse tattoo. “My tattoo collection is vibrant and full of meaning,” he expressed on Instagram, showcasing his colorful inked skin. “Each piece represents significant aspects of my life, like the rainbow flag, my artistic journey, and my first television series, ‘Color Splash.’ I encourage everyone to be true to themselves. I’m simply a colorful, artistic individual, and I embrace that fully. More tattoos are on the way!”
