Daboo Designs came about because I sculpted many one-off pieces for shows and conventions, which was very time-consuming. I spoke with a friend that mentioned in passing that 2D artists sold more prints than they did originals. That was an aha moment, so I immediately learned to cast and make molds. Since then, we have expanded into offering our casting and mold-making services to other artists to help them get their beautiful pieces into more homes and offices. We’ve expanded our offerings to take conceptual drawings and sculpt them for an artist, help guide artists to sculpt castable models, and 3D scan massive sculptures to create smaller shelf or pedestal pieces. Our goal is to help elevate fellow artists in our community and beyond so they too can benefit from our replica-making process.
Q: How long have you lived/worked in Lexington?
We moved here in 2000, so we have been here for 22 years. My kids grew up here, so it’s home.
Q: What led you to your current career and why do you love it?
We started to simplify the process of reproducing beautiful pieces without sculpting each one from scratch. We love it because we’re able to produce the beauty with less effort than the original, and our customers have a work of art they’re proud to display that maintains the artist’s sentiment.
Q: What would you like for people to know about your job/business?
We make fine cast reproductions of pieces big and small. We love working with Artists to help them elevate their work.
Q: What or who has been your biggest inspiration?
Brick in the Yard Mold Supply has an insane amount of learning content on YouTube. They have fantastic customer service, so I know I can pick up the phone to get some guidance if I’m using any of their materials or trying a new technique.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lexington and what is your go to item on the menu?
Corto Lima, Gotta start with the Guacamole, Queso Blanco and chips, then move on to the Steak Rajas tacos.
Q: If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Spain, I traveled to Sevilla, Spain, on business in a previous role and saw just enough of the sites to want to see more. The culture, architecture and history is fascinating.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Lexington?
The people. People here are kind and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Q: Where do you take friends and family from out of town when they visit?
Keeneland, when it’s in session, distillery tours and vineyards
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to make molds and cast, on a larger scale with a larger team so we can help more people achieve their dreams.
Q: If you could have lunch with any living person, who would it be?
Adam Savage. He’s a great inspiration to makers and is extremely talented.
Q: Where can we find you on your day off?
At home taking some well-needed R&R with my family.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel, I’d like to take some time to just go see other parts of the world and enjoy their cuisines.
Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Daboo is David mispronounced by a child. A friend of the family gave me that name growing up.
Q: What is a topic you wish you knew more about?
Cooking. I only have a few homemade meals I’m good at.
Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show & what are you currently binge watching?
The first Matrix (the newest one doesn’t exist in my mind). I’m currently watching Picard. They’ve done a fantastic job with character evolution and with the new characters.
Q: What do you feel that is an essential part of your daily or weekly routine that contributes to your overall well-being?
Prioritization and lists. I am constantly making sure we’re working on the most important things to get them completed before moving onto the next.
Q: If you were cast in a movie, who would your co-star be?
Wil Wheaton, he’s a geeky guy and would be fun to work with.
Q: Who is your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?
Pink Floyd
Q: If you could give advice to any group of people, what would it be?
Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. Just get started and keep moving forward.
