DFG Illustration Brings Handcrafted Art to Upstate NY
When the world shut down, David F. Globerson, an Illustrator and founder of DFG Illustration in Upstate New York, discovered his true calling by offering fifty-dollar paintings to celebrate paying off his student loans.
What started as a whimsical experiment quickly revealed a deep market for emotionally resonant pet portraits, transforming his career and rooting his business firmly in the local community.
Finding a Meaningful Niche
Globerson originally focused on drawing fantasy creatures and monsters, but his spontaneous promotional offer shifted his trajectory. Nine out of his first ten celebratory commissions were pet portraits. The emotional response from his clients was immediate and profound, unlike the reactions to his darker imaginative pieces.
“I started painting these dogs and cats, and people’s reactions showed me that this is really meaningful… AND they’re starting to cry,” Globerson said. “I’m a deeply empathetic person. So to have that experience of gift giving or doing something meaningful…this is my calling.”
This pivot allowed him to make a full-time living while exponentially improving his craft. Because his work is primarily commission-based, he retains very few of his own pieces. For his first gallery show, cleverly titled “On Loan” at the Crandall Library in Glens Falls, he borrowed his own paintings back from the clients who originally commissioned them.
Local Labels and Children’s Books
Beyond personal portraits, DFG Illustration has become a recognizable visual staple in Upstate New York’s craft beverage and literary scenes. Globerson designs labels for regional brands like Whitman Brewing and Kru Coffee, bringing a well-researched, human touch to their packaging. His networking strategy is straightforward and highly social.
“I will find a way to work into a conversation that I am a working artist…where all of a sudden I am telling somebody, ‘Hey, I’m a commission-based artist, you want to see?'” Globerson noted.
His networking led to illustrating regional children’s books, including Find Me in Saratoga by Patrice Mastroianni and the award-winning Cooper’s Campervan Adventures by Bridget Farry. Currently, he is shopping a new, beautifully written children’s book centered around grief, a topic he believes is crucial for young readers.
The Case Against AI Art
As a working professional who spends weeks planning, sketching, and executing a single canvas, Globerson holds a strong stance against the use of artificial intelligence in design. He argues that AI-generated imagery lacks the struggle, growth, and authenticity that define real art, often resulting in overly busy or “weirdly perfect” visuals.
“It’s cool that there’s tech that can do that,” Globerson explained. “To say it is art is like taking an Uber to the finish line of a marathon and claiming that you’re a marathon runner.” He encourages local businesses on a budget to embrace a DIY punk aesthetic over generic AI renderings, noting that genuine human effort always yields a better visual aesthetic.
Looking ahead, Globerson is preparing to expand DFG Illustration by launching an online print store and appearing at more local markets. While he continues to cultivate relationships with local partners like Whitman Brewing and Kru Coffee, he is also building a specialized portfolio with the ultimate goal of becoming a 2D concept designer for movies and video games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes handcrafted illustration different from digital stock artwork?
Handcrafted illustration is created specifically for a client or project rather than being pulled from a generic library. Original artwork gives businesses, organizations, authors, and individuals a unique visual identity while communicating stories, personalities, and brands in a way that stock graphics cannot replicate.
Who can benefit from custom illustration services?
Custom illustrations are valuable for businesses, publishers, nonprofits, schools, municipalities, marketing agencies, authors, breweries, restaurants, event organizers, and anyone looking for original visual storytelling. Illustrated logos, maps, packaging, editorial artwork, and promotional materials can help brands stand out in competitive markets.
Why are local artists important to Upstate New York businesses?
Working with local artists creates stronger collaborations, keeps creative investment within the regional economy, and results in artwork that reflects the area’s history, culture, and character. Local illustrators also understand the community and can produce visuals that resonate with regional audiences.
How do businesses use custom illustrations in marketing?
Businesses use custom illustrations across websites, social media, print advertising, packaging, signage, merchandise, editorial content, and branded storytelling. Original artwork helps companies create memorable marketing campaigns, strengthen brand recognition, and differentiate themselves from competitors with visuals that customers won’t see elsewhere.
