About

David M. Debus: Creative Director

David is responsible for managing all creative and graphic design for CourseTrends’ online marketing solutions.

David has managed creative teams for several leading design firms in Texas and California.  He also served as the Creative Director for eLogic Corporation.  David’s expertise in the application of web technologies and design methodologies is unparalleled.  His creative genius can be found in online marketing solutions for such notable companies as: MGM, NBC, GMAC, Microsoft XBOX, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts, Columbia Pictures, Hollywood Records, Reebok CNET, Ziff Davis, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsweek, Intuit, The Economist and Sony.

My name is David M. Debus and I am based in Cedar Park, Texas.

I fell in love with design, in particular typography when I was 4 years old. My father Larry was the press foreman for the local newspaper in small city I grew up in. Every day he arrived home filthy with black ink in the cracks of his hands. No matter how much he washed, it would never come clean. I admired him so much that I got a hold of a black magic marker and colored the palms of my hands solid black so I could be just like him. We weren't well-off so instead of toys my dad would bring me home pieces of moveable type from the old printers as they converted into the "new" web presses. They were heavy, made out of metal and wood. I thought they were the coolest toys ever.

Because we couldn’t afford a babysitter, all throughout elementary school and middle school, I'd spend my time after school with my dad in the press room. There was a giant camera that took pictures of the newspaper layouts, a film developer, a plate burner and a giant light table where I'd help fix the mistakes in the negatives before they were burned into the plates. I also got to see all the amazing colors of ink that were available for special runs and learn about the 4 color printing process. I remember the web press was pretty amazing. It was bright red, 3 stories tall and deafening when it was running. I'm pretty sure they were at least from the early 1900s.

At home, my dad was always drawing something and encouraged me to draw with him. I got better and better and pretty soon I was in a special school for talented artists – Sumner Academy. I excelled in school and was accepted to the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California straight out of high school. The average age of a beginning student starts at 25. Again I excelled, so much so that I had several companies offering to hire me before I could even finish a few years of College. I jumped at the opportunity I started working at a company in Venice Beach, California called eLogic.

With my help and their leadership we were able to grow the company too over 100 employees and saw millions of dollars in profits. In 2000 the company sold for $79 million to Reed Elsevier Publishing. After the company sold, I enjoyed my life in California and in 2000 I married Kristine. I bounced around doing contract work and was my own boss.

In 2004 we welcomed our son Gavin into our lives. I enjoyed being able to be at home and raise him while still being able to pursue my passion for design and typography. In 2007, we decided we needed a change of pace and scenery so we relocated to Austin, Texas. I joined CourseTrends shortly after moving here and have been there ever since. My goal has been to take the Design and Creativity to the next level.  I strive for unity, integration and creative development.