Since its inaugural issue in 2018, Friends & Neighbors magazines have featured many inspirational individuals and families on our covers. This month, we are excited to check back in with David Hoffrichter, a passionate and talented fantasy illustrator. David’s story first 
appeared in the Marple Friends & Neighbors September 2022 issue, and if you missed it, you can catch up by reading about his journey at MarpleMag.com. David’s advice was that whether you are a student or retired, it’s never too late to start doing something creative.
Over the years, David, a Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) graduate, has received numerous accolades and awards for his artwork. His fantasy illustrations have been featured on a number of game art and book covers. Although his passion is fantasy illustration, he’s often commissioned for more traditional works, including wedding and pet portraits.
This past fall, 78 Tarot, a global art collaboration that brings together masterful illustrators to create collaborative Tarot & Oracle decks, commissioned David for a new piece of art and used his painting Luna for their oracle deck. “This was my first big project that includes some absolute legends of illustration,” said David. “I was very excited to see my art in print!”
David continues to spend 10 to 13 hours a day in his art studio, that is attached to his childhood home. He sells his pieces through word of mouth and through his Etsy and Ebay stores. He also has a large Facebook and Instagram following where he posts his artwork. “Something I am definitely trying to be more conscious of now is quality over quantity,” he explained.
What David has found the most helpful in developing and ultimately selling his art pieces are strong personal connections. He attends various workshops, including IlluXCon, a symposium dedicated solely to the art of the fantastic (imaginative realism), where he can meet and network with other artists. “Not only do these workshops allow me to connect with artists, but they also rejuvenate my love of art,” he explained. In September, he showed several pieces at the IlluXCon in Reading, PA.
David also had exciting news to share. He was recently named a finalist in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers and Illustrators of the Future
Contest, a contest that has cultivated new professional illustrators for decades. “It has a significant impact in the field of both science 
fiction writers and illustrators,” he explained. In April, David will travel to Hollywood, CA, and be one of 12 fantasy artists from all over the world to have their work judged by some of the masters in the field. The grand prize winner will receive a $5000 cash prize. “Just getting the opportunity to attend the workshop makes me feel like I’ve already won,” he added. “There will be really prolific artists there, and it will definitely be a great experience.”
Looking ahead, David said he’d love to have a book published that he’s both written and illustrated. He’d also like to give back by teaching art to others. “Two teachers in particular helped me grow as an artist,” he recalled fondly. “I have to give a shout-out to Mr. Winterbottom and Mrs. Can from MNHS. Both were so inspirational to me. I’d like to do the same for others.”
Thank you, David, for catching up with your Friends & Neighbors on your artistic endeavors! We wish you luck in April!