We’re looking forward to introducing you to David James Strain. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning David James , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
The thing I’m most proud of building is my life — a life that allows me to spend my time doing what I truly want to dedicate my life to. I’ve worked hard to create a lifestyle that isn’t centered solely around money or traditional success, but around fulfillment and purpose.
That’s not to say I’ve always had dream jobs. I’ve worked in all kinds of industries — warehouses, sales, oil and gas, offshore drilling rigs, construction, fast food, dry cleaning — and each of those experiences shaped my perspective and work ethic. But through all of it, what I was really building was the foundation for the life I wanted.
Now, as an entrepreneur and business owner, I have the freedom to design my own schedule and to dedicate my time toward things that truly reflect who I am. Having that control — being able to wake up every day knowing that I’m doing something that fulfills me — is what I’m most proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in Northern California, but my father’s work in the oil and gas industry eventually brought our family to the Houston area, where I was raised in The Woodlands. Growing up, I was deeply invested in sports — football was a huge part of my life. But during my senior year, I broke my leg in a game, and that moment completely shifted my trajectory. Losing the opportunity to pursue college athletics forced me to reimagine my future and really think about what I wanted to dedicate my life to.
That journey took time — years, really — to navigate. Eventually, I found myself drawn back to something that had always been a quiet but constant passion: art. Painting, ceramics, drawing, photography — I’ve always loved the process of creating, of using imagination and hands-on expression to make something meaningful. I went on to study Fine Arts at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I began to understand creativity not just as a pastime, but as a lifelong pursuit and a form of personal truth.
After college, I moved to the Pacific Northwest, where I worked in sales while continuing to build my body of work on the side. Even though I was working full-time, I never stopped creating. Over time, I realized that what I truly wanted was to build a life centered around art — to be able to support myself and my family doing something that fulfills me, represents who I am, and leaves a lasting mark.
Today, that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’ve built a career and a brand around creativity, authenticity, and gratitude. Every piece I create is a reflection of my journey — from the challenges that shaped me to the freedom I’ve found through art. I’m proud of where I’ve been, but even more grateful for where I’m headed.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One experience that truly changed the way I see the world was when my parents moved to the Middle East for my father’s work in the oil and gas industry. Traveling outside of the U.S. for the first time opened my eyes to cultures and ways of life that were completely foreign to me.
One trip in particular stands out — a safari through Kenya and Tanzania. It was the first time I had witnessed, firsthand, a way of living so different from my own. Seeing people go about their daily lives in such rugged and challenging environments gave me a new understanding of perspective, resilience, and gratitude. It made me realize how much I had taken for granted — the choices, opportunities, and comforts that were simply built into my life.
That experience allowed me to truly feel the world beyond my own. It grounded me in humility and gratitude, and it’s something that has stayed with me ever since.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid to be who you are. Confidence in being yourself is one of the most powerful things you can carry through life. People may not always agree with you or see things the way you do, but they’ll respect and appreciate your authenticity.
Don’t let other people’s opinions shape who you become or steer you off your path. Stay true to yourself, even when it feels easier to follow the crowd. That’s where real fulfillment and growth come from.
Looking back, I’m proud that, for the most part, I did stay true to who I was — I knew my values, I knew what I wanted, and I stayed on a path that aligned with that. And that sense of self-awareness and authenticity has made all the difference.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I’d say it’s pretty close. What you see is generally who I am, especially once I’ve had the chance to get to know someone beyond a first impression. Early on, I can be a bit more reserved — maybe even come across as a little serious or guarded — but that’s just part of how I ease into new interactions.
Once there’s a bit more familiarity and comfort, the real me comes through — someone a little more lighthearted, a bit goofy, and willing to try new things. Behind closed doors, especially with my wife and daughter, that’s definitely who I am. There’s a lot more laughter, playfulness, and spontaneity.
So yes, the public version of me is real — it’s just one layer of who I am. The deeper someone gets to know me, the more they see the relaxed, silly side that balances out the driven and professional one.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was genuine — that I lived my life with honesty, passion, and intention. That I went after the things I truly wanted to do, and that I built a life centered around my family and the pursuits that meant the most to me.
I’d like to be remembered as someone who always tried his best, who faced challenges head-on, and who kept faith that there was always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark things seemed.
More than anything, I want people to remember that I lived a life without many regrets — that I took chances, stayed true to myself, and left behind something meaningful, both in my work and in the way I treated people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.StudioStrain.com
- Instagram: @davidjamesstrain
- Facebook: @davidjamesstrain
