The Real Reason David Bromstad Left His Job At Disney

David Bromstad is a name that many recognize from the world of design, but his journey took some unexpected turns. Having made his mark as the first winner of "HGTV Design Star," he once envisioned a future filled with magic at Disney. Surprisingly, despite achieving his dream of working there, he chose to leave, realizing that his true passion lay elsewhere.

From an early age, **creative expression** was central to Bromstad's life. His father played a significant role in nurturing this passion, encouraging him to pursue a career at Disney. Bromstad shared in an interview, "Once he got behind it, he goes, 'Do you want to work for Disney? Great. We're going to put you into the best school.'" This support led him to Sarasota's Ringling College of Art and Design, where he honed his artistic skills.

However, not long after beginning his studies, he faced a pivotal moment. He realized that animation was not his calling. Despite the hesitation, he completed his education and began working as a visual merchandiser for Disney. Yet, as he settled into this role, he found himself feeling unfulfilled and bored, leading to a significant shift in his career path.

David's Early Career at Disney

After graduating, Bromstad quickly transitioned to Disney, where he was tasked with visual merchandising. This role involved **designing displays** that captured the essence of Disney magic. However, his time as a visual merchandiser was not as fulfilling as he had hoped. He sensed that the role did not tap into his creative potential fully.

As he conveyed in interviews, his boredom became apparent to his superiors, prompting them to move him to another department. This decision turned out to be crucial, as it exposed him to different aspects of design and sparked his interest in pursuing a career in interior design.

Transition to Interior Design

While Bromstad initially entered the world of interior design through "HGTV Design Star," his experiences at Disney laid the groundwork for his future. Speaking to Spectrum News 13 in 2018, he recounted being transferred to an art department where he worked on sculptures for Disney's parks. He humorously described his role as "the grunt," sanding sculptures until they were perfect.

Eventually, he advanced to become an artist for both Disney World and Universal Studios. Today, his artistic contributions can still be seen in various locations, such as the mural behind the Mayan windows at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This experience helped him realize his passion for creating vibrant spaces, leading him to shift his focus to interior design.

Maintaining Ties with Disney

Despite leaving Disney, Bromstad has continued to maintain a connection with the brand. Throughout his career as an HGTV star, he has been involved in several Disney-related projects. In 2009, he hosted "Disney Holidays: Behind the Magic," allowing him to explore the design elements that contribute to Disney's magical experience during the holiday season.

Additionally, he returned to the Disney parks to participate in events such as the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, where he presented on color and design. This full-circle moment reflects not just his passion for design but also a deep-rooted connection to his beginnings in the industry.

David Bromstad's Biography

David Bromstad's journey showcases the importance of following one's passion. Despite starting in a dream job at Disney, he recognized the need to pivot towards a career that truly resonated with him. This choice led him to become a celebrated interior designer, proving that sometimes stepping away from a dream can lead to even greater opportunities.

As we reflect on David's story, it serves as a reminder to pursue what you genuinely love, even if it means taking a different path than you initially envisioned.