David Monette attended Mohawk Valley Community College where he received his associate degree in Advertising Design and Production. He then went on to Syracuse University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Illustration.
After graduating, Monette began working as an illustrator. His highly detailed fantasy and science fiction work appeared in many books, magazines, board games, and collectible card games. Initially, he completed these projects using oil and acrylic paints as well as pen and ink.
As digital technology continued to improve, however, he figured out a way to adapt his style to a digital format. With this experience, coupled with a strong impulse to impart what knowledge he had about art and how it is made to those seeking such knowledge in a college setting, he went back to school and received his master's degree in Illustration from the University of Hartford. While there, his instructors reviewed his written work and strongly suggested that he combine his writing ability with his talent as an illustrator to chart his own path.
Since that time, he began teaching art at Plattsburgh State University, has written and illustrated four novels, and has transitioned back to working almost exclusively in pen and ink, a medium whose complete permanence once applied is an enjoyable challenge for him.