David Choe Net Worth
| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300 million | N/A | April 21, 1976 | Los Angeles, California | Male | N/A | Painter, graffiti artist, graphic novelist, muralist | American |
Table of Contents
- David Choe’s Net Worth
- Highlights
- Early Life
- Career
- Personal Life
- Net Worth Over Time
- Components of Net Worth
David Choe’s Net Worth
David Choe has a net worth of $300 million. He is an American painter, graffiti artist, graphic novelist, and muralist. Known for his unique figure paintings and association with the bucktoothed whale in the graffiti world, Choe has made a significant impact on the art scene and amassed considerable wealth through his various endeavors.
Highlights
– David Choe’s net worth is estimated to be $300 million.
– He is known for his figure paintings and association with the bucktoothed whale in the graffiti world.
– Choe has worked for magazines like “Hustler,” “Vice,” and “Ray Gun.”
– He co-hosted the “DVDASA” podcast with adult film star Asa Akira.
– Choe has published several books, including “Slow Jams,” “Bruised Fruit: The Art of David Choe,” and “Cursiv.”
– He was featured in the documentary “Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe.”
– Choe has appeared on various television series, including “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” “Vice,” “Better Things,” and “The Mandalorian.”
Early Life
David Choe was born on April 21, 1976, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, with Korean immigrant parents who were born-again Christians. As a child, Choe developed his artistic skills by drawing “Star Wars” and “G.I. Joe” images. In 1990, he started painting graffiti after being inspired by prominent Los Angeles graffiti artists Hex and Mear One.
Choe’s life took a volatile turn when his parents’ real estate business was burned down during the 1992 L.A. riots. He dropped out of high school and embarked on a two-year journey hitchhiking across America, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. At the age of 21, Choe returned to California and briefly enrolled at the California College of the Arts before dropping out.
Career
David Choe’s career in art began with graffiti, which eventually led to a week-long stint in prison. After his release, Choe started writing and illustrating for various magazines, including “Vice.” He gained further recognition through the “Vice” web series “Thumbs Up!” where he documented his adventures hitchhiking and train-hopping across the U.S. and hitchhiking through China with his best friend, Harry Kim.
Despite facing initial disinterest from art galleries, Choe found success by displaying his artwork in an ice cream shop called Double Rainbow on Melrose Avenue. Customers loved his work, and he exhibited there for two years, continuously adding new pieces as they sold.
In 2006, Choe self-published the graphic novel “Slow Jams,” which garnered attention and led to his first solo exhibit at the Santa Rosa Museum of Contemporary Art in 2005. He went on to have solo exhibitions in San Francisco, San Jose, New York, and the U.K., showcasing his unique style and artistic talent.
Choe’s work not only spans the art world but also extends to other creative mediums. He designed the cover of Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s “Collision Course” EP in 2004 and voiced the lead character in the animated film “We Are The Strange” in 2007.
Personal Life
David Choe has been involved with several charities, notably raising funds for Wyclef Jean’s Yle Haiti and participating in painting sessions with at-risk children through The LIDÈ Haiti Foundation, established by “The Office” star Rainn Wilson and author Holiday Reinhorn.
Choe faced controversy in 2014 after making controversial comments on his podcast regarding “rapey behavior” towards a masseuse. He later clarified that his comments should be considered a work of fiction. Choe apologized for any hurt caused by his words and emphasized his stance against non-consensual sex.
Net Worth Over Time
David Choe’s net worth has seen significant growth over time, primarily stemming from his involvement with Facebook. In the early 2000s, Choe’s graffiti caught the attention of Facebook President Sean Parker, who hired him to decorate the walls of Facebook’s headquarters. Instead of cash payment, Choe agreed to receive company stock as compensation.
At the time of Facebook’s IPO, Choe’s equity was worth around $200 million. Since then, with the tremendous increase in Facebook’s stock value, his holdings could have potentially reached $300-500 million. However, the exact value of his Facebook shares is not publicly disclosed.
Components of Net Worth
David Choe’s net worth is primarily derived from his career as an artist. He has earned significant income through the sale of his artwork, collaborations with magazines, publication of books, and participation in various exhibitions.
Furthermore, his involvement with Facebook played a crucial role in his net worth growth. By accepting company stock instead of cash payment for his work at Facebook’s headquarters, Choe profited immensely from the success of the social media giant.
Additionally, Choe’s diverse contributions to other creative fields, such as designing album covers and voice acting, have likely contributed to his overall net worth.
In conclusion, David Choe has achieved remarkable success as an artist, with a net worth of $300 million. Through his unique figure paintings, graffiti art, graphic novels, and murals, Choe has made a significant impact on the art world. His involvement with Facebook and other artistic ventures have further contributed to his financial prosperity, solidifying his position as one of the most prominent artists of his generation.
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