Kevin Flatt
Irreplaceable.
I was one of the lucky ones who got to spend time and work with Don in the A-frame studio. While a student at ETSU, I interned with him one summer and went to the school of Don. He taught me more than I ever could have hoped for.
He shared his mastery of creating beautiful typography by hand—an art form that is lost in today's world of computers. He could take a brush out, wet it with water and ink, and make a word sing. He loved doing it, and he inspired me every day.
He showed me how to treat people. Everyone who walked in the door was greeted with a booming "Hey, partner!" and an offer for something to drink. He always had a pot of weak coffee going that he drank all day until beer o'clock came around. And yes, he would say, "You fly. I'll buy."
He taught me to pay your vendors first before yourself. You'll need them in a pinch one day. He loved being a part of the Dallas design community. Just don't ask him to wear a white shirt and tie. He always treated people with more kindness than I've ever experienced in the industry.
His stories seemed to always be about his love of life. Complaints were small compared to a good story that left your belly aching from laugher. Don was a good time, all the time.
I traveled with him to client meetings. I took care of his dog and house when he was out of town. And I visited him when I was in town. I'm sad that I couldn't do that more after I left Texas.
He will be missed by all who stayed warm by his fire. I'm grateful to have known such an incredible human being. I loved him like a brother and a weird uncle.
Love to his entire family.
Kevin Flatt