From time to time we will profile members of the Give Lively team, revealing more about who we are, what we do and how we fit into a mix of dedicated and dynamic engineers, creatives, strategists and advocates helping nonprofits do more with digital fundraising tools.

Like the person who is the focus of this week’s profile, the full Give Lively team is passionate about using tech for social good and providing a better fundraising experience to nonprofits and donors.

David Gagne

What do you do at Give Lively?

I joined the Give Lively team in April 2021, a fact I can confidently vouch for, as indicated on my LinkedIn profile. It's been an exciting journey.

I work as a graphic designer on the marketing team at Give Lively, where my role spans a variety of creative tasks. From crafting illustrations, product mockups and web designs to diving into video editing, animation and even trying my hand at voice-over work this year, I wear many hats. Additionally, I manage Give Lively's social media accounts.

What does a day in your life at Give Lively look like?

At Give Lively, we've embraced remote work, so my typical day starts with a cup of coffee with cream and sugar from my kitchen. After that, I settle in, check my email and acquaint myself with my desk for a few minutes. A brief stroll around the house follows before immersing myself in the day's projects.

Lately, I've been into these extended, deep-dive focus sessions. It's like entering a trance; I spend hours tackling design challenges, ignoring my phone and only taking a couple of breaks to prevent stiffness. I find these hyper-focused sessions incredibly rewarding; when I come out of them, it feels like time has zipped by and a substantial amount of work is completed.

In addition to my solitary work blocks, I also have scheduled meetings, whether with the marketing team or our small creative department. It's a well-rounded mix that keeps my remote workdays dynamic and productive.

What do you like to do outside of Give Lively?

I used to be all about music before diving into design. Now, I still play for the fun of it, singing and playing guitar at The Skillman in Queens, New York, every Saturday from 8 to 11pm. You're welcome to join! Also, check out my electronic 80s-style project, Fantazmz, on streaming platforms. Give it a listen if you're into that vibe.

And lately, I'm hooked on Dungeons & Dragons. I run a game for Give Lively a couple of times a month. It's a chill group, usually more than four but less than six of us, diving into imaginative adventures.

What excites you about Give Lively?

I am thrilled to contribute to a purpose-driven endeavor that truly makes a positive impact. In the earlier days, the term "graphic designer" did not exist; instead, those in my profession were referred to as commercial artists. Personally, I've harbored a certain discomfort with the advertising realm, feeling somewhat conflicted due to its undeniable association with commercialism. The idealistic side of me often questioned why I should dedicate my skills to perpetuating consumerism, a force responsible for various societal issues such as pollution, corporate dominance and income inequality. 

However, I don’t feel this internal struggle regarding my current work with Give Lively. It aligns with organizations striving to address and alleviate the world's challenges rather than perpetuate corrupt systems. This shift allows me to channel my creativity toward endeavors that contribute to positive change, providing a sense of purpose and alignment with my values.