Don Stewart received his BS degree in Biology and Art at Birmingham-Southern College in 1981, paying his way with a nightclub act as a comic ventriloquist. Initially he enrolled in art classes as a respite from the rigors of premedical studies. Soon, however, he was exposed to the process of composite imagery, and began exploring techniques in ballpoint drawing. Don continued to pursue artistic interests as a hobby during medical training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.After receiving his M.D. in 1985, Dr. Stewart moved north to Minnesota, to complete an internship in surgery at the Mayo Clinic. The lifestyle of a surgical resident proved, however, to be at odds with his creative side. By year's end, Don opted to discontinue his medical studies, after accepting awards for both short fiction and poetry, and publishing his first two composite drawings. He has since worked as a graphic artist, writer, and creative consultant through his company, DS Art.