David Choe’s net worth is estimated at around $300 million, making him one of the wealthiest contemporary artists in the world. He is an American painter, graffiti artist, muralist, and graphic novelist known for his bold style and signature bucktoothed whale imagery. Beyond his artwork, Choe has gained recognition through media appearances, publications, and his unique career journey from street art to multimillion-dollar success. Here is a detailed look of David Choe net worth.
Who Is David Choe?
David Choe is widely celebrated for his figurative art and experimental graffiti. Over the years, his work has appeared in major magazines such as Vice, Hustler, and Ray Gun. He also co-hosted the “DVDASA” podcast and authored several art books, including Slow Jams and Cursiv. Choe has appeared in shows like Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, Vice, Better Things, and even The Mandalorian.
How David Choe Built His $300 Million Net Worth
While Choe earned income through art exhibitions, murals, and publishing, the biggest turning point in his wealth came from Facebook.
The Famous Facebook Deal
In the early 2000s, Facebook’s Sean Parker hired Choe to paint murals at the company’s Silicon Valley headquarters. When Choe quoted a $60,000 fee, Facebook suggested paying him in company stock instead of cash. Choe accepted—and it changed his life.
By the time Facebook went public, his shares were reportedly worth around $200 million, and over time may have reached between $300 million and $500 million, depending on stock value. This deal remains one of the most legendary art-for-equity trades in history.
Early Life and Education
David Choe was born on April 21, 1976, in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Koreatown by Korean immigrant parents. He started drawing as a child and began painting graffiti in 1990 after being inspired by local artists. After dropping out of high school following the 1992 L.A. riots, he spent two years hitchhiking across multiple continents before briefly attending the California College of the Arts.
Art Career and Exhibitions
Choe began with street art and magazine illustrations, eventually gaining momentum through self-published work like Slow Jams. His raw, rebellious art style led to solo exhibitions in New York, London, Mexico City, and Los Angeles. His life was chronicled in the 2008 documentary Dirty Hands: The Art and Crimes of David Choe, highlighting his travels, legal troubles, and creative evolution.
Choe has also taken on unique creative roles, including designing the cover for Jay-Z and Linkin Park’s Collision Course and voicing a lead character in the animated film We Are The Strange.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Despite controversy surrounding past statements, Choe has emphasized regret and publicly apologized. He has also contributed to charitable causes, including supporting Haitian programs and working with at-risk youth. His intense experiences—including time spent in prison—have heavily influenced his artistic expression.
In real estate, Choe purchased a 6,500-square-foot Los Feliz mansion in 2010 for $3.1 million and later listed it for $6.9 million in 2022.
David Choe’s $300 million net worth reflects an extraordinary journey—from street graffiti to global fame and one of the most profitable art deals ever made. His story is a powerful reminder of how unconventional creativity, bold risk-taking, and timing can lead to massive success.
