For some, a cigar is simply something to enjoy. For David, a native of Strasbourg, France, it has become the foundation of a creative journey that blends photography, imagination, and a unique sense of visual storytelling.
What began with a simple cigar photo posted on Instagram has evolved over the years into a distinctive form of artistic expression. Through creative staging, unconventional ideas, color, lighting, and carefully crafted details, David transforms cigars into subjects that tell a story and evoke emotion.
What makes his work even more intriguing is the mystery behind the person creating it. Despite sharing his work publicly for years, David has never revealed his face on social media. His audience sees his creativity, his perspective, and his personality through his photographs, but not the man behind the camera.
In a world where social media often revolves around personal identity and being seen, he has chosen to let his art speak for him. Anonymity is not synonymous with hiding—it has become part of the experience and allows the focus to remain on the cigars, the stories, and the creativity behind each image.
His approach to photography is personal and instinctive. He doesn’t consider himself an artist in the traditional sense, but his work reflects an artist’s eye—one that perceives beauty, humor, nostalgia, darkness, and unexpected details. He draws inspiration from music, movies, nature, gastronomy, world events, and the world around him, often turning an ordinary cigar into something unexpected. Each photograph is an opportunity to experiment, have fun, and create something that feels authentically his own.
Ultimately, David’s work goes beyond cigars. It is about perspective—the ability to take something familiar and present it in a completely different way. Behind every photograph is an idea, an atmosphere, and a story, created by someone whose face may remain unknown, but whose creative voice is unmistakable.
Tell us about your journey and how you first discovered the connection between cigars and art.
I’ve been smoking cigars for about 6 or 7 years. One day, I posted a very simple, basic photo of a cigar on Instagram. I received very kind comments from other users, and I really liked that. So I kept posting, and that’s how it all started. Over the months and years, I decided to perfect my photos in my own way.
When did you realize you weren’t simply creating pieces related to cigars, but creating art?
To be completely honest, I don’t consider myself an artist. I like to think I’m just an everyday guy who takes photos of cigars. If some people think I’m an artist, it touches me and makes me very happy. As for me, I really don’t have that kind of pretension.
What inspired you to transform a traditional object like a cigar into a medium for artistic expression?
I think that, over time, that has come through in my photos. But I also have an extroverted side. I saw posts on Instagram that I thought were really cool, so I drew inspiration from them and wanted to take photos “that reflect who I am.”
Sometimes simple photos, sometimes more poetic ones, and sometimes downright gory. As long as I’m having fun, anything goes.
How has your personal background influenced your creative approach?
I’d say it all happened naturally and over time. I’ve always loved beautiful things: beautiful objects, the perfection of nature, people’s good attitudes. So I try to take photos that people enjoy. I’m also a huge fan of the ’80s, so I often accompany my posts with music from that wonderful era.
What does a cigar represent to you beyond the experience of smoking it?
It’s my prop for photos—the foundation of everything.
When you look at a cigar, what do you see that others may overlook?
I try to imagine when I can use it and how to style it to take a photo that really stands out. That’s the first thing that comes to mind.
What elements of a cigar—its wrapper, construction, aging, aroma, or tradition—inspire your creative process the most?
Simply the name and the band. I really like original names and bands that are a little whimsical or unconventional. That gives me ideas. Although I’ve been smoking cigars for years, I’m no expert at identifying flavors and aromas. So I just go by what I see.
How do you balance honoring cigar tradition with the desire to push artistic boundaries?
I want to do what I feel like doing and what’s on my mind. As long as I’m not hurting anyone or being disrespectful, I’m all in. If I can also add a touch of humor to some of the photos, great. As long as I don’t offend anyone, everything is cool.
Walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished piece.
Once I have an idea, I make sure to see it through to the end because I know the result will turn out really cool. Sometimes I need props, so I go out and buy them or order them online. Then I start taking the photo, which can take anywhere from ten minutes to several days before I’m happy with the result.
I also play around a lot with filters to correct certain details, adjust colors, and tweak shadows. I look for a realistic result. Although I must admit there are some photos I can’t even stand to look at anymore.
Where do your ideas come from: memories, cigar culture, conversations, or something else?
Ideas can come to me from a song, a movie, food, world news (good or bad), and nature. And then, of course, there’s the month of October and Halloween. I love that. I’m a huge fan of horror art.
What makes a piece of cigar art successful in your eyes?
Creativity and originality. Also the color palette and the staging.
Do you believe art is defined by the materials used, the emotion it creates, or the story behind it?
Personally, I’d say it’s the emotion it evokes. You see the photo, and if you like it, it’s because there’s something in it that touches you.
What emotions or reactions do you hope people experience when viewing your work?
I’d say nostalgia or madness. But if we’re talking about Halloween photos, I’d say fear and horror.
How do you define the relationship between craftsmanship and creativity?
I imagine how I can capture it in a photo. Sometimes it’s easy and sometimes it’s more complicated. And if it’s impossible for me to bring what’s in my head to life, I find a way to do it differently.
If your work could tell one story about the cigar world, what story would it tell?
It’s simply the story of an ordinary guy who enjoys treating himself to a cigar and who has found a way to express his creativity by giving visibility to artisans and brands. I do it my way, with my own mindset and freedom. It’s a very simple summary, but a very true one.
What is one thing you wish people understood about cigars and the artistry behind them?
You might like a cigar or you might not. Obviously, it’s all a matter of personal taste. But we mustn’t forget that there are people who crafted all these cigars. They are true artists, superb artisans. For that reason alone, I would never disparage a brand. And I think some people tend to forget that.
Complete this sentence: “A cigar is not just a cigar—it is…”
…whatever you decide it to be!
You can find David’s art on Instagram as @trash_dandy.
