Don graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Fine Art. He taught graphic design at UCLA and illustration at the Art Center School in Pasadena. He produced posters for the Hollywood Bowl, National Football League, several airlines, 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and Warner Brothers Records. He also painted record album covers for Capital Records, covers for Time and many other magazines, and designed five stamps for the U.S. Post Office. His western paintings have received many awards including The Jones Award from the Bosque Art Center, Steel Dust Award, and several best of show awards. His work is in several museums, and he is represented by five galleries. Recent awards include Western Heritage Award from National Cowboy Museum and Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, the Lifetime Achievement award from the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the San Francisco Academy of Art.