As a child, Doug had a fascination with nature, wildlife, and all things mechanical. Self-discovered as dyslexic, he turned away from books and reading after being ridiculed in grammar school.

Curious as to how things worked, he enjoyed taking things apart and re-assembling them, which later became integral in the making of his art. While still in high school, Doug's brother Greg brought him to see the band, The Doors, and it changed his life.

Switching over from auto mechanics to piano tuning and restoration for income, he also began to study the piano and classical music. He formed a band with his brother Greg called East Agony, playing their all-original music in venues in the NY/NJ area, including CBGB in NYC. Along with Greg, he went to see the paintings of Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, and soon began to pursue visual Arts, being attracted to the idea of working alone.
 

Initially self-taught, Doug also studied at the Art Students League, School of Visual Arts and The New York Academy in NYC.

Today, Doug continues to create art, music, and write songs - and recently wrote and completed an entire Broadway-style musical titled Hypnotta.