• Home
  • |
  • Blog
  • |
  • Dave Letterfly Knoderer: From Brushstrokes to Breakthroughs: Art, Sobriety, and the Creative Journey /Ep 4187

About Dave "Letterfly" Knoderer

“The smartest thing I ever did was run away and join the circus.”

Dave "Letterfly" Knoderer is an acclaimed artist, author, and inspirational speaker whose extraordinary life story has inspired audiences across the country. Known as the guru of living an interesting life, Dave brings decades of creative experience, personal transformation, and artistic mastery to every canvas and stage he touches...

…Raised under the weight of a perfectionist father, Dave faced deep frustration as a boy. Fueled by a desire for freedom and creative expression, he made the bold decision to run away and join the circus as a teenager—starting his career as a drummer and eventually becoming a liberty horse trainer and Haute École horseman in a traditional three-ring circus.

Dave’s artistry began to shine as he painted massive signs, animal murals, and decorative artwork on circus fleets. His journey evolved into a thriving career in the Sign and Design trade, where he tackled sensational challenges, from:

  • Themed murals for amusement parks and restaurants
  • Gold leaf and pinstriping on antique fire trucks
  • Theater set design and interior graphics
  • Airbrushed art and custom lettering on motorcycles, hot rods, guitars—even cake mixers

But his path wasn’t always smooth. A battle with alcoholism brought his life to a halt. In that quiet space, Dave found a practical relationship with God, a renewed connection with his father, and a powerful sense of purpose.

Now sober and spiritually grounded, Dave channels his energy into writing and traveling artistry. His memoirs, born from decades of newsletter stories and road reflections, capture the chaos, humor, and revelations of a life fully lived.

Today, Letterfly is one of the top producers of:

  • Old-school pinstriping
  • Hand-painted lettering
  • Gold leaf inscriptions
  • Custom airbrushed imagery on high-end motorhomes and vintage vehicles

When he’s not painting, he’s writing—chronicling life’s unexpected turns and helping others see their own challenges as divine gifts leading to transformation.

Whether through a brushstroke or a spoken word, Dave inspires people to embrace their journey, discover their true purpose, and live a more colorful, creative life.

Website

Related Posts

541: Twelve Minute Convos w/ Veenu Keller

Veenu Keller- For over 17 years, Veenu Keller has worked with teens and adults to inspire them to believe in themselves and to know they always have a choice. Veenu has spent the last two decades working with at-risk teens, children with disabilities and parents of children with behavioral issues, drawing on her own experiences

Read More

Toni Brucato: From Debt to Dreams: Financial Coaching with a Heart /Ep 3245

About Toni BrucatoToni Brucato is an incredibly inspiring individual. She is a professional speaker, wellness coach, and an expert on vision boards. With a doctorate in clinical psychology, two master’s degrees, and several certifications, Toni is a lifelong learner and a beacon of knowledge. Her passion for healing and rejuvenation is evident in all that

Read More

416:Adrian Aguilar helps Millennials find meaningful work

Adrian Aguilar- Adrian Aguilar helps Millennials find meaningful work. He does this through Career Coaching and his podcast, Letsplore. Letsplore helps Millennials figure out what they want to do with their lives as it relates to passion, self-improvement, and mindset. He also has a Facebook Group called The Millennial Mastermind. The Millennial Mastermind is a

Read More

356: Twelve Minute Convos w/ Chris Braaten

Chris Braaten- My name is Chris Braaten (pronounced Bray-ten it gets mispronounced often ?) I’ve been a Stay at home Dad for 4 years now. It was a decision my wife and I made together and we could t be happier. Being a SAHD offers a lot of challenges since it’s not the norm, but

Read More

Elaine Pofeldt: The Power of Tiny Businesses and the Rise of Million-Dollar Solopreneurs /Ep3882

About Elaine PofeldtElaine Pofeldt is a seasoned independent journalist, business author, and keynote speaker who specializes in entrepreneurship, solopreneurship, and career development. She is the acclaimed author of two powerful books for… …entrepreneurs:“The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business” (Random House) – A groundbreaking guide to how solo entrepreneurs are scaling to $1 million in revenue before hiring

Read More

1203:LaKena Dunham is the founder of a non-profit organization Hewalenamo Girls, Inc.

LaKena Dunham- LaKena Dunham is the founder of a non-profit organization Hewalenamo Girls, Inc. Hewalenamo founded in 2010 means “Empower” and the 501(c)3 is dedicated to providing educational opportunities by financially assisting girls from impoverished families in developing countries; seeking to remove the obstacles that keep them from school or cause them to drop out.

Read More

323: Twelve Minute Convos w/ John Mojsa

John Mojsa- John Mojsa is an entrepreneur with a passion for helping small business owners get their success without the struggle that normally comes with it. Having owned businesses since he was 17, John has wide range of experienced knowledge of what really works in the small business world. He realises that most people struggle

Read More

Engel Jones

I am a podcaster who has now had over 2900 recorded podcast conversations, plus 349 live interviews in 12 weeks, while driving through the 48 states of the US plus the eastern and western side of Canada.