Evenings growing up were often spent sketching with his mother who first noted his talent. His teacher had to hide the chalk to prevent him using it up (so he carved on the outside of the school.  In 1901 he entered SD Agricultural College (now SDSU) in Brookings. His teacher, Ada Caldwell, saw great potential in Harvey and encouraged him to attend the Chicago Art Institute, her alma mater, where he connected with Howard Pyle who became a great mentor to Harvey. Dunn moved to New Jersey to be close to the publishers of NYC and became a prolific illustrator.