Dan is an illustrator and a writer that co-created Zen Intergalactic Ninja, an Indy comic that started around 1987 and continues today. During the day, Dan designs packages for a toy company called Spinmaster. But at night, he creates beautiful, other-worldly art.
Learn more about him, and listen for the code to grab the exclusive badge from the show:
We had a great time talking with Dan about his comics, inspiration, and what he's working on now.
CC: Would you consider yourself a writer, or artist?
DC: Both, but more artist.
CC: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
DC: Born and raised in Maine. Closet extrovert. Art and storytelling are part of my DNA. Opto-Mystic. I think I will put that on my business card.
CC: Do you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
DC: Self taught.
CC: Describe your style.
DC: I don't do things the Marvel way, although the book is helpful. Wanted to be an animator, but comics are more fun to make, and one guy can do it.
CC: What would you say most motivates you to do what you do?
DC: Praise. Heaps of it. It's what drives any passionate artist. Money is not the motivator, but is an important tool to empower the artist to continue with his craft. Artists have always relied on patrons, now those patrons are peers and not elites.
CC: Are you inspired by any particular works or creators?
DC: Roger Dean and Moebius are my primaries. Everyday the internet shows me an amazing array of uber talent.
CC: Do you work with others?
DC: Steve Stern is the co creator of Zen. 1First Comics is the publisher. I don't currently collaborate with others. My style and pace don't make that viable.
CC: What creation are you most proud of?
DC: All of them are my babies. I have all my original art from even high school. I think the Zen 3D book is pretty awesome and untouchable. No one has ever done it like that.
CC: Can you tell me about your current project?
DC: NO. top secret. However, RE, Zen, new stories, a kids book very soon, are all being touched on.
CC: What passions do you have outside of comics?
DC: Skiing. Kayaking and the outdoors in general. Earth is awesome. Love coffee.
CC: Do you have any thoughts about the comic book industry?
DC: So many changes. I always expected comic shops to work hard at supporting indy's like me, but have found that not to be true unless you work it hard. Still, God bless them, I understand their struggle. Mostly they are very selective of who they support. They are incredible repositories of pop culture knowledge and that is important. I pay no heed to the Corporate Publishers. They are in the way bullies. My opinion of the industry is irrelevant anyway. I'm just heads down trying to get these stories from my head to the streets.
CC: Do you have any advice for anyone that is just joining the industry for the first time, or looking to join the industry?
DC: You have the tools like never before. Look at David Lilly. Master of how it is done today. You do what you are passionate about, find your audience and let them know they are part of your tribe.
CC: Anything you would like to add?
DC: I've been in this for way over 30 years. My art and even corporate toy packaging work is all storytelling. To understand me you have to look at it all.
A huge thanks to Dan for taking the time to talk with us and share his story.
