We recently connected with Dani Julian and have shared our conversation below.
Dani, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I think that, despite being an “alt” girl with a ton of tattoos and a quirky personality, I have proven to my fans, clients, and friends that I am a kind, generous person who makes a strong effort to get along with everyone I encounter. I aim to express empathy for all people, whether they be a platonic friend, a “business only” illustration client, or a stranger. I put myself in their shoes and attempt to find common ground, even where there is conflict or disagreement. If a project is running late or encounters issues, I make sure to keep my art clients up to date and informed, with a heartfelt apology and a “thank you” attached, if necessary (though, thankfully, 90% of projects are finished right on time, if not early). Once people realize that I am their ally, they tend to warm up to me, even if they’re a more conservative type. This has allowed me to build a loyal fan and client base and, I feel, contributes to my success as readily as my creative skills do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a concept and figurative artist focusing on fantasy, surrealist, and punk subculture themes. I paint primarily in Procreate on an iPad Pro, and my style could be considered semi-realist. In my more recent personal work, I have begun to mix symbolic allegory with edgy figurative imagery, allowing the viewer to weave their own story into the work while commenting on my own experiences “between the lines”, if you will. I am currently working on a series of paintings that I affectionately call my “Shadow Boys”– portraits of otherworldly punk men placed in dark or dreamlike settings. I am also a fiction author, and am currently hard at work on the third novel in my cult-followed Shale City series (available at booksellers worldwide).
Commercially, I have done illustration for the comics, zine, and book publishing industries, as well as for international punk bands and private collectors. You might catch me painting the occasional mural, as well, if the request comes up.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first skill that I think is paramount if you really want to make it as an artist is simple: never stop leveling up. It might sound trite, but practice really does make perfect. On average, I spend anywhere from 6-10 hours a day drawing and painting (family and “me” time also being considered, of course). If there is some skill or technique that I want to learn or sharpen, I watch YouTube videos, or search art tutorials on Pinterest (that site is an artist’s gold mine). Practice, and then practice some more. You will never feel accomplished enough, and you aren’t meant to. Learning and improvement are lifelong.
Secondly, treat your clients with kindness and respect, regardless of how much they spend or how big the project is. Keep them updated on project progress, and treat them as you’d expect to be treated if you were in their shoes. I’ve seen far too many fellow artists let big egos get in the way of showing common human decency to their clients. You don’t let someone take advantage of you, of course, but showing tolerance and a willingness to explain the process to your client builds trust and understanding.
Thirdly, avoid burnout by practicing self-care. I take 20 minutes a day to do a guided or self-compassion meditation, where I consciously release all of the frustrations and disappointments that might crop up in a day. I might take a long bath, go to a museum or out for dinner with my son, or just spend a few minutes playing with my cat. Anything that brings you stress-relief and joy should be incorporated into your day, no matter how busy you are.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who really loves my art style and who is willing to trust my process. When you hire an illustrator, you are choosing them based on their skill set and professional aptitude in a visual medium. The worst clients I’ve had have been micromanagers, and that behavior always causes the work to suffer. A client who trusts me enough to let me take their idea, improve on it, and make it really shine will get the best possible product for their money.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniquickdraw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDaniQuickDraw/
Image Credits
All Artworks/ Photos (c) Dani Julian. All Rights Reserved.
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