Meet Daniel Gorman

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniel Gorman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Daniel, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my working class Blue Collar parents. My Dad worked in the steel Industry my entire life and my Mom was a Cosmetologist. I grew up watching them work very hard and that concept of work was instilled in me at a young age. My Grandparents were the same way. I spent a lot of time with my Grandparents because my Parents did work a lot so I was surrounded by working class people who taught me that nothing worth while comes easy. You just have to work for it.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m a trained Medical Illustrator with my BFA in Medical illustration from the Cleveland Institute of Art 1999. I have worked as an Illustrator, Graphic Designer and in the production end of printed products since graduating from Art School. Currently I have helped launch a Design Studio in Stow, Ohio called “Route 8 Studios” with some of Ohio’s best Illustrators and Graphic Professionals from the area. We will be releasing our first Graphic Novel at Akron Comicon in November. I have a lot of work on published projects coming out. Most of which I can’t discuss yet, but keep an eye out for my work on upcoming Comic Book and Trading Card Publishers.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Being a person other people want to work with has been my secret sauce. My ability to just have a conversation and strike up friendships with people in the industry has helped create a network of creators who are always offering opportunities. If you are just starting out, get out there, show your work, be personable and build your network. Eventually you’ll see the fruits of that approach and opportunities will start to present themselves. Doors will start opening up and you will slowly over time build a career.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I love collaboration and helping out on another creative’s project is always fun. I’m always ready to lend a pin-up or Cover Illustration, or just advice if needed about a project. At Route 8 Studios we are always looking for up and coming talent to include in our future publications, and we will be offering classes to help people who want to get started in a creative Industry take the first steps or even refine their skills. You can email me or any of my fellow Illustrators at route8studios@gmail.com any time and we will be more than happy to discuss your projects and help you get off the ground.

Image Credits

All Illustration work by Dan Gorman Copyright the respective License Holder for each image.