We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dan Kazan. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Dan, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Nothing beats that first cup of coffee in the morning, which has been part of my 90-minute ritual for years. I usually dive straight into drawing, as I find that the thoughts and perspectives from my dreams often spark ideas for designs. I feel most inspired upon waking, and I try to channel that energy immediately into creating before any distractions take over.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Dan Kazan – first-generation American, born to a Circassian father and a French mother. I’ve spent the last ten years living a mostly nomadic life, traveling widely by sea as a sailor and taking more flights than I can count. Those experiences have shaped both who I am and the direction of my art. Being immersed in different cultures has given me constant inspiration, not only in lifestyle but in the artwork and tattooing I create from it.
Travel is still a big part of my life. It keeps my perspective fresh and helps my work evolve. Tattooing, especially, has been a real gift. It gives my art a place to live – with people, in their stories, and throughout their lives. Everyone remembers where they were and what they were going through when they got a tattoo, and it means a lot to know I get to contribute to those moments. The connection I build with my clients is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The first person who comes to mind is my father. I was fortunate to grow up with parents who were open-minded and gave me the space to live differently than they were allowed to when they were young. They taught me to be proud of my roots, to stay true to myself, and to never be afraid to reinvent the wheel – especially in a creative field.
Those lessons stayed with me. I’ve always struggled in environments where I’m expected to conform. When I worked in the yacht-chartering industry, I did well until the job required me to look, act, and present myself in a very specific way. My intuition pushed back against that, and it ultimately led me to choose a creative path where I’m not asked to be anyone other than my genuine self.
It’s difficult for me to stay in jobs where I’m told how to “be,” and I’ve accepted that about myself. I understand that we all need to adapt to the culture of a city, a country, or a workplace but art is different. Art has no boundaries, and for me, it loses its power and beauty the moment it’s forced into a box. I’d rather stay true to who I am and let my work remain unapologetically authentic.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been countless moments when this path has tested me. Social media can make any artist look successful, but the reality behind the scenes is very different. A career in the arts is the hardest thing I’ve ever committed myself to, because it challenges every imperfect part of my personality – discipline, patience, confidence, consistency, resilience.
Like many creatives, I’ve taken on work that felt “creative” in name only, just to stay afloat, and it always left me feeling boxed in. I’ve worked corporate jobs before, and even though they were stable, they made me feel disconnected from myself. That feeling, when your soul is out of alignment, is far heavier than fatigue.
Despite all the pressure and uncertainty, I know this is the path I’m meant to be on. I’m grateful that I even have the chance to pursue art seriously, to build something of my own, and to grow through the challenges rather than run from them. This career asks a lot of me, but it also pushes me to evolve. So I’ll keep going, keep refining myself, and stay focused on the long game.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to broadening the subjects I work with and becoming more attentive to what people connect with in my art. For a long time, my work felt very personal, which has its place but in tattooing I’ve learned that it’s equally important to understand what clients feel, expect, and resonate with. Translating their ideas into something that still carries my creative voice is a challenge I’m learning to embrace.
I want to capture the essence of the cities I live in and offer clients pieces that reflect their experiences, whether they’re traveling or marking a meaningful moment in their lives. Finding the balance between my own creative expression and what others need from me is an ongoing process.
I’m also excited to explore other mediums – fashion, animation, and graphic work. It’s all new, but that’s part of the enjoyment. It pushes me to learn, to collaborate with people who have experience in those fields, and to keep expanding what I’m capable of creating.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy might be that people assume it came easily or that it was always clear where I was headed. In reality, most of my work grew out of uncertainty, trial and error, and a lot of personal refinement. I never wanted to be seen as someone trying to be larger than life, just someone committed to creating honest work, staying true to himself, and connecting with people through art. If anything, I hope people understand that my legacy is less about perfection and more about the willingness to grow, adapt, and keep showing up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @dan.kazan
Image Credits
All done by Dan Kazan DAN KAZAN
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