Meet Daniel Sulzberg

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

Daniel, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

My creativity comes from deep inside and is a part of my personality that I have had since I was a kid. If people were to describe me in 3 words, creative was always one of them. So keeping creativity alive is as simple to me as keeping myself alive. The way that happens is that being creative is a priority for me. The same way that a pro athlete needs to train daily, I need to be creative in order to be happy.

So, I always make time to be creative and to think creatively. Almost everything I do, whether it’s jogging around the block or shopping at the market, I am always thinking about creative ideas and use my everyday actions as a playground for fresh ideas.

Being creative like this can also be a bit of a curse as well as I also suffer from shiny object syndrome which is when the newest idea I come up with all of a sudden takes priority over ideas that I have yet to complete. I’ve had to learn over the years how to set up a system so that I don’t overwhelm myself but it’s always a work in progress. New ideas come from asking questions like “what if” and letting your imagination take you down surreal paths. It can be quite satisfying when a new idea makes you smile or gets you excited about a project.

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 freelance illustrator and creative director that loves to create friendly and positive vibes through wonderfully wacky, whimsical, colorful, and super detailed illustrations. My specialty is to create characters and colorful worlds for those characters to live in. I like to create art that is bright and leaves the viewer with a smile and feeling good inside. I also have a lot of hobbies which has translated into the diverse clientele that I’ve worked with.

From soccer with Tottenham Hotspur and Major League Soccer, to Craft beer labels, to gig posters for bands like Khruangbin and Dead & Co., to the kids space with projects for Highlights Magazine and Sesame Street, editorial for New York Times and Washington Post, and brandwork for companies like Red Bull and Nike. I have been lucky to challenge myself in many different spaces of the creative world. My brand is for those who want to bring about a positive change to the world which comes from the diverse melting pot of California culture that I grew up with.

I am really excited to release a children’s book of life lessons where proceeds will go back to a children’s charity organization and to release my debut graphic novel which is coming soon.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think the most important qualities and skills in being a freelance illustrator is first off, knowing who you are as an illustrator. Find a style that is un-apologetically you and don’t be ashamed of sharing it with the world. When I first started in the creative field, there were gatekeepers who controlled what the world got to see, but now there is nothing stopping your from publishing your own book or releasing your own animation online. Make stuff because you love to make stuff.

Another quality is not giving up. Learn how to pivot your illustrations when the thing that you’re currently working on isn’t gaining the traction that you hoped for. Instead of pushing for one idea over and over, try coming up with new ideas and share them with others. I subscribe to the motto “To dare is to do.”

Networking is also incredibly important. Build relationships and understand that it takes time for an art director to learn about your work, style, and ways that you communicate before they may hire you. Collaboration is also key and a great way to move the needle forward.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I am always looking for rockstar creatives to collaborate with. Whether it’s other illustrators, art directors, creative directors, or storytellers, I love to work with people who are open, fun, and positive.

My favorite projects have been giant collaborations like when I worked with Topps trading cards, the Nashville Stars, and the Negro League Museum together to create a baseball card set that highlighted the greatest negro league athletes from history. I enjoyed working with all of them to create something unique and special. I also enjoyed teaming up with a local charity by selling one of my children’s books and having all the proceeds go back to the charity. It feels good to do a collaboration that gives back as well.

If an art director or any other creative wants to be in touch, I’d love for them to visit my portfolio webpage at danvillage.com and drop me an email at daniel@danvillage.com

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