Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Harrill.
Dan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always kept an equilibrium of active outdoor pursuits like biking and snowboarding, alongside a connection to artistic and creative activities. These started as drawing and painting as a youth and in my adult life those artistic pursuits have mostly been attached to my day job which centers around design, film, and photographic projects.
In late 2020 I severely injured my back while snowboarding. I couldn’t move much for a few months. Without many other options to fill my time in recovery and my energy bursting at the seams — I bought the biggest canvas I could fit in my truck, turned my garage into a small art studio, and posted up for a few months intent to not only create art, but to develop a personal style that I might be able to call my own. I approached the project as if it were more in line with my day job as an art director and designer — writing out a mission/brief with the things I wanted to represent in what I was going to make.
I wanted the art to reflect where I was in life, as well as feelings I had on where I wanted to go. I’ve always had a natural inclination to humor, but here I wanted to flex into something that felt more composed. So no humor allowed. After some study, my checklist landed on themes of change. With change being something that was both beautiful, as well as formidable. It’s something that brings growth and movement, and when done for the better provides balance in life. Everything I’ve created since then has taken those themes and tried to find ways to represent that visually.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not very dramatic, but it has actually been shockingly smooth once I got going! My current little art journey started with so much trouble while I was injured — I really had nowhere to go but up from there.
Once I started, not only was I happy with the work I was making — but the community around me has been super supportive. I’ve made so many amazing friends and connections through all this. On top of that, I feel like I have found a much deeper and balanced version of myself. It’s hard to go to bed sometimes because I just want to keep making stuff.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Painting is what I’ve been focused on the last few years, but I’m really rarely this focused on one specific creative project like this. I’m proud of that. It’s rewarding to stay committed to a project long term while continually searching for ways to expand with it.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Be curious. Everywhere you go, ask questions. Then ask more. Poke around and wonder about stuff and keep chasing whatever you find interesting. The more curious you are, the more fascinating people you’ll meet, and the more they’ll want to meet you because you’ll be so damn interesting.
Pricing:
- Don’t lowball yourself. Do your homework and be honest about where you sit in the market and price with confidence.
- Once you’re selling consistently, raise your prices.
- Worse someone can say is “no thanks”. They’re not your audience, keep going and find your people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danharrill.com
- Instagram: @idlehanddan
