Dan has been drawing, painting, and writing novels since he was a little kid. In high school he focused on art and creative writing and was accepted to the art school of his choice. He was all set to start his art career when he was kicked out of his house. After about 8 months of being homeless, he ended up in a food service job. One bad job led to another but art remained constant. A year and a half were spent doing political cartoons for Madcap Magazine, not to mention various art for local clubs, bands, and a cover illustrations for Maximum Rock and Roll.

At 23, he decided to take it a step further and attend art school. He was in 3 galleries, received a lot of support from teachers and students, learned plenty, and decided to leave school early for a career in New York City.

Album covers, band art, even published paintings in books brought plenty of compliments, but not regular work. Then a friend of Dan’s brother, a tattoo artist at Ink Addiction in Carlisle, PA named Chad Divel, offered to teach him how to tattoo. He turned down his first apprenticeship offer at 19, when his perception of what could be done with a tattoo was much more limited. People like Guy Aitchison, Aaron Caine and Tom Renshaw had really opened his eyes to what could be done. Dan accepted the offer.

 

The friend got Dan his first machines (Time machines), and a full set of Starbrite Ink. He then proceeded to practice on his girlfriend and friends. Almost seven years and way too many shops later, this feels like home to him.

He’s still pursuing fine art, in fact he’s been in 20 something gallery shows and has plenty more coming up. At any given time, at least one gallery is usually exhibiting his work. Dan is also in the process of writing a novel. If you like Dan’s stuff and want to get tattooed, call or e-mail him to book an appointment.