If you have reached this section of my website, I appreciate your interest. Reflecting on writing my "About me" page brings me back to my youth when I first entered my local comic book store. I was captivated by the diverse art and characters that appeared before me. The stories were secondary; my attention was drawn to the vibrant colors, dynamic poses, detailed typography, and expansive splash pages. As I examined every inch of the page, I pondered the artistic choices: “Why did the artist choose this color? Why was this angle used to depict the hero?”

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This curiosity led me to draw daily, recreating panels from my favorite books. As life progressed, I ceased drawing so rigorously, transitioning to a casual doodler, while my days of five-hour sessions meticulously crafting line work came to an end. Despite my reduced dedication to drawing, my parents inadvertently shaped my artistic foundation. My mother, head of The Fashion and Design department at the local college, recognized my eye for color. She would ask for my opinion on various pinned-up quilts and prints: “What do you think, Daniel?” These interactions tested my color theory and layout understanding.

 

My father, a General Contractor, employed me to clean job sites, allowing me to observe the construction process from start to finish—foundation, framing, roofing, drywall, etc. This experience underscored the importance of a strong foundation for any project.

 

Later, I attended The Art Institute of California, San Diego, pursuing Game Art and Design, which focused on asset creation, texture mapping/creation, 2D character design, 3D character creation, rigging, lighting, and level design. Proficient in 3ds Max, Maya, Adobe Photoshop, and Unreal Engine, I thoroughly enjoyed the program, constantly questioning my work: “Why does this look off?” Utilizing principles like the law of thirds and color saturation to refine my focal points. After three years, I graduated second in my class, eager to find employment—then the housing crisis occurred, stalling my job prospects despite numerous applications.

 

I worked in the restaurant industry where I learned customer interactions, problem-solving, anticipating needs, effective communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Although it wasn't my preferred field, I valued these lessons and skills. Recalling my art background, I discovered Google's UX program and regained my enthusiasm. After completing the certificate, I recommitted to asking "Why" again.