Dan was raised in the beautiful Midwest in a small town in Montana. Scenic landscapes, wildlife, and a rich history made for an abundance of subject matter for a background in art. Dan has had various occupations that have always added to expanding his horizons. He has worked as a city (structural) firefighter and EMS worker, wildland firefighter, musician composing soundtracks for television and independent films, performing musician, photographer, as well as a broad range of management positions in the music, retail, and even motion-picture theater industry.

Much of his unique and varied life took place living in Oregon for three years and then in Des Moines, where he currently lives and works. He finally gave-up on "punching the time clock" and works for himself and on a per-inquiry basis and as a "hired-gun" freelance artist, designer, and composer.

His hobbies include art, science and science-fiction, photography (recently experimenting with panoramic and 360º VR (Virtual Reality) photography), traditional painting (when time allows), and a healthy obsession with Star Trek and British Comedy television programs. He also thoroughly enjoys spending time with his family and taking trips to the zoo.

He is married with a beautiful wife and daughter.