Conversations with Danny Horner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Horner.

Hi Danny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, I was always drawn to art and always had some kind of sketchbook around, but it wasn’t until I got into skateboarding that my tastes became more refined. Everything from music, fashion, and of course art and design—skateboarding was a huge inspiration for me early on. I had dropped out of high school with no real plans for the future, but I knew I wanted to do something creative. I went back to an alternative high school to get my diploma, and started taking art classes at the local community college to see if anything would stick. I quickly became interested in painting so that was my focus early on. I still didn’t know much about graphic design at that point, and had always chalked it up to just making things like tri-fold brochures for a dentist’s office waiting room.

After I ran out of art classes to take, I stopped going to school and focused on painting. During the next four years, my painting became more graphic, and I found myself using design programs more often, I had also started a small DIY clothing brand with some friends and did all of the design for it. That’s when I leaned more into design after learning more about it and what was possible.

When I was 25, I moved to Grand Rapids to go to Kendall College of Art and Design where I received my degree in graphic design. Since graduating, I have mostly been working in a creative agency setting on projects for multiple brands, as well as growing my freelance business. I am always looking for new projects and eager to listen to new ideas.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It wasn’t the smoothest or straightest path to get to where I am now. After high school, there were about seven years of wandering without a clear direction. Trying to stay creative while bouncing around from job to job, trying to decide which direction I wanted to commit to. I was working 12-hour night shifts in a factory when I decided to go back to school for design. Starting school again at 25 in a city where I knew no one and taking on a ton of debt, self-doubt and imposter syndrome quickly crept in and are still around. Anxiety and depression have been a part of my life since I was around 14. Managing the ups and downs consistently can be a struggle, but I’ve learned to make it a priority. As a designer you cross a lot of bridges when you get there as the design industry is always rapidly evolving so you have to wear a lot of hats and commit yourself to life-long learning to stay relevant.

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?
As an Art Director, my focus is on establishing the visual direction and language of a project and carrying that throughout all touchpoints of a brand or campaign. Branding is where a lot of my focus is. Understanding a brand’s mission and values and building out how that brand will live and interact in the world throughout all touchpoints is a very challenging, but satisfying, process.

I would say I’m most proud of keeping my creativity going and working my process. It’s easy to doubt yourself and question what you’re doing, but I’m thankful that the urge and curiosity is still there. I think what sets me apart from others is what sets every designer apart from each other, and that’s our personal taste and point of view. Of course, there’s a level of objectivity that goes into any design project, but we are still filtering things through our own lens, so there is always a part of your voice in the work.

What makes you happy?
Spending time with family and friends. The Michigan outdoors, with good food. Being creative and getting lost in personal work or nerding out on a DIY project while learning a new skill. And more recently, Tigers baseball.

Pricing:

• Branding – $500 – $10,000+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.danny-horner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannychas/

Image Credits
Headshot: Tess Eileen