DANABEE
Dana: Crafting Dreams into Digital Realities
We delve into the captivating world of Dana, a freelance art director, illustrator, and designer hailing from south of Metro Manila. In an exclusive interview, Dana shares insights into her artistic journey, creative process, and the thrilling collaboration with Alpha Unltd for the Project Eve Deskmat.
Project Eve Deskmat: A Cyberpunk Symphony
Collaborating with Alpha Unltd on the Project Eve Deskmat, Dana envisioned a cyberpunk-infused neo-Tokyo.
The theme of 'Japan' resonated with the gaming community, and Dana sought to celebrate women in gaming. Drawing from her childhood fascination with characters like Quistis from Final Fantasy 8 and Chun-Li from Street Fighter, Dana masterfully merged these elements into Project Eve.
Behind the Scenes:
Sketches and Composition
Sharing an intimate peek into the creative process, Dana provides rough sketches from the conceptual stage, showcasing the evolution of her vision. The composition,
a visual union mirroring the collaboration between artist and client, breathes life into the final design.
Choosing Colorways:
A Gaming Palette
The colorways for Project Eve were chosen strategically to align with gaming setups and popular preferences, creating
a visual symphony that resonates with the gaming community.
Collaboration Chronicles:
The Alpha Unltd Experience
Collaborating with Alpha Unltd was a unique journey for Dana. Encouraged by full creative freedom, she relished the opportunity to weave her artistic magic in tandem withthe Alpha Unltd team.
Market Nerves and
Personal Favorites
While not a challenge, Dana admits feeling a touch of nervous excitement about whether the market would embrace her design. Her personal favorite among the Alpha Unltd desk mats? The White XL.
As our interview with Dana draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks for sharing her creative odyssey. Until then, let the artistry of Dana continue to inspire and captivate!
Living the Freelance Dream: Dana's Artistic Haven
Dana's career is more than a job; it's a lifestyle. As a freelance art director, she enjoys the freedom to immerse herself in work she loves, whether she's donning the hat of a CEO, marketing manager, employee, accountant, dog walker, or (janitor 24/7)—her creativity knows no bounds.
From Doodles to Digital Domains: Dana's Artistic Genesis
Her artistic saga began in childhood, where Dana, unlike most outdoor-bound kids, found solace indoors with animated shows like The Powerpuff Girls and Naruto. What started as doodles in notebooks evolved into a digital exploration, sparked by a desire to share her creations with the world. The transition to digital art came naturally, with Dana learning the ropes of Photoshop in grade school.
"I thought to myself, 'Oh wow, art is something I would love to do as a living,'" she reflects on the turning point in her
artistic journey.
Whimsical Lines and Digital Canvas: Dana's Artistic Signature
Describing her style proves challenging for Dana, but she settles on whimsical illustrations with lines that breathe life into her creations. Her digital toolkit includes Procreate on iPad and Photoshop on Windows, providing a forgiving medium with its abundant 'undos.' Yet, Dana values the authenticity that comes with embracing mistakes, often venturing into traditional mediums like pencil, ink, and acrylic paint.
Artistic Constellations: Influences and Inspirations
Dana's constellation of influences includes luminaries like Yoshitaka Amano, Akihiko Yoshida, Tomer Hanuka, Karolis Strautniekas, James Jean, and Kim Jung Gi. Drawing inspiration from experiences and daily life, Dana captures the essence of illustration—conveying the impossible through art.