We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Moler recently and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I just developed naturally as a child. I always loved telling stories. I even remember before I could learn to write, I would draw little children’s books and tell my mom the words so she could write them for me. I was always seen as an artist, but always considered myself a storyteller. I love visual art on its own, but what really excites me is a story being told with pictures. When I discovered comic books, my life changed forever. Ultimately, I don’t believe in talent, I believe in skill-set. I started drawing young and just kept at it. Yes, I have had some professional schooling as I got older, but the best way to learn any skill is to practice, practice, practice. My biggest roadblocks over the years have revolved all around insecurity, the notion that somehow my art or writing is not as good as others. Comparing oneself is the worst form of torture and a sure way to prevent you from getting what you what in life. Over time, I learned to shed that insecurity. I extinguished the notion that art exists in some form of aesthetic hierarchy and just taught myself to love and appreciate ALL art, including my own. Removing this obstacle has allowed my art to evolve and shine in ways I never thought possible.
Daniel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a writer and artist of multiple books, comics, and articles in a variety of media and genres. I got my start writing articles about the the scientific and religious use of psychedelics, how they may contribute to psycho-spiritual healing and evolution. My work grew from there as I began writing books on the subject, as well as alternative spiritualities, including shamanic practices of indigenous peoples. I have had books published and articles through Llewellyn Worldwide Publishing, Evolver Publishing, Reality Sandwich, Cannabis Culture Magazine, The Journal of Contemporary Shamanism, and more. After achieving a viable following, I returned to my first love: fiction. Most specifically, my passion for storytelling as expressed via the comic book medium. My first full comic Psychonaut Presents was a memoir of my own psychedelic, psycho-spiritual experiences. It was a surprise hit for me, cementing my place in the independent comics community. I have many fiction comics work I am currently producing and which have a consistent fanbase. My aim is for all of my work to be fun, engaging, yet to challenge readers in their own understanding about the nature of reality. To me, this is the goal of all art, whether it be visual, poetic, music, dance, etc.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
For me, my mission is to engage with imagination as a valuable resource. Poet/artist William Blake likened imagination to the creative force of the universe. We all have that potential to tap into this liminal realm and draw from it that which serves our soul’s purpose. If I can inspire others to do the same, then I that is what makes me feel accomplished in my creative work.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn a lot, most specifically my inner critic and insecurity. The greatest thing holding me back, holding back almost any artist I know, is a crippling insecurity preventing them from fully stepping into their true self. It took me decades to break down this egoic remnant of childhood, based upon early childhood and adolescent experiences where my work wasn’t appreciated and sometimes disparaged. That insecurity stayed with me until I committed to change it. This is one reason I decided to venture into the realm of psychedelics and psycho-spiritual healing . . . it was one pathway (along with traditional therapy) that helped break open those wounded parts and deal with them. When I was able to reconcile that brokenness within me, I was able to fully step into my path as a creator. Since then, I have never been happier. I learned there was no reason to hold, to criticize my efforts . . . just like being a parent, I had practice holding up and encouraging myself for my output, with a commitment to perpetual evolution. This has been the ultimate game-changer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danielmolerweb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdanielmoler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.moler.50
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwxkUjNUZtYWEB6TDdXHMmw
- Other: https://cara.app/danielmoler
Image Credits
Daniel Moler