We were lucky to catch up with Danski Tang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Danski, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I am very happy as an artist. Being an creative is my calling, and it feels as natural as breathing. For me, creating and observing are integral parts of my life. I was born and raised in China, where I never quite fit into the education system. However, in high school, I was accepted into an art-focused school. Leaving home for a different city allowed me to be fully focused in art, and that’s when I found myself.
I do often think about what life would be like with a regular job, seeking stability and being “normal”. However, this idea is quickly put away because I am grateful for the chance to go further on my own path and cultivate the spirit. Making art gives me freedom, and I am dedicated to my creative practice.
Danski, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I have been in the field of animation for over 15 years, beginning with my undergraduate studies in China and continue focusing in my graduate studies in experimental animation at CalArts. Throughout all this time, I have been building a consistent craft in traditional and digital 2D animation.
My work includes several independent animation short films that have been screened and awarded at prestigious film festivals worldwide, such as Annecy and Locarno Film Festival, and featured on well known online media platforms like Nowness Asia and Aeon Magazine. Aside from my filmmaking, I have freelanced on various animation projects, spanning film, documentaries, music videos, concert live videos, public art installations, and more. Recent projects include collaborations with Meow Wolf Denver, Harry Styles concerts, Netflix documentary, the California Natural Resources Headquarters, and the United Nations HeForShe Campaign.
I am good at using my 2D animation skills to translate stories or concepts into visually captivating realms. From the creative to the technical process, I work to evoke emotion through unique and lyrical imagery. I’m obsessed with the process of stitching frames into a living organism in my animation. And I enjoy exploring the fluidity of motion, color, shapes, and sound, as these elements subconsciously resonate with audiences on a deeper and more intimate level.
I find a sense of achievement in effectively convey my clients’ messages to viewers through my craft. My experiences have taught me the importance of patience and active listening when collaborating with clients. Understanding their needs and promptly communicating our ideas to solve problems is a rewarding aspect of freelancing for me. It also gives me opportunities to push my comfort zone and experiment with new skills.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I have been reading The Economic Way of Thinking by Paul T. Heyne. For film and videos that influenced me, it would have be Asparagus by Suzan Pitt.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://danskitang.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danski_tang/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/danskitang
Image Credits
by Danski Tang