Interview
Dan Wilhelm
Dan Wilhelm is a graduate of the Toronto Film School who is embarking on his professional journey in freelance graphic design and illustration. He is eager to enhance his skills through further education and to develop his artistic abilities as an interdisciplinary artist/designer. Currently residing in Alberta, Dan is exploring opportunities in both studio and office settings while also focusing on building his freelance career. His creative style is highly illustrative and integrates seamlessly with various elements of graphic design, a long-standing passion of his. Throughout his adult life, Dan has pursued multiple careers, including work in the trades and emergency services, but art, illustration, and design have always remained core passions. Even while training as a firefighter/paramedic, he dedicated time to completing illustrative client work on the side. After realizing that his previous endeavours were not a good fit for him, Dan recognized his deep-seated passion and talent for visual creativity and is now fully committed to transitioning into a creative career.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My journey in art began in elementary school, when I realized I wasn't drawn to piano lessons or sports but instead loved sketching monsters from comic books, cartoons, and anime. That fascination with imaginative worlds became the foundation of my creative path. Later on, I immersed myself in heavy metal music and horror films, which deepened my interest in darker, surreal imagery. I was particularly inspired by artists like H.R. Giger, Dan Seagrave, and Wes Benscoter, whose work showed me how to visually capture atmosphere, psychology, and intensity. Those influences pushed me to explore art not just as entertainment, but as a way of expressing deeper themes and emotions.”
What inspires you?
“What inspires me most is the sense of community among fellow like‑minded artists. Being part of that creative network gives me energy and reminds me that art is as much about connection as it is about individual expression. I’m also inspired by how my visual craft overlaps with other forms of art, especially music. Heavy metal and other genres often shape the atmosphere of my work, and I see my art as a way to translate emotions and messages that can’t always be expressed with words. In that way, my practice becomes both personal and communal — a way of giving form to feelings and ideas that resonate across different mediums and audiences.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Early in my journey, I was focused on exploring my range and developing my style, creating visually captivating, eye‑catching, and stunning work that pushed my technical abilities. As I matured, I began to feel that art without substance wasn't enough for me. I started tackling themes of stewardship, resilience, and transformation — ideas that reflect both personal growth and broader cultural responsibilities. My underlying message is that art should not only engage the eye but also carry weight, provoke thought, and inspire dialogue about how we care for ourselves, our communities, and the world around us.”
How would you describe your work?
“I would describe my work as interdisciplinary and purpose‑driven, but also defined by its atmosphere. It often carries a bleak, gritty, and surreal quality, influenced by heavy metal and horror aesthetics, yet it’s balanced with a polished, detailed, and vibrant execution. That tension between darkness and refinement is central to my style: I want the work to feel raw and unsettling, but also visually captivating and meticulously crafted. It’s art that aims to provoke thought while holding the viewer’s attention through both mood and precision. As I mature as an artist, I am focusing more on making emotionally resonant work that connects with people on a deeper level. However, I still enjoy the raw, unsettling nature of my early work.”
Which artists influence you most?
“Early on, I was inspired by artists who shaped the worlds of comics, horror, and animation — names like Todd McFarlane, Bernie Wrightson, Vince Locke, among others. Their work taught me how atmosphere, detail, and storytelling could be pushed to extremes. I was also deeply influenced by H.R. Giger, Dan Seagrave, and Wes Benscoter in my teenage years, whose surreal and intense imagery resonated with my love of heavy metal and horror. Later, my influences expanded to older wet media artists such as Thomas Cole, Alfred Rethel, and Zdzisław Beksiński. Their ability to capture grandeur, allegory, and haunting psychological landscapes showed me how art can transcend genre and speak to universal human experiences. Together, these influences form a spectrum, from visceral, imaginative illustration to profound, symbolic fine art, that continues to shape my own creative practice.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is about immersing myself fully in the atmosphere I want to capture. I draw a lot of inspiration from heavy metal — especially doom and black metal — to channel a bleak, grungy aesthetic that feels raw and uncompromising. That soundscape helps me set the tone for my work, almost like building a mental environment before I put anything on paper. To reach a flow state, I make a conscious effort to drown out distractions and carve out space to focus entirely on the work. Once I'm locked in, the process becomes almost meditative: sketching, refining, and layering until the piece carries the weight and atmosphere I envisioned. It's a balance of discipline and intensity, where the music fuels the mood and the silence of focus allows the ideas to take shape.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's role in society is to interpret, challenge, and inspire. We act as translators of experience, turning complex emotions, cultural ideas, and social realities into forms that others can engage with. For me, the more I establish my artistic style, the more I discover my own purpose — learning not only about what I want my work to say, but also about what I want it to inspire in people. Art isn't static; it evolves as society changes. I see artists increasingly becoming educators, advocates, and bridge‑builders, using their work to spark dialogue and foster resilience. In my own practice, I aim to create pieces that carry substance, provoke thought, and encourage transformation, so that viewers walk away not just impressed by the visuals but moved to reflect on their own place in the world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“This past year has been significant for me as I began sharing my work more publicly. I took part in the 30th anniversary of the Whyte Ave Art Walk in Edmonton, which was a milestone event that connected me with a wide range of artists and audiences. I also participated in the Vermilion River County Art Market, which gave me the chance to engage with my local community and showcase my work in a setting that values regional creativity. On top of that, I started appearing as a vendor at smaller events like Art in the Park, where the intimate atmosphere allowed me to connect directly with people and see firsthand how my work resonates. Each of these exhibitions has been a step forward in building my presence, refining my voice, and learning how my art can inspire dialogue across different audiences.”
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