We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan Tiffany and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career because art has always been an integral part of my life. My grandfather, a self-taught painter and architect, was my first inspiration. As a child, I spent countless hours in his workshop, letting my imagination run wild and absorbing his passion for craftsmanship.

In high school, I was fortunate to have incredible art teachers who helped me refine my skills and encouraged my creativity. Their support gave me the confidence to pursue this path professionally.

Today, I work in visual effects and motion graphics, a field I enjoy for its variety and the challenge of bringing ideas to life. However, because client work is often guided by specific requirements, it doesn’t always allow for full creative freedom. That’s why traditional art remains my true passion. Through oil and acrylic painting, pencil drawings, and multi-media sculptures, I can fully express my thoughts and emotions in a way that feels deeply personal and meaningful.

For me, creativity isn’t just a career—it’s a lifelong journey of expression and discovery.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art has always been my way of communicating and making sense of the world. My work spans multiple mediums—oil and acrylic painting, pencil drawings, and multimedia sculptures—each allowing me to explore different aspects of creativity.
What sets my work apart is my focus on emotion, movement, and storytelling. Whether through digital motion graphics or traditional art, I strive to create pieces that evoke emotion and invite the viewer to engage on a deeper level.
Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like many artists, I face the challenges of self-doubt, and the pressure to find stability in a creative field. There were times when I questioned whether I had made the right choice, but I kept pushing forward. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that persistence is key. Success in the arts doesn’t happen overnight, and staying committed to the process is just as important as the final outcome. Surrounding myself with a supportive community, like the artists at The Studio Door, has been invaluable in keeping me motivated and inspired.
What I want the world to know about my art is that it comes from a place of authenticity. Every piece I create is an extension of my thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Whether through motion graphics work or traditional art, I want to inspire others to embrace creativity, take risks, and find their own voice in whatever medium speaks to them.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to a few people who have played a significant role in shaping my creative journey. First and foremost, my grandfather, whose passion for painting and architecture first inspired me. I also want to recognize the incredible teachers I’ve had over the years, both in high school and college. Their guidance and encouragement helped me refine my skills and gave me the confidence to pursue a creative career.

A special thank you to my partner, Emily, for her unwavering support and understanding—especially when I spontaneously transform our living room into a makeshift art studio.

I’d also like to express my gratitude to Patrick Stillman of The Studio Door, where I currently have a workspace. Being part of The Studio Door for the past year has been an amazing experience, allowing me to connect with other artists and share my work with the public. Without the support of this creative community, I might not have had the courage to take this leap.

Website: nyx.dgtl.com, (Coming soon tiffany-art.com)

Instagram: @nyx.dgtl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantiffany/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.