In a recent informational interview, Dana Hansen, a 3D Digital Sculptor and adjunct professor, shared his journey, career insights, and advice for emerging artists. Dana’s career, rooted in traditional methods, has evolved to embrace digital tools, offering unique insights and advice for emerging artists navigating a rapidly changing industry.
After earning his undergraduate degree in traditional sculpture, Dana began his career at a bronze foundry. Reflecting on his early career, he said, "Working in a bronze foundry, I would essentially weld all the different bronze pieces together and kind of help with the final completion of bronze statues."
Dana then shifted to a non-artistic business job but maintained his creative practice at home. This non-art career ultimately provided the financial stability he needed to continue his art. Around this time, Dana noticed a trend in the industry: many traditional sculptors started adopting digital tools.
"So over the years, I got more into digital sculpture, mainly because I saw a big opening in the industry there," he explained. "A lot of traditional sculptors were starting to digitally sculpt more because of the speed and the convenience. And so I saw my kind of career going that way, where I started just to teach myself ZBrush." (ZBrush is a digital sculpting tool that combines 3D/2.5D modeling, texturing, and painting, primarily used for creating high-resolution models for use in movies, games, and animations.)
It's funny; whenever I was drawing on paper, I was always sketching creatures or armor I wanted to make. I was just really drawn to creating something tangible in 3D.
This transition wasn't without challenges. "At first, I struggled a bit with the software” he said. “I loved working with my hands, but funny enough, I almost never work by hand anymore." By day, Dana worked his business job; by night, he taught himself ZBrush through tutorials. He viewed his business job as a "blessing in disguise," allowing him to freely explore digital sculpture.
Applying to graduate school marked a pivotal turning point toward becoming a full-time artist. Dana wanted to teach art in a university setting as it would allow him to practice his art while providing a stable income. When he enrolled in 2018, the University of Utah's MFA program was the only one in the state that emphasized sculpture.
While earning his MFA, Dana independently studied ZBrush further, to supplement his studies in the program and maintain a strong focus on digital 3D. At the time, the U’s program didn’t have a focused course in digital tools. In his second year of graduate school, he applied for the UTA Grant—a program funding graduate students to create their own courses—and developed a digital sculpture course. "Digital Sculpture" introduces students to programs like ZBrush and Maya, covering integration methods like 3D printing and VR. Through this course, he began teaching and sharing his expertise.
Today, Dana is an adjunct professor of Digital Sculpture at the University of Utah's Division of Games. Meanwhile, he also freelances, creating digital sculptures and 3D models for clients and integrating them into 3D prints to produce final products.
When asked about the inspiration behind his work, Dana shared that his journey began with a love for making things in 3D as a child. Initially studying graphic design in college, he quickly realized he was more drawn to sculpture. He recalled, "It's funny; whenever I was drawing on paper, I was always sketching creatures or armor I wanted to make. I was just really drawn to creating something tangible in 3D."
Dana emphasized how his traditional sculpture background enriches his digital work, especially with intuitive software like ZBrush, which feels similar to working with clay. "Jumping into digital sculpting without understanding working with clay would have made it much more difficult." He believes his grounding in traditional sculpture provides crucial "3D understanding" that enhances his digital creations.
Discussing the challenges of adapting to digital, Dana acknowledged that early frustrations with software were a hurdle. However, he stresses the importance of patience when learning tools: "You just have to be patient… the more you start learning the software, the more exciting it becomes."
"Hades and Cerberus", Dana Hansen | Sculpted in Zbrush, rendered in Keyshot
Dana's work mixes ancient myth with contemporary elements in a unique way. In one notable piece, "Hades and Cerberus" he reinterprets Hades, the Greek god of the underworld, wearing a hoodie, shorts, and sneakers, accompanied by a French bulldog version of Cerberus. The piece infuses a topic he finds compelling—mythology—with an urban, streetwear sensibility.
His work, populated by mythical figures and layered imagery, demonstrates a deep curiosity about folklore and apocalyptic themes, driven by his fascination with merging the old with the new. "I think I've always been very interested in my personal work of bridging the very ancient and old with new and modern," he explained. His approach not only modernizes these mythological figures but also brings them into a present-day context, allowing viewers to connect with age-old narratives through a modern lens.
Although Dana no longer practices religion, his background continues influencing his art. Dana’s work explores religious and apocalyptic themes, offering him a way to connect with his roots while also examining them through a modern, sometimes critical lens. "I'm not a practicing religious person, but I still think I have a lot of interest in religion… it's a part of my heritage and upbringing," he explained.
"The Seer Merit Badge," Dana Hansen | Sculpted in Zbrush and rendered in Keyshot
One of his playful pieces, "The Seer Merit Badge," draws from his experience as a Boy Scout and elements of Mormon folklore. The piece portrays a Boy Scout wearing glasses with "seer stones," inspired by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Ladder Day Saints, who reportedly used mystical stones to find hidden treasures. “I liked that idea of if I was a Boy Scout, and my merit badges, instead of first aid and wilderness survival… [required mystical tasks].” Dana Hansen’s work explores the intersection between modern, personal imagery and religious or mythological symbols, reimagining traditional icons with new, contemporary meanings.
Dana also shared his views on AI, which has become a hot topic in art. "I don't think AI has come far enough yet... but it can be useful as a tool." He uses AI to brainstorm ideas, viewing it as an aid rather than a threat to creativity. While acknowledging the controversy around AI, Dana believes that "someone who knows how to use AI will replace your job." For Dana, AI can help visualize ideas or generate inspiration, but it doesn't replace the artist's vision.
Dana is one of the few who has read trends, embraced challenges, and revealed his unique art world to the public. Though he began as a traditional sculptor, he recognized the shift toward digital and adapted to meet the industry's evolving needs. Whether switching mediums or pursuing higher education, Dana advises students considering major transitions to focus on self-discovery and persistence. He encourages students to pursue what genuinely excites them and to be open to sharing their knowledge.
"Find what you're truly drawn to and what feels enjoyable," he said. Emphasizing adaptability in today's art world, Dana concluded with practical advice, urging artists to hone their craft while remaining open to modern tools and techniques.
ArtsForce Takeaways
- Adopting digital tools: Dana switched from traditional sculpting to digital, learning new skills and integrating them into his art. He quickly recognized industry trends and embraced digital methods, highlighting the need for artists to continually develop and adapt.
- Following his passion: Initially a graphic design major in college, Dana switched to sculpting, driven by his interests. This change shows that following one's passion can lead to deeper satisfaction and career success.
- Teaching and sharing knowledge: At the U, Dana teaches digital sculpting, passing on his expertise to upcoming artists. This role allows him to use his experiences to influence the art world and share his specialized knowledge more widely.
