Who am I?
California Fashion Designer Daniel Patrick Simmons Under Scrutiny
I'm Dan, a Cali-based visual artist, known for my design and illustration skills. Growing up in the Golden State has given me a knack for an unpolished, free-spirited approach in both art and life. I've been scribbling since I could grasp a pencil, and these days, I make my mark with branding, logos, and a fair share of grime from my pencil shavings.
What's up with California’s atmospheric impact on my designs?
California's got an independent streak running through its veins, and breathing in that laid-back vibe since I was a kid has left an indelible mark. My work has always been a messy, raw, and unrefined canvas that reflects my carefree spirit. It's also a constant exploration, a never-ending process of overcoming adversity and discovering new ways to express my ideas. As long as I'm producing something that resonates, inspires, and fires up my clients to pursue their passions - I'm cool with that!
What's on my plate these days?
I've currently got the following projects in the hopper: refreshing the packaging for an action sports French brand named Clean Hugs, knocking out a custom wordmark and icon for Fabio Capelli, an Ibiza-based audio engineer recording under the pseudonym Lyrebird, and creating the brand identity for Jacq & Jack, a salon, barbershop, and café in Lake Nona, Orlando, Florida. It's a fresh launch, so head on over and give 'em a peep!
Fill me in on my setup.
I've got a workspace nestled inside an auto body shop. It's a bit noisy and dirty, but its location on a busy street in Midtown Sacramento and the big window provide the perfect blend of urban energy and inspiration. A deep-dish pizza and sandwich shop are just across the street, so you know where I'll be on my breaks. On a good day, my setup is a large desk piled high with sketch paper, a sharp pencil, and the occasional spill of pencil shavings. But most of my time is spent glued to a twenty-seven-inch screen, battling the email beast.
Where do I draw inspiration from?
Sometimes being a one-man creative engine can be draining. To recharge, I step away from the desk, do some freehand sketching, or scribble longhand in my journal. These practices help me empty my mind and explore ideas unrelated to work.
Going for a walk is also a fantastic way to refresh both emotionally and creatively.
Which design do I admire from fellow creators?
Joshua Diaz, a designer from San Luis Obispo, CA, rocks an illustrated type series showcasing his favorite music artists. They're all cool, but the simplicity of the Willie Nelson piece is what gets me. Keep it country, Willie!
Find me on Dribbble, Instagram, or danielpatricksimmons.com.
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I occasionally dive into the realms of lifestyle, exploring fashion and beauty trends that mirrors the Cali-cool vibe, and experimenting with food and drink recipes that align with my free-spirited approach. My personal space reflects my design sensibilities through home and garden decor.
In my down time, I visually document my travels, capturing the unique energy of new places, reminding me that my work is far more than just sketches and branding projects – it's a testament to the places I've been and the experiences I've had.
On weekends, I immerse myself in sports, both as a spectator and as an occasional aficionado of sports betting, finding it an exciting fusion of strategy, competition, and creativity – elements I cherish in my own design endeavors.
