#3: I Couldn't Escape My Calling to Art | Dan Lee Artwork

Pressed for Presence

Conversations with creative leaders about finding presence while pursuing big dreams.

Pressed for Presence

#3: I Couldn't Escape My Calling to Art | Dan Lee

March 12, 2025 • Drew Korf • Episode 3

Dan Lee is a graphic designer and is the owner of Destiny Kid Labs.

Dan is one of the internet's (and my personal favorite) graphic designers. Based out of Sheridan Wyoming, Dan grew up in Philadelphia and earned a Master's Degree at Drexel University in Chemical Engineering before making his full-time jump to an art career.

In today's conversation, we got to talk about Dan's persistent pull towards art that spanned from his childhood when he wanted to draw instead of play football with his older brother, to the panic attack that ensued when he got offered (and later rejected) an engineering position just before he made the leap into his career as an illustrator.

Dan's commitment to his art career, playfully coined "Art Dan's Last Stand," brought him out to Sheridan, Wyoming where he worked with OnlyCo and GoFastDon'tDie as a Chief Creative Officer and designer for both projects before opening Destiny Kid Labs at the end of 2023.

Since then, Dan has created thousands of designs that live online and on clients' hard drives - many of which are rooted in introspective thoughts about the world and profound storytelling.

To wrap, Dan offered a ton of valuable insights into the battles faced by creatives in today's landscape when it comes to creating in the social media era, avoiding burnout by "retreating to return, not to escape," and creating for yourself instead of for an algorithm.

I hope you enjoy Dan's story and his wonderful outlook on life. Please gift yourself the treat of checking out his work at the links below, and give him a shout if you enjoyed this episode.

Stay Present,

- Drew👣

p.s. today is my birthday. and the best present I could ask for this year is for you to send this episode (or your favorite Pressed for Presence episode so far) to somebody you care about. *blows out candle*. thanks for being awesome.

Follow Dan Lee at:

Website: https://www.destinykid.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandrawnwords

Gift Shop: https://dandrawnwords.com/

Follow Drew Korf at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewkorf/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drew.korf

Show Chapters:

00:09 Cowboy Boots

01:07 Being Present

02:58 Reflecting on the New Year

06:13 Journaling