Social media has become a powerful tool that allows us to share our experiences with a wider audience. No surprise then that many artists and creatives are turning to platforms like Instagram to showcase their work. That’s how we discovered the talented Danny and his stunning artwork. We delved deeper into his online portfolio at Danny D’s Mud Shop, and were captivated by the sheer brilliance of his creations.
Danica Evani, Nadine Maulida, Shurandy Martinus
From Tasting Notes to Ceramic Strokes with Danny Dooreck
BACKGROUND
GUIT: Good morning, Danny. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us despite the early hour in Los Angeles. (With our team members situated in Jakarta and De Hague, our conversation with Danny transcends time zones and spans across the globe.)
GUIT: It’s interesting to note that while you are now known for your ceramic art, your previous life in Toronto as a sommelier suggests a very different background. Could you tell us more about that?
Danny : Yes, that's correct. I spent many years in Toronto as a sommelier, immersing myself in the field alongside like-minded friends. I developed a deep passion for it and invested countless hours in reading and creating my own notes for the job. While my current work with ceramics presents a unique set of challenges and requires intricate craftsmanship, my background as a sommelier has definitely helped me develop a refined eye for detail.
GUIT: It's fascinating how your career journey took such a different turn, Danny. Sommelier to ceramist, two very distinct crafts. Was the move from Toronto to Los Angeles a turning point for you?
Danny : Actually, when I first moved here, I continued to work as a sommelier at a restaurant. The transition to ceramics was a gradual process. Running a small business is a tremendous undertaking, and there was a steep learning curve. I used to have a partner, but now I work on my own. I realized that nothing would grow or move forward if I didn't take control and learn to be savvy about the business.
Danny : It's interesting to note that my previous experience as a sommelier provided a solid foundation for what I'm doing now. It taught me how to plan and execute my plans, which is essential when running a small business.
GUIT: It must have been quite a shift for you to leave behind the familiarity of being a restaurateur and sommelier and make a 180-degree turn. How did it feel to let go of something you were so familiar with? And looking back, would you have done it any differently?
Danny : My 7-year career as a sommelier was quite academic in nature. I spent a lot of time reading and studying from various books to acquire a wealth of knowledge that I needed to excel in my field. I even created flashcards and PDFs, totaling about 10,000, to ensure that I had a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Beyond the knowledge itself, the process of creating these study materials instilled in me a strong work ethic that I still carry with me to this day
The dedication he put into learning and understanding the nuances of the wine industry, including creating flashcards and PDFs, has instilled in him a meticulousness and attention to detail that has carried over to his work in ceramics.”
CERAMIC JOURNEY
As for leaving behind my previous career, it was definitely challenging to find my own identity in the process, but I had a lot of support from friends and family.
The reason I moved to LA was to be closer to my family, and while working various restaurant jobs and even a hotel for a year, I realized that the restaurant scene in LA was vastly different from what I was used to in Canada. This experience ultimately led me to where I am today, and I'm grateful for the journey that prepared me for creating my own business.
When I become obsessed with something, I make sure to do my due diligence and become highly competent in that area. This dedication has helped me acquire many skills that are directly applicable to running my business.
Danny described himself as a hobbyist who stumbled upon the ceramic journey about four to five years ago while working at a restaurant. About a year into his move to LA, and amidst the pandemic, Daniel began creating a few pieces to sell to his friends via Instagram, and this proved to be an opportunity for him to start his own business.
Danny's work comes to him very organically, as he puts many hours into mastering his craft and creating his unique style. As he mentioned, he always strives to master the skill, which makes his product more solid.
Danny shared that the production time for his ceramic pieces takes less than three days, but this is before the illustrations are added. His unique illustration style showcases a fusion of Western and tattoo influences, which sets his work apart from others.
Danny credits social media as the source of his inspiration to continue growing his illustrations. He follows various tattoo artists and trends, which he incorporates into his ceramic pieces. One tattoo artist who has influenced Danny's work is Adam Shrewbury, a talented artist based in Chicago who also creates illustrations on ceramics
“I believe that success requires a solid foundation in every aspect of the business, from the logistics to the business side. While it may be tempting to focus on the exciting aspects of a new venture, it’s crucial to thoroughly solidify the business in every aspect through careful planning and hard work.”
GUIT : If you don't mind, we would really love to know you if you have a specific routine to get your day going in making crafts?
Danny : Sure, I'm an early riser, so I usually start my day with a cup of coffee. I try to get as much done in the morning as possible, so I have more time to work out and socialize later in the day. Having a clean and organized workspace is essential for me, as it helps me stay focused and productive. When it comes to shipping days, it's almost like a ritual for me now, as I have a set schedule for shipping out orders.
DANNY D’S MUD SHOP
GUIT: As your social media presence and body of work continue to grow and reach wider audiences, how can people who are new to Danny D’s Mud Shop get their hands on your creations?
Danny : We have revamped the website to show more information regarding myself, my work and shipping information for the USA and worldwide. I have also created an extension of activities such as posting more on pinterest. My plan is to create a newsletter for the customers that we have, to provide more inclusive information about the shop.
GUIT : Last but definitely not the least, what is your plan for the future of Danny D’s Mud shop?
Danny : I want to be more in control of my production, having a more centralized studio to finish the products, as the system that I currently have right now with transforming the product to different studios is more tedious and makes the process a bit longer. Would really love to have my own warehouse space with a nice coffee shop next door at a location where my business can thrive and maybe even build a membership. I also would love to create classes for a community based organization.
GUIT : That sounds exciting! We wish you all the best in achieving those plans for the future.
Danny : Thank you so much, it's been great talking to you and sharing my story.