Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Dan Monick of Atwater Village

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dan Monick. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Dan , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Every single time

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an artist and publisher. I shot bands and editorial and commercial for years but the last few have been focused on my “press” and shop Cash Machine. Finding books like The Ballad Of Sexual Dependency and Tulsa were incredibly formative to me and so presenting my work and helping others turn ideas into a printed object are huge joys for me. Through an evolution of my work the press and shop have both grown into a platform to showcase work created by traditionally under platformed artists with focus on the trans, queer and sex worker communities. What started as a newspaper of erotic art as a response to social media’s shadow banning anything besides hetero fit bodies became a focus on creating and supporting erotic content created by people from with in those communities vs exploiting them. Since then the creativity, tenacity and beauty I have experienced working in these realms led me to opening my studio with an all night newsstand vibe to present the work we publish as well as curated releases from other publishers and items from personal collections. The shop will also soon host exhibitions and events. You can find us at 3305 Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That mistakes are something to be avoided at all costs. And a quote from Herb Brooks, and yes I’m quoting Herb Brooks, that is “You need to sacrifice for the unknown”. I have sometimes mild and sometimes brutal OCD. And being in the unknown can be excruciating. (yes this is a statement of privilege). Now I know that when something feels right, even if you don’t know why, even the hardest work and greatest fear can fuel and feel free. I am grateful for that freedom and I try to use my privilege to help others experience it.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be the best you you can be and the rest will fall in to place. When I was younger i chased what people wanted. It wasn’t until I was on the other side of my commercial career that I realized my own voice was the best service I could ever give. So I would tell my younger self to be patient and find your voice. Once it feels right put that same “grind” energy into treating it with respect and using it to earn the respect of others.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
When i was working commercially it was “This is important”
In the creative and publishing worlds its “Mmmmm you shouldn’t do that”

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Letting fear drive any decision.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dmonick.com www.cashmachine.la
• Instagram: @danmonick @cashmachine
• Other: Retail shop and studio at 3305 Glendale Blvd LA CA 90039

Image Credits
Joyce Manor Los Angeles 2025
VHEX at Teaze Los Angeles 2025
Rainbow Ball Manila 2025
Yuki Balenciaga Los Angeles 2025
Anton Yelchin Reseda 2013
Cash Machine Studio Los Angeles 2025
Cash Machine Studio Los Angeles 2025
Cash Machine Studio Los Angeles 2025

All photos by Dan Monick