Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Gordon
Hi Dan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for video production began at a young age when I received my first camera at 12 years old, a Christmas gift that set the course for my future. I spent my teenage years creating short films, and when it was time to choose a college path, film school was the natural choice. I attended Oakland University on a Distinguished Scholar scholarship. At Oakland, I was always getting involved in extracurricular activities on campus– I was elected president of the Filmmaker’s Guild. During my time there, I worked at the campus TV station, OUTV, where I created a movie review show that went on to win a Telly Award. I graduated with honors, eager to embark on my professional journey.
After graduation, I gained valuable experience at Premier Event Technology in Detroit, where I shipped production gear and operated cameras at events. While working in the warehouse, I saved up to buy an iMac, which allowed me to start editing videos for a friend in Los Angeles. My days were spent working at Premier, and my nights were dedicated to editing, often until midnight. Recognizing my talent, my friend encouraged me to move to Los Angeles, so I packed my iMac into my car and made the cross-country drive in four days.
Without any job prospects, I threw myself into applying for positions as if it were my full-time job. Eventually, I landed a role at a small digital marketing company called WOWMi. There, I designed motion graphic templates and developed an innovative system where clients were filmed reading identical scripts, which were then seamlessly integrated into my motion graphics. When I joined, the company was on the brink of bankruptcy, but through perseverance and hard work, we turned things around. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we adapted to remote work and continued to thrive.
My role at WOWMi evolved significantly over nearly seven years. I led the creation of cutting-edge design solutions for social media content, ensuring thousands of posts were visually compelling and ahead of trends. I directed the development of motion graphics templates in Adobe After Effects and designed social media thumbnails in Adobe Photoshop, which enhanced visual storytelling and brand cohesion. I also provided critical art direction for AI-driven platforms, recruited and mentored a team of video editors and designers, and standardized motion graphics templates to streamline production and maintain brand consistency.
However, after nearly seven years, I felt it was time for a new chapter. I took another leap of faith, leaving the company without anything lined up, eager to explore more creatively fulfilling opportunities.
Throughout my time at WOWMi, I made it a priority to continuously reinvest in my career. I didn’t just settle for what was provided—I consistently put resources back into acquiring my own equipment, building up a small but powerful arsenal of personal gear. This investment wasn’t just about owning tools; it was about giving myself the freedom and flexibility to take on a wide range of projects independently, allowing me to push my creative boundaries and deliver high-quality work without limitations.
Over the years, I carefully selected gear that would not only enhance my technical capabilities but also enable me to explore new creative possibilities. This approach has empowered me to tackle diverse challenges head-on, whether I’m on set, in the editing room, or capturing content in the field. My collection of equipment has become an extension of my skill set, enabling me to elevate each project I work on.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first moved to LA, I didn’t have a job or housing lined up, so I ended up living in an artist commune with about 30 roommates. We slept in bunk beds, and if you didn’t get home before 9 PM, the street parking would be completely filled up. One of my roommates snored so loudly that he cleared the entire room for months.
It was challenging, but those experiences really helped build character and resilience. In my spare time, I’m passionate about endurance sports like ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons, and there’s a simple yet powerful saying in those circles: “Endurance comes from enduring.” That mindset has guided me not only in my athletic pursuits but also in my professional journey. The struggles, whether on the trail or in life, shape us and give us the strength to keep pushing forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself a Swiss army knife of video production—I genuinely love every aspect of the process. From capturing footage to editing, motion graphics, and even the finer details of sound design, I thrive on bringing a project from concept to completion. My versatility is something that sets me apart; I’ve had the opportunity to dive into various roles within the industry, which has given me a well-rounded skill set that I can apply to any project.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt and excel in different areas of video production. Whether it’s editing a music video for the horror rap duo Insane Clown Posse or capturing drone footage for a fortune 100 company like New York Life, I bring the same level of passion and commitment to each task. This broad expertise allows me to approach challenges with a unique perspective, and I’m known for delivering high-quality results no matter what the project entails.
What truly sets me apart is this combination of adaptability and deep love for the craft. I don’t just specialize in one area; I’ve made it my mission to be proficient across the board, which allows me to contribute in ways that go beyond the typical role.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I wish I had been easier on myself right after graduating. I was so eager to start my career that I put a lot of pressure on myself, and honestly, I felt like a bit of a loser when things didn’t happen as quickly as I’d hoped. My advice for those just starting out is to be patient with yourself and understand that everyone’s journey is different. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially in an industry as competitive as this one, but it’s important to remember that success doesn’t happen overnight. And the truth is absolutely no one is paying attention to your career except for you– so it’s okay to flounder a bit.
Take the time to learn, grow, and explore different avenues within your field. It’s okay if your path isn’t linear; every experience, even the challenging ones, contributes to your development. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but also give yourself the grace to stumble and learn along the way. Looking back, I realize that those early struggles were just as valuable as the successes—they shaped who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dangordon.art/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangordon.art/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dangordonart
