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Meet Dailen Ogden

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Dailen Ogden.

Dailen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
There isn’t a lot to tell for me–I’ve been a freelance artist full time for about four years now, but I’ve been drawing for my entire life. I attended Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and graduated in 2015 with my BFA in Illustration, and have been making comic books and illustrations nonstop ever since.

I’m SO fortunate to have the support of family and friends as I get my feet underneath me, many people don’t get to pursue these opportunities because they don’t have as strong of a safety net beneath them. My hope, right now and moving forward, is that I can make the best use of what I have as possible and then help others up behind me.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Honestly? Yes and no. So many people never have the chance to pursue art as a career because it requires a huge amount of overhead cost as you try to build your body of work and get your foot in the door. Some people can never afford it, some people work a side gig for years (or indefinitely). I had the immense privilege of being able to live at home and to be connected with friends who helped me talk to the right people in my industry. I’d say that in terms of ‘making it,’ I’ve had very good luck in that respect.

Even so, art is a more intensive job than people give it credit for, and the long hours and expectations of high work volume have taken their toll on my health. Repetitive motion injuries and burnout are real concerns for artists, and the job comes with a high amount of financial instability which can be tough both physically and emotionally. Combining this with my own mental health struggles can make for a difficult path to walk. As an artist, there’s an expectation to be constantly “on,” constantly producing, and it’s a pressure that comes both from within and without. There’s this ever-present threat that if you aren’t getting people’s attention, they’ll forget about you, and then you won’t be able to make rent that month.

So all of that is to say, I’ve definitely had a smoother ride than some, and a rougher ride than others. It can be hard to tell when all of your peers are also committed to the same positive, productive social media vibe, masking problems underneath.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I’m a bit of a jack of all trades, making the illustration and art merchandise that inspires me, in whatever direction I can afford to go. I specialize in making comics! But for the last couple of years, I was known for making modern pop culture Art-Nouveau work. I’m also known for my witchy, wolfy art. I love forests, magic, mythology.

As for what sets me apart? I don’t know. I’ve always felt like another voice in a huge chorus of artists, all making the things that inspire them. I’m fortunate that people can hear me, that they resonate with me. I’m happy to be making things for the people in my corner of the internet and the world, things that they can see and wear and use to fuel their own inspiration. It’s an honor.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’d have been WAY more proactive about my physical and mental health. I struggle with depression and with physical injuries through my job (think carpal tunnel type stuff but in other parts of my arms and back), and it’s been hard to take a thing I’ve been passionate about my entire life and monetize it. It’s a struggle, to take this thing you love and are good at and hinge your entire existence on it. Takes some of the joy out of it, you know?

Don’t get me wrong. I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life… but I’d like to abolish the idea that art is a “fun” job. Is it fulfilling? Is it flexible? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, it still works, and my work-life balance is, frankly, atrocious. I’m doing my best to cultivate better habits going forward, but I wish I had started from day one.

Pricing:

  • Art prints start at $15 and I do my best to make, and keep them, affordable!
  • Original pieces, by comparison, are a luxury item. Expect to save for them and invest in them, especially when it comes to custom made art, like commissions. My commissions start at $250 but may become more expensive if you’re asking for something very complex.

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