Danni Simpson is a 28 year old Australian Illustrator and Mural Artist currently living in Belfast. A few years ago Danni picked up a pencil and started drawing Mandalas to deal with her anxiety. Eventually the drawings got bigger and bigger and she was asked to do a mural at her local bar where she was living in Australia. From that mural Danni dedicated every minute to growing as an artist and took every opportunity that came her way and it has led her to where she is today.
What genre / style do you create in?
My style is quite distinctive. I use Floral’s to intertwine illustrations of people, places and things with typography.
What would you be best known for?
Both my country maps and my large murals in Belfast.
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement would be simply to turn my passion and joy into a full time job. I am so grateful to be able to take my art everywhere I go across the world.
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
Don’t compare and be patient. I think its easy to judge your work to others who have different styles. Do what you do because you love it and that will shine through. Enjoy the process, even if there are bumps along the way. Take each bump as a lesson and be patient until its right.
What has been your biggest challenge to date?
My biggest challenge seems to be ongoing which is finding a work/play balance. Being self -employed and also enjoying what I do makes it so hard to say no to work, even if my plate is full. Finding a balance between creating for clients and taking time out to create for myself is often a tricky one to find.
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
I am an Aussie girl who at 26 sold all my belongings and purchased a one way ticket to Europe. Although I am now based in Belfast, Northern Ireland I have been traveling ever since. I love a good adventure, meeting people across the globe and a good documentary.
Tell us about your most recent work?
The past few months have been busy since venues are starting to open again after the lockdown. I have been able to create murals for Jameson Whiskey, Blue Moon Beer and currently working on a illustration commission for Ancestry.co.uk.Â
 What would you like us to tell people about?
As a way to mix my love of art and travel I have been designing these country maps which are full of hidden landmarks, people, brands, sayings, animals and things. These are sold as beautiful giclee prints for your home on my website which you can personalise, making the perfect gift or keepsake. Have a look on my online store to see for yourself- https://www.dannisimpsonart.com/.Â
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
I like to think of my work as uplifting and eye-catching murals and illustrations. Quite often full of hidden messages.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
I was being filmed by a videographer for a mural for the Comm Games in Australia and he asked me to shake the can, put a cap on the can and spray it. I accidentally put the cap on backwards and he caught in slow-motion me spraying my face with paint.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
Work out what your goals are and do something everyday to reach that. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and email businesses. All you need is just one opportunity to lead to another.
Anything else you want to tell people about yourself or your work?
Follow the creative journey on my Instagram and don’t be shy, reach out and ask me anything you want to know about art.
Follow Danni on Instagram here >>Â https://www.instagram.com/dannisimpsonart/?hl=en
Subscribe to Danni’s YouTube here >>Â https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN7H6hjGTwKa2JVG-quZpGg?view_as=subscriber
Who do you look up to and why?
I have a number of artists, friends and business men/woman I look up to. On my Instagram I choose to only follow the people and businesses that inspire me and are actively doing things to add positivity and grow into better versions of themselves.