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For Ahmad Danial Iman, graphic design is more than art. It is a process of experimentation- perfected.
The 22-year-old Malaysian artist, also known as @trcdan, was introduced to the world of graphic design through his love for skateboarding. Though unaware at the time, seeing different types of artwork screen printed on skateboard decks inspired him to begin creating his own illustrations. Ten years down the road, influenced by the works of a role model and friend, Muntasir Mohamed, Iman found his own calling and began his very own journey.
Mainly based on Instagram, Iman creates graphics he describes as chaotic.
“With my ideation process and my workflow plus the amount of mixed media analog work that I do, comes my whole branding: Chaos and Creation.”
His creations are driven by the juxtaposition of observations and experiences amplified by impulse. “My work isn’t unique in a physical sense but more in a personal sense, whether they are creative works, in any form, or just experiences in life.” Unconfined by a bigger picture, he makes art simply because he likes to. Aside from Muntasir, artists paynestar and Anton Reva are also big inspirations of his.
Though skateboarding first sparked his artistic intrigue, photography was the cornerstone he built his art style upon. Being around cameras from a young age, Iman managed to pick up the essentials, giving him a keen eye for the creative. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt from photography is probably composition and that has aided me in my design work up till today.”
Though it laid a foundation for his future in graphic design, he much prefers the latter as he says, “photography has its own important role in my work but graphic design is the one that ties everything together”.
Long-time friend, Syahmi Wafi, had this to say, “he always said he wanted to become a pilot, but he’s really happy with his current direction.” He added that, “Iman is always taking pictures for his moodboards whenever we go out.”
Daft Punk: Epilogue, 2021- PICTURE COURTESY OF AHMAD DANIAL IMAN
Graphic for @haveyoudiedbefore - PICTURE COURTESY OF AHMAD DANIAL IMAN
One of Iman’s favourite artworks is the ‘DAFT PUNK: EPILOGUE’ poster, a tribute he made upon hearing the news of the breakup of the French electronic music duo. “Sometimes I wish that I posted it now instead of back then because people barely saw it.”
Some of the other works he is fond of include every piece he made for @haveyoudiedbefore, a Japanese and Korean inspired Streetwear brand curated by Paul Kim. “He is someone that I look up to and just working with him was an honour to me and I’ll cherish that forever.”
Graphic for PRINTED PROCESS MAGAZINE - PICTURE COURTESY OF AHMAD DANIAL IMAN
Graphic for PRINTED PROCESS MAGAZINE - PICTURE COURTESY OF AHMAD DANIAL IMAN
“The poster for Process Magazine of Engku Iman is up there as well. It was the first piece that made me feel legit. Looking at it physically at the event just made me think... Wow, I’m a graphic designer.”
Process Magazine is a self-published print magazine that delves into the artistic endeavours of individuals working in the realms of art, design, entertainment, commerce and politics. In their first issue, Iman designed the cover for the magazine as well as a poster featuring Engku Iman, an up-and-coming Malaysian artist.
Echoes, 2020 - PICTURE COURTESY OF AHMAD DANIAL IMAN
Yearning the Illusion, 2020 - PICTURE COURTESY OF AHMAD DANIAL IMAN
Being in the world of design, a shot at fashion was inevitable. However, unlike the generic heavy graphics mass printed on Gildan t-shirts, Iman takes a more abstract and unique approach inspired by the world around him, as seen in his Yearning the Illusion and Echoes pieces. Though currently only in its initial stages, he has more fashion design projects planned for the future.
As his art style progresses, Iman finds that it has shifted to something that expresses his individuality more compared to his older works. Through trial, error, and experimentation, Iman constantly tries out new techniques through both analog and digital means.
“There is definitely curation and a direction now rather than just random pieces of art.”
Fellow creative and friend, Justin Daniel, says that Iman taught him a lot. “When we used to study together, I’d be in his house nearly every day. He’d show me how to do all sorts of things in Photoshop. Actually, he’s definitely one of the reasons why I’m doing image manipulation work now.”
Though his work currently doesn’t address social and political issues, he considers it something he is willing to try in the future as he learns exactly how to express his thoughts. Other goals include being part of the conversation with some of the artists that he looks up to.
“I plan on just working on strengthening that in the future, connecting with more people and just keep doing what I’ve been doing but at a higher level with a bigger audience. Also, to be more intentional.”
His dream project comprises filming and editing as well as skating in a full-length skate video part that features a curation of clothes designed by himself and his friends.
“I think that would be a lot of fun.”
His advice for aspiring local artists is to not be afraid to post their work online as that is exactly how he got his start.
“It’s definitely daunting but you will find people who will resonate with what you do and the whole experience will definitely push you into being a better artist.”
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