Tim Dahn – Digital Artist – Images that move you…

With over 30 years of experience as a graphic designer, video editor, and 2D/3D animator, I began my journey at the age of 22 at my first advertising agency. I instantly fell in love with the creative possibilities of working on a computer. It was the era when 3D animation was gaining popularity through movies like Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, and The Abyss—and I was hooked!

Throughout my career, I’ve aimed to meet and exceed the expectations of my clients and employers. My passion for pioneering technology, creativity, and a dedication to doing the job right has led me to opportunities such as working at MGM Disney Studios, filming the rock band Def Leppard, and helping various organizations and businesses achieve new levels of effective communication. I believe I can bring this wealth of experience, and more, to your organization.

Throughout my career, I’ve aimed to meet and exceed the expectations of my clients and employers. My passion for pioneering technology, creativity, and a dedication to doing the job right has led me to opportunities such as working at MGM Disney Studios, filming the rock band Def Leppard, and helping various organizations and businesses achieve new levels of effective communication. I believe I can bring this wealth of experience, and more, to your organization.

About Me
Demo Reel
Work Samples
Def Leppard
Disney I.D.E.A.S
POST Magazine
Contact

Demo Reel

work samples

Video and Motion Graphics

Logo Design

Print Design

In May 2011, I had the incredible opportunity to spend two weeks in Los Angeles, CA, video documenting Rick Allen, the iconic drummer of Def Leppard. I was commissioned by a longtime friend and client, Peter Hart of Hart Dynamics. Peter was instrumental in designing and refining Rick’s electronic drum setups during an era when electronic drums were more of a science than a musical instrument, helping Rick adapt to playing after losing his left arm in a tragic car accident in 1984.

At the time, Peter had developed an advanced drum sound module that Rick would be using on Def Leppard’s Mirror Ball Tour—their first in over five years. Rick wanted to capture this unique moment, documenting everything from the drum setup and rehearsals to the band’s highly anticipated reunion performance on The Jay Leno Show at the end of the two-week preparation. The footage was intended for both the band’s upcoming Mirror Ball concert video and the Wounded Warriors Project, a cause Rick felt deeply connected to due to his own personal experience of overcoming physical challenges.

Those two weeks were not only thrilling but also profoundly meaningful to me. As a drummer myself, I had long admired Rick and even shaped my own professional drumming career after his. It was truly a full-circle moment in my life.

In 1997, I had the privilege of being invited to interview for a 3D Animator position at Disney I.D.E.A.S. (Innovative Digital and Entertainment Arts Studios), located within Disney MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida. Disney I.D.E.A.S. division served as Disney’s premier video production facility. This branch of production was responsible for all of Disney’s promotions—from their various theme parks to cruise lines and off-site resort properties. This division also handled numerous national and international client commercials and long-form production projects.

This exceptional opportunity led to two additional visits as the studio narrowed down its selection process. I was among the final three candidates, competing alongside two highly accomplished professionals: one from a large, well-known production company in New York, and another from Austin, Texas, who owned his own animation company and was also an avid runner. I felt both honored and humbled to be in the company of such skilled and creative individuals.

Ultimately, the gentleman from Austin, Texas, was selected for the position over the other candidate and me. Although I was not chosen, the experience was incredibly exciting, educational, and humbling—a moment in my career that I will always remember.

In April 1994, I was interviewed by POST Magazine, the international publication for video and film post-production professionals. They spotlighted me in an article for my innovative use of live-action footage combined with 3D animation. While this may be common today, it was quite groundbreaking at the time and typically only attempted by high-end film studios.

I created the piece for a regional outlet center owned and managed by Jerzees/Russell Mills. The commercial was crafted primarily using Alias PowerAnimator software—the same software used to create special effects for films like The Abyss and Jurassic Park. Due to the lack of affordable compositing software at that time, I accomplished all the compositing directly within the Alias 3D environment. It was truly an honor to be recognized in such a prestigious magazine.