Generation 1  Generation 1 / Interviews

Dan's Robot Art - Transformers Artist


What does BotCon, Hard Heroes and this Optimus artwork have in common? Its Dan Khanna, a top-notch Transformers illustrator who is the official artist for BotCon and the man behind the popular Hard Heroes busts 2-D designs.

Dan creates and sells high-quality 11"x17" prints based on his original renderings of popular Transformers characters. With such a great portfolio, it is no wonder he's the official artist for BotCot.

Transformers Exchange (TFEX) talked with Dan Khanna (DK) recently to learn more about what makes this premier Transformers artist tick.

Dan Khanna Interview

TFEX: You have a great eye as a Fan and an Artist. Which came first?

DK: Thanks. I'm a professional artist who's a fan of this robot stuff. But the art came waaaaaaay before transformers were a twinkle in Hasbro's eye.

TFEX: Is it an interest with robots as your Web site name suggests or do you collect Transformers and follow the shows as well?

DK: I enjoy a variety of cool animated series, movies, comics, etc. but Transformers obviously holds a pretty special place in my heart. *sniff*.

TFEX: What I love about your designs is they bring the classic Transformers box art style into the future. Somehow modernizing the characters while maintaining the classic TF look. That box art look seems to be catching on too.

Recently, Sun Microsystems ran an advertising campaign with classic TF looking robots touting their Internet servers (see image at left). Where did the idea to take what you do and create the high-quality prints come from?

DK: Hmmm..nice image. Thanks for compliments on my TF artwork as well. And yes, the look of the early box art is a big influence on my stand alone pieces. I guess I got the idea for doing custom pieces for fans after I was first exposed to the Transformers fandom back at BotCon 97. I was overwhelmed that there were so many adults out there that still loved the whole mythos and took it so seriously. That BotCon, along with Beast Wars really helped get me back into being a transformer fan again. Once I saw the great demand my rather simple pencil sketches had received at the 'Con, I realized there seemed to be a real market for my artwork among Transfans out there. So I started doing custom Transformers commissions here and there at first, until it soon became a steady stream of work. It's been a fun gig.

TFEX: Who is your *least* favorite Transformers character to draw? Why?

DK: Blastcharge. He's a monstrosity and then some.

TFEX: The printing and all that has got to be pretty involved. What's the process for creating one of your prints?

DK: It's really not that bad. I take the artwork in digital form to my favorite print place here in downtown NYC, and make limited edition print runs. It's a bit time consuming, but it's nothing to write home about...usually.

TFEX: How have the prints been received? Any new ones in process or planned for the future release?

DK: Well, my prints have been very well received over the past several years. I'm always really happy to see the cross section of people who really enjoy me work at each BotCon. And yes, many more are coming down the road. Just depends on what free time I get to do normal TF fan commissions away from my work on official BotCon or Hard Hero related TF projects.

TFEX: What do you think of the new Robots in Disguise show? Do you think there will be new interest in your work as a result?

DK: I like the show quite a bit. It's brainless, harmless fun. As filler goes I have little to complain.

As for the second question, I really don't know. I'd think my mainstream work as the 2-d designer for the Transformer statue series or on the Wreckers would be of much greater interest.

TFEX: How did you become the official artist for BotCon and what is your role in the position?

DK: Like most any other art gig, I showed my portfolio to the guys in charge and crossed my fingers. And when that didn't work back in 97', I honestly dropped the matter till 99' when I approached 3H again. I guess all that practice in those two years had helped and Glen H. gave me shot at doing a piece or two. Things just snowballed on from that.

As for your other question, as the BC staff artist, I pretty much am the guy who's primarily responsible for the various 'Con art chores. It's a dirty job and all, but someone's gotta do it>;) Anyways I work heavily with Glen Hallit (BotCon organizer/creative director) and "Tengu" on all those wacky BotCon merchandise pieces that are offered to attendees in addition to other duties. The 2002 'Con will be my third year helping out in this capacity.

TFEX: Everyone is excited that the show is going to be in Indiana again. What can we expect form BotCon 2002?

DK: Good question. Thrills, chills, and lots of greasy fast food places I'd suspect. I can't spill the beans on anything of course, but just check out botcon.com for the latest scoop on what's going on with the 'Con. I think people who are going to attend the 2002 'Con will be in for a treat.

Thanks Dan!

There you have it. Want to see more of Dan's work and even buy some? Surf on over to Dan's Robot Art Web site for poster images and order information. Also check out the Hard Heroes site for more info on the Transformers statues. They make a great gifts for any Transformers fan.

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