This month, our Artist of the Month is Daniele63!
Watch the YouTube short here.
Here's our interview with Daniele63:
- Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?
Hello there! My name is Daniele, also known as Daniele63 online (but that number is really random). I was born at the turn of the millenium, when technology was present but not omnipresent. Since I was a kid, I loved playing video games and technology. I cannot count the hours I spent on the PS2, PS3, Wii, PSP, Xbox 360, DS, and Gameboy Advance. When I was little, I shared a Windows Vista laptop with my brother, and experienced the early days of YouTube, and old forums. When I got my own laptop, it had Windows 7 on it. I always loved the Aero design language and when I found out about Frutiger Aero, I instantly loved it because it evoked those memories. Last year I went on to make a website showcasing Frutiger Aero and other media from the 2000s/early 2010s time period, called Frutiger Aero Archive.
- What inspired you to become an artist?
I've always been a creative person, drawing since I was a little kid, and enjoying games like LittleBigPlanet that gave you the freedom to make whatever you want and share it with others.
- How did you first discover Frutiger Aero as an aesthetic, and what drew you to it?
I first found it in 2024, initially stumbled upon the subreddit, forgot about it for a while and then a friend invited me to the Discord server and that's when I started to learn more about it (Shout out to you EnWelld if you read this).
- How would you describe your art style?
For my "Stock Photo style" Frutiger Aero artworks, I tend to try to imitate the images that were made during that time period, I don't consider myself very good at it yet but I'm still learning the tools.
- Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to finished piece?
I usually look at an already-made image and try to do something similar with different assets and my own spin to it.
- What tools or mediums do you prefer to use, and why?
For Frutiger Aero art, I use Photoshop, but I also like to do stuff hand-drawn sometimes.
- How do you overcome creative blocks?
I don't force myself to make anything unless I have a clear idea in mind. If I can't come up with anything, taking a break does the trick usually.
- What inspires your work? Are there specific themes, emotions, or stories you aim to convey?
My work is inspired by the stock imagery that was made in the early 2000s up to early 2010s, mainly the ones made by Asadal and the Sozaijiten. For emotions, I try to convey optimism and joy.
- Are there any artists, aesthetics, or movements that have influenced your style?
The numerous artists on the Discord and Subreddit have inspired me. Outside of that, it's just my own style.
- What role does the Frutiger Aero aesthetic play in your art?
Frutiger Aero as an aesthetic portrays an optimistic view of the future, where nature and technology co-exist in harmony. I try to capture that in my artworks.
- What has been the most challenging piece you’ve created, and why?
I don't have any in mind at the moment, but I would say the most challenging part for me is getting the shadows right, and finding high-resolution assets. I still need to improve in both of these aspects.
- Can you share a piece you’re especially proud of and why it’s significant to you?
I like this piece because it reminds me of some old fantasy wallpapers for some reason.
- How has being part of the Frutiger Aero community influenced your artistic journey?
Not only artistically, it changed my life for the better. I've made a lot of friends in the Discord server and my website has seen insane traffic, around 3 million views as I write this, I still can not wrap my mind around it. Overall it has made me discover digital art which I was not at all interest in previously.
- What do you hope people take away from your art?
I mostly just do these for fun but I hope some people use them as their wallpapers.
- Do you have any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?
Not at the moment.
- Where can people find more of your work or support you?
You can find me on my website. If you want to support me financially, I have a Ko-fi page.
- If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Maybe with Solinus, making the community website with his design was really fun, and I love his designs. MondySpartan's concept UIs are also great.
- What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?
I love Anime and Vocaloid, and I have Autism and ADHD. I also own multiple Terrariums and I love Isopods.
- Do you have a favorite Frutiger Aero memory or moment?
Everytime I booted Windows 7 and hearing the startup sound (In fact, I still have it enabled on my Windows 10 PC).
- If you could describe your artistic journey in three words, what would they be?
Adapt, Improve, Overcome
- What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are inspired by Frutiger Aero?
Don't hesitate asking for help on our community Discord or subreddit, also, don't let criticism get to you but use it as a way to improve your art.
- Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Frutiger Aero community?
Y'all are some of the best people I've met in my life and I love the enthusiasm of everyone. I'm glad we can find some peace and fun in those little things and forget about our problems for a while.
Here are some of Daniele63's Frutiger Aero Artworks / Projects:
