Every so often as I scroll through the endless feeds of art on social media, I come across someone who stops me in my tracks instantly. Some creations make me fall deeply into the details, as if it's not just an art piece, but a portal opened to another reality. So it is with the work of Dangiuz. Let's dive in to his process and thoughts.

First off can you introduce yourself to our readers? Your name, where you are based, and the medium you work in?

Of course! My name is Leopoldo D'Angelo. "Dangiuz" is my pseudonym. I'm an Italian visual artist, and I live in Milan, Italy. I'm 25 years old, soon to be 26, and I mostly work in the 3D space, using Cinema 4D and Octane Render.

Amazing. I'm a HUGE fan of the work you make. I'm wondering what your creative inspirations have been throughout your life- I imagine we may share some overlapping influencers. How did you arrive at this dense, colorful, Cyberpunk style?

Thanks man! Likewise. I've been a huge fan of the Cyberpunk aesthetic since I was a child. There was something about it that kept me wanting to watch the same movies or playing the same games over and over, just because of how beautiful the futuristic cities and scenarios looked to my eyes. Growing up, I discovered programs and tools and I started creating, and got inspired by some artists like Syd Mead, Ash Thorp, Beeple, Maciej Kuciara and many others. I try to create my own "cyberpunk" style, but it certainly has some recalls to Blade Runner, Akira, and Altered Carbon.

Yes, for me it was Ghost in the Shell, Akira, The Matrix- all these worlds full of rain and light and dreams of the way things may unfold. What does your creative process look like? From the inception of an idea until you hit publish?

Usually I try to be very "schematic" about my work. I tend to come up with a very clear idea, sketch it on paper or tablet, and then recreate it in 3D. Next I start with the composition, and test different lighting setups; as well as materials, color and additional elements. I'm very slow, accurate and meticulous when it comes to this process, and then there is a crucial moment when I get hit by a "stroke of genius" and boom, the piece is now "on the other side." Which to me, it means it's almost done, and there is no going back; no chance I will scrap the concept, I just need to adjust a couple of things and then it will be ready.

Love that window into your process. Let's talk a bit about NFTs, an area where you've found a lot of success. What are some pros and cons of this new world? Has this technology changed the way you approach your art or the way you share, as opposed to social media?

To this day, it still feels amazing. I used to create all my pieces just for social media, in the hope that somehow, with high numbers, some important client could stumble across my work and hire me for some commercial projects. I must say it worked, and I can't complain. But this feels surreal.

Now I'm able to create what I like and see it being appreciated by collectors simply for what it is. This is certainly the best "pro" in my opinion. Some cons could be that everything is now public, and when you share your sales you don't want to come across as someone who's bragging about it; it's simply some content that needs to be shared. And some artists may suffer from the fact that they sell lower. But I think it's important to always remember that the only person we should compare to is ourselves.

Yes, comparison is the thief of joy, they say. It's true, I feel like we are moving from an attention economy to a true art market, in a way that wasn't possible before the technology of blockchain existed. Hopefully we can decouple the artists from advertising models, so artists can make fewer compromises.

How has the idea of community effected your life and work? ALLSHIPS is all about how we are stronger together- what has your experience been, being embedded in this culture?

Definitely positive. Since I came in this space, I found only friendly faces and people ready to help me. And I instantly "married" this idea as well, and started being open to connect with others, get to know them, help people who's struggling, example by paying the gas fees for them... And this kinda stuff.

A noble approach my friend. It’s the strength of our connections that keeps us afloat. What advice would you give to a an artist who is earlier on their path?

This may sound a bit cliché, but really: believing in what do you makes the difference. In terms of upgrading your setup, your skills, investing in your future, by buying courses, tutorials. All of this will develop and "create" an artist figure, a new you. Everything else will come naturally.

Great advice my friend, and thank you so much for taking the time to share your world with us. I look forward to your continued growth in the space and hope we get to connect in person someday. To the reader, connect with Dangiuz via his Twitter, SuperRare, Instagram, and website.