Daniel Thompson, the creative force behind BK Creations, is a visual artist whose work is inspired by two key muses — music and life experiences. Daniel’s art transforms emotions and moments into abstract realist visual expressions. For him, every song sparks a new world of ideas, while personal and shared experiences shape the themes he explores.

His work often explores the journey toward inner peace, the beauty and complexity of relationships, and humanity’s connection with nature. With a lifelong love for art as both a joyful and therapeutic outlet, Daniel invites viewers to connect with their own emotions and stories and harness art’s power to heal and inspire.

We asked Daniel about his art, creative process, and inspirations.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

My art is primarily inspired by two muses. First of which is visions that come to me while listening to music; it’s almost like each song gives rise to a new world of ideas. The second is life experiences of myself and others. This experience fuels my passion for abstract realism, which allows me to merge the recognizable with the conceptual. Some recurring themes I explore include the journey toward inner peace, the complex beauty of relationships, and cultural connections with nature. I also enjoy creating pieces that shine a light on the emotions we often keep hidden, like those in my Bleeding Heart series, which delves into life’s darker, more challenging moments.

You’re a dedicated family man; in fact, it was your wife who brought your work to our attention – how does your family inspire or influence your creative process?

My family has been the cornerstone of my journey as an artist, especially my wife, who has inspired me tremendously. It was her encouragement that led me to bring my art into public view for the first time, motivating me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in art shows and events. That decision opened doors to an amazing art community where I’ve found support, inspiration, and growth through shared experiences and creative exchange.

Additionally, my nine-year-old daughter has sparked a true renaissance in my art. Her fascination with creating and exploring art has rekindled my own excitement, reminding me of the wonder and curiosity that first led me to create. Watching her experiment and discover her unique style has pushed me to explore new ideas and techniques, enriching my work and deepening our bond. Both my wife and daughter play invaluable roles in my creative journey, each inspiring me in their own unique way to keep evolving and sharing my vision with others.

What is an event which you consider a milestone in your digital art career?

One of the most impactful milestones in my art career so far has been joining up with SPS Productions for their bi-monthly art shows at the Distillery of Modern Art in metro Atlanta. My first event was an incredible experience to not only share my work with a larger audience but to see firsthand how people connect with the themes I bring into my art. Seeing viewers respond emotionally to my pieces was deeply fulfilling and confirmed for me that sharing my art publicly was the right choice. It was a humbling and inspiring experience that has set the stage for more exhibitions. Additionally, sprouted fruitful networking relationship with the SPS Production team.

Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

Two of my favorite pieces are To Be a Man and Samoan Sea Turtle, each significant to me in very different ways. To Be a Man illuminates the often-overlooked struggles of men’s mental health, aiming to convey some of the daily battles men face but often keep hidden. This piece holds particular meaning for me, as I was working through my own mental health challenges during its creation. The process of bringing these feelings to canvas became incredibly therapeutic, allowing me to express emotions that are difficult to communicate through words alone. It stands as a reminder of the importance of vulnerability and resilience.

The Samoan Sea Turtle, part of my Tribal Totem series, celebrates the spiritual connection between humans and animals. In this series, I merge animals with traditional cultural symbols from the regions they originate from—in this case, a sea turtle adorned with Samoan patterns. This piece reflects a deep respect for the cultural relationships that different civilizations have with the natural world, emphasizing how these bonds shape identity and spirituality. Through Samoan Sea Turtle, I hope to honor these connections, inviting viewers to consider the significance of nature in shaping who we are. Each piece, in its own way, represents aspects of my personal journey and my admiration for the enduring strength and beauty in the human experience.

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that art has been part of my life since I was a child. My imagination was always vivid, and art became my way to bring those visions to life. Later, it evolved into a therapeutic outlet, especially during the pandemic when my wife’s encouragement pushed me to share my work more broadly. I'm also a avid Atlanta sports fan.

What is a dream project you’d like to make one day?

My dream art project is to create an immersive art experience where viewers can physically walk through a space and become completely enveloped in my artwork. Each piece would be displayed with the song that inspired it playing alongside, allowing visitors to experience the visuals and audio together, just as I do when creating. By pairing music with art in this way, I hope to take viewers on a journey that mirrors my own creative process—translating what I see in my mind when I listen to a particular song onto the canvas. This visual-audio experience would create a deeper emotional resonance, inviting people to not only view the art but also feel the mood, story, and emotions that inspired each piece. It would be an immersive journey that bridges the gap between sight and sound, turning art appreciation into a multi-sensory exploration.

What advice would you give to artists who want to create custom work for clients but are just starting out? How can they ensure client satisfaction while staying true to their own style?

The key is to communicate clearly with the client right from the start. Take the time to understand their vision and ask for specifics, but also make sure they know your style and approach to art. Set expectations early, showing them examples of your work that align with what they want. And above all, stay true to your unique voice; it’s why they chose you. Bringing your perspective into their vision can create a collaboration that’s rewarding for both you and the client.