About Dan May

Dan May is an illustrator and visual storyteller with over 20 years of experience creating evocative, character-driven imagery for publishing, brands, and creative teams. His work blends emotional narrative, atmosphere, and a timeless sense of wonder, often exploring themes of connection, curiosity, and quiet moments of meaning.

In addition to his personal work, Dan has collaborated with clients across publishing, advertising, fashion, entertainment, and music. His client list includes Lane Crawford, VIZ Media, Fantagraphics, FOX, Peanuts Worldwide, The Jim Henson Company, UNICEF, US Games, Blue Angel Publishing, Pomegranate Publishing, and Dirtybird Records, among others.

Dan’s work has been featured and recognized by American Illustration, Communication Arts, and the Society of Illustrators, and has appeared in publications such as Hi-Fructose and Juxtapoz. His illustrations and paintings have also been exhibited internationally, including participation in the 2013 Suggestivism exhibition at the Acquario Romano in Rome.

He is widely known as the creator of Gentle Creatures®, an original narrative world that has grown into books, retail partnerships, and licensed collaborations. That long-form world-building experience informs his client work, bringing a strong sense of character, emotion, and story to every brief.

Equally comfortable working independently or as part of a larger creative team, Dan values collaboration, clear communication, and thoughtful problem-solving. He enjoys translating abstract ideas into visual narratives that feel human, memorable, and emotionally resonant.

Dan is currently working on several children’s book projects and is available for illustration, concept development, character design, and visual storytelling across publishing, entertainment, and brand spaces.

He lives and works in the Raleigh, North Carolina area with his wife, Kendal, and their three children.