About Dane

Dane Gillen is an Industrial Designer and a part-time ski-bum. Born in Chicago, a visually inspirational city, home of some of the worst weather on earth. Dane grew up riding mountain bikes and snowboarding on the small hills near the disappointingly flat Chicagoland area. With design influence from his father, a mechanical engineer, Dane found his way to the University of Illinois at Chicago where he studied Industrial Design. His projects during his time at UIC ranged from soft goods to handmade snowboards, and many fields in-between. Dane also has a few new projects on the horizon in new realms inspired by his other passion: furniture. Moving forward Dane looks to continue his interests into new avenues outside of the safety of a classroom. Not all of his projects are aimed to be a product, some begin to blur the lines between art and design. He looks to continue to explore the relationship between the two creating things that are both beautiful and functional.

Stay up to date with Dane and his projects here as well as on Instagram @danegillendesigns, big things are coming soon!