Cartoon Illustrator to Cartoon Character

Sophomore illustration major Dan Evans always has a grin on his face whether he’s under the Rocky costume or not. Taken by: Kerianne Vianden

Dan Evans, a sophomore Illustration major, is utilizing his passions to make the most of his time here at Montclair State University.

Dan Evans finishing his artwork for his drawing class in the small art studio in the Freeman lounge. Taken by Kerianne Vianden

Evans has a plethora of interests, such as watching movies and making others smile, but his true passion is drawing cartoon characters. He practices his drawings every day, carrying his signature small black journal filled with his own original characters. He even had the opportunity to draw the illustrations for a published children’s book.

Avid cartoonist Dan Evans practices drawing people every day to better himself at his craft. Taken by Kerianne Vianden

When he’s not concocting new fictional characters, Evans is probably at practice with the cast of “Twelfth Night”, a Shakespearean play he is directing in conjunction with the acting organization on campus, Players. He was an active member his freshman year, and looks forward to participating in more shows in the future. Acting is another passion of the illustration major’s, he enjoys transforming into different characters.

Dan Evans reading through the script of “Twelfth Night”, a Shakespearean play he is directing, with his cast outside of University Hall. Taken by Kerianne Vianden

There is one thing that separates Evans from the thousands of Red Hawks enrolled at Montclair- he is the Red Hawk. The sophomore is part of a select group of students at MSU that get to put on the iconic “Rocky” costume and take on the mascot’s persona.

A close-up picture of Dan Evans, one of the students underneath the Rocky the Red Hawk costume. Taken by Kerianne Vianden

Being Rocky the Red Hawk allows Evans to bring a character to life. “I love the mystery behind who is underneath the costume,” the cartoonist said. “It’s exciting because I get to create my own version of what Rocky would be like.”

Dan Evans, a full-time student while being Rocky the Red Hawk part-time. Taken by Kerianne Vianden

Dan Evans spending his free time practicing drawings alone in an art studio connected to the Freeman lounge. Taken by Kerianne Vianden

Environmental portrait of Dan Evans looking over the Chapin Hall Quad. Taken by Kerianne Vianden