If AI art has a wild card, it’s Dan Cooper.

Known in the Instagram AI community as dank.xupr_, Dan isn’t just creating work—he’s helping define what AI art can be. As co-founder of frmwrk.ai, a collective shaping the future of creative AI, he’s both practitioner and architect of this rapidly evolving space.

But it’s his art that really stops you cold.

Dan operates with a freedom most creators only dream about. His work doesn’t whisper—it shouts. Sometimes it screams. Primarily focused on portraiture, he pulls from an eclectic mix of cultural references to express something raw and urgent: the doubt, the excess, the beautiful madness of a world that keeps spinning no matter what.

What sets him apart? His audacity. Bold artistic choices that other artists might second-guess, Dan commits to fully. He’s not interested in safe. He’s interested in real.

And he’s got the tools to match his vision. Contemporary digital platforms give him extraordinary creative latitude—and he exploits every inch of it. The result? Work that surprises. That demands attention. That lingers in your mind long after you’ve scrolled past.

His style isn’t singular—it’s plural. Multiple approaches, multiple moods. But they all share that unmistakable Cooper signature: unapologetic expression and technical fearlessness.

In this interview, Dan opens up about his journey, his techniques, and drops some serious wisdom for emerging artists trying to find their voice in this wild new medium.

Buckle up. This one’s a ride.

Can you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Dan AKA dank.xupr, I am based in the UK, and I create emotionally driven visual work that blends photography influence with AI and digital art techniques. I came into this through an interest of photography and a lifelong obsession with mood, storytelling and the way people carry feeling in their faces and body language. My work leans into personality, character and a bit of quiet surrealism.

How long have you been using generative AI, and do you use it professionally?

I have been exploring AI creatively for a few years now, and yes, it has become a core part of my short-term professional practice. It started out as experimentation and curiosity, and over time it grew into a genuine creative language for me.

What is your biggest source of inspiration right now?

Photography always sets my compass. I tend to be inspired by cinematic lighting, fashion portraiture, unusual expressions, subtle emotion, and the kind of imagery that feels like you walked in halfway through a moment. Music also plays a big part in my process. I usually build a scene around a feeling or a song before I build it around a prompt.

Which AI tools do you use the most?

Midjourney is my main creative engine, especially for portraits and atmosphere. Magnific is my go to for texture and finish, and then I refine everything in Photoshop or Lightroom to bring it into my own world. I treat AI like a camera and a sketchbook combined. It lets me explore ideas quickly, sculpt emotion, and then polish with traditional tools.

Any advice for those interested in getting into AI art?

Start by training your eye. Study emotion, light, composition, colour, mood and storytelling. AI is incredible, but it really shines when you know what you are trying to say. Do not rush the process. Play, experiment, get things wrong, and find your voice through the work rather than chasing trends or aesthetics. Curiosity is your best tool.