For more than 40 years, Dan Patterson has been a self-employed artist, photographer, graphic designer, published author, lecturer and private pilot. His diverse professional experience spans the spectrum of commercial photography and design, producing annual reports, catalogs, special publications, and providing location and studio photography for clients ranging from General Motors to the aerospace industry, the entertainment industry and the USAF.

Since 1971, his work has been featured in juried art shows, and in one-man and group exhibits in art galleries, universities, private museums, and Air Force museums throughout the United States. Five portraits reside in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery in London, England and a very large book is on permanent display at the Wright-Pau Museum in France.

Aviation history in all its forms became the primary focus of his expertise and led to concept, design, photography and production of more than 40 books between 1989-2016, many on location throughout the United States and in 11 countries.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Patterson received a BA inFine Arts from Wright State University in 1976. He began his life as a photographer at only 15, working for NORTH News Tribune andwent on as an entrepreneurial photographer working for The Dayton Journal Herald, and RAP Magazine.