Artist and designer Dan Kistler is an Associate Professor of Art in the Department of Art and Art History at Principia College. He earned his BA from Principia in 1979 and continued with undergraduate studies at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit from 1984-1986 with an emphasis in illustration. Following the two years at CCS he worked as a commercial artist at Art Staff, one of the largest studios in Detroit, from 1986-1995. Kistler joined the faculty at Principia College in 1995, and he received his MA in Drawing from Webster University in 2003. In addition to teaching classes in graphic design, web design, photography and illustration- he has directed or co-directed four study abroad programs to Greece, Turkey, and Italy.

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Kistler's studio practice is rhizomatic: it occurs and evolves where many artistic disciplines overlap- bookmaking, photography, woodworking, painting, drawing, printmaking, graphic design, and motion graphics. He says the following about his practice: "The journey from idea to form is what motivates me to keep creating- searching for the best form to express ideas through any medium that best suits the subject and expands my skills with materials. In recent years, I have had opportunities for increased travel which has expanded my perception, thinking, and sources for ideas.