Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Lawson.
Danielle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a creative from South LA. I use the term creative to give people the freedom to categorize me into whatever area they see fit. I graduated with a BFA from Otis College of Art and Design in 2015. Attending that college was probably one of the best decisions I ever made because it helped me refine my skill so much, and now I do just about anything you can think of that a visual artist can do.
This includes everything in Visual Development. Graphic Design Services to Animations, Set Designs, Brand Development, Character Art, Environmental Art, Murals, etc… you name it I can make it a reality. People always like to ask me when I started drawing but to be honest I don’t remember, I just know I have always liked seeing things in my head come to life and be something I can physically see and show others.
That same mind frame has got me where I am today. The only difference is now I just don’t like to do that with my own ideas, I like to help people develop theirs as well so they can feel that same sense of completion. That is how Danielle Art Matters was formed and its the principle behind every project I’ve ever done under my name.
Two branches of Danielle Art Matters developed in the past couple years are New Wave LA and The Black Dollar Bank. Each of which have been successful in their own ways.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely wouldn’t say my road has been smooth. Especially living in LA where there are massive potholes everywhere! But no, I honestly just know how to take a step back and pause. However, pausing for me is always the hardest thing to do because my spirit is very much so of a go-getter. I know for sure on this journey I keep learning to have patience and faith in what I’m doing.
Luckily, I’ve been blessed enough to have supportive friends and family around me every step of the way. My struggles are always technical difficulties like I need a printer, or they ran out of the fabric I need, or no one seems to offer a particular service I’m looking for. To me, all those things are minor, they may be overwhelming when they are constant but if you sit back and pause for a minute, you can find another route to take.
What else should we know? What are you most known for? What are you most proud of?
I’m mainly known for Danielle Art Matters. That is the alias I go by in regards to my concept art and design services. In more recent times, however, I’ve been getting recognition as the founder of The Black Dollar Bank, a cross-marketing campaign I developed for black-owned businesses. In addition to those brands, I believe alot of people associate me with New Wave LA, one of the first projects I took full creative control on. New Wave LA is a brand developed from a summer creative networking event I coordinated.
I would say I’m proud of them all, and what sets them apart from others I feel is that Im making situations for people to come together whether they want to or not. These brands are a prime example of how great things can be if we looked at each other as partners instead of competition.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel the ability to think for myself and not be so easily influenced has got me where I am today. Optimism, faith, love, empathy. All of these things have been important in my journey. And above all, just the desire to see a change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danielleartmatters.com/
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Reina Brown – Reinalee.photo, Karisha Cadle – ShotsbyKar
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