Today we’d like to introduce you to D Gaines.
Hi D, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been creating content for almost ten years. Since a kid, I’ve always had my hands in the technology space. I couldn’t find nor afford anyone to capture my personal photos and visuals; so I purchased my own equipment and began to teach myself the business and the craft. I went from filming college parties to capturing the President of the USA. Where I am in my career currently, I had it written out at the age of 15.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. It was more of traveling on a bumpy backroad at night. In the beginning, I felt more like Clark Kent before they found out he was Superman. I had to deal with the lack of finances & clients, rejections, jokes, getting looked over, passive aggressiveness, and anything related.
A lot of people didn’t understand how being an entrepreneur takes up your personal time. You have to be disciplined. Nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health is a huge part. You lose friends during the process. You have to explain to people that this how you eat and it’s not a free for all gig.
But at the end of the day, the ones who operate from a place of respect will honor your wishes and respect your boundaries. It’s all love.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a content creator, where art, culture, and memories live.
I capture and edit photos & visuals. Also, I create graphics, design websites, and do social media marketing (mostly for myself). Having good networking skills and a welcoming personality have gotten me into places that my art couldn’t.
I enjoy bringing out the best in people. It warms my heart to see them smile and feel better about themselves. It is such a blessing to share myself with the world in such a unique, expressive form. When people come to me, they get quality, efficiency, and professionalism. Thriving in positivity, operating with purpose & intent, and believing in yourself are key essentials.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I started off doing free shoots for people I could benefit from; individuals that could assist me. You have to be persistent. Your name will circulate faster if the product is good & consistent. Be original. Develop a way to read people and then approach them in a comfortable, undeniable way. Don’t be afraid to speak! Find out where the people that you want to shoot hang out. Sometimes you may have to ask a friend of theirs.
Think about how to present your product. What do you have that they need? Put yourself in their position first. Study people who are better than you and apply it. Make sure to watermark your work to distinguish your art.
With social media being one the of top tools, you can access anything and anybody nowadays.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artmekanics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrutica/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrutica1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dgaines39175
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrutica
Image Credits
D Gaines / @mrutica
