Today we’d like to introduce you to Darien Gulley.
Hi Darien, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ever since I was a little girl in Portsmouth, VA, I have always had a passion for Art! I would draw on everything, from scraps of paper to the walls of my bedroom. As I grew older, my parents began taking me to Museums and Art exhibits – exposing me to the greater world of Art through venues like the Children’s Museum of Virginia and the High Museum. I began exploring the art world on my own and began to envision a future for myself as a Visual Artist. I enrolled at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) after high school in pursuit of that goal.
Although the passion for Art remained strong throughout College, the road to completion was made very difficult due to my daily struggles with social anxiety, almost crippling stress, self-doubt, and depression. I did not reveal this during my time at school, as I thought it was just a case of homesickness or maybe just a bit overwhelmed by the workload of a full-time student. Plus, we Black Folks never really talked about things like “depression” or “anxiety” – and don’t even mention the “C”-word, “COUNSELING”! All we needed was Jesus, and that was ENOUGH! Right????
Six years later, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising, a Minor in Illustration, and an emerging sense of self-confidence, empowerment, and a stronger BELIEF in my abilities to achieve my Life’s Goals. I finally talked to my parents about my mental and emotional struggles, and they helped me find a great counseling service, which really helped me to build a more positive self-image and began seeing myself as that SUCCESSFUL Young Black Artist that I had always dreamed I would be someday.
Recently, my work was on display at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA. The designs were created to help the Center celebrate Asian-American Pacific Islander Month in May. The individuals I chose to honor are Senator/Iraq War Veteran Tammy Duckworth (WI), Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), and Representative Grace Meng (6th District, Queens-NY). Three remarkable women, who are the driving force behind the “COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act” (AKA “Asian Hate Crimes Bill”), recently singed into law by President Biden.
Today, I run my own art and design business on Etsy, called: “DesignByDarien”, where I sell original/custom art, prints, and stickers. I also paint custom clothing designs and create logos for businesses and other organizations.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I have experienced a lot of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. I had to find peace, focus on my work, and learn to not compare myself to others as much as I was. It took a few years, but I’m in a much better place, mentally and emotionally.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Painting, Drawing, and Crafts. I am most proud of my Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage month display at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in May. I provided the graphics used for their exhibits. I think what sets me apart from others is my use of color. I love using using bright colors, and my art has been described as vibrant and vivid.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The advice I would give is: Try new things and don’t stick to just one thing. If you’re interested in something, try it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignbyDarien
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdarieng
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsdarieng/
- Other: https://vm.tiktok.com/JJU2sFd/
