Today, we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Fernandez.
Hi Danielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My Artistic Odyssey: From Finance to the Forefront of AI Artistry.
My earliest memories are tinted with the strokes of art; drawing horses beside my mother laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion. In school, my electives were a mosaic of art, drawing, and painting classes, where I reveled in the challenge of bringing photographs to life through my sketches. This passion, deeply rooted in realism and precision, was my first love. I ventured into the world of finance, armed with a minor in Fine Arts and a BBA from the University of Iowa.
This dual expertise in art and business was not a divergence but a confluence of my interests, shaping a unique career path. For a decade, I immersed myself in the finance sector at a consulting firm in Chicago, a journey that, surprisingly, honed my artistic pursuits. Graphic and web design became my leisurely hobbies, and interior design, a personal project in my custom home. Yet, the true transformation in my artistry began with my foray into artificial intelligence for art creation, a venture that commenced just last year.
Two years ago, my family and I made a pivotal move to Milton, GA. It was here, amidst the scenic drives and the everyday encounters with horses, that my inspiration flourished anew. Decorating my new home, I turned to Midjourney, an AI tool, to create bespoke pieces that mirrored my vision. This shift from traditional art forms to digital creation was not just a change in medium but a revolution in how I conceptualized and executed my art. Now, I paint with words, crafting precise prompts to bring my mental images to life through AI.
Currently, my work is deeply entrenched in creating custom art and commissioned pieces for clients who resonate with my aesthetic sensibility. A recent project involved crafting two large pieces for a living room, infused with industrial monochromatic luxe and dashes of teal green. These commissions are not just assignments; they are collaborations that push the boundaries of my creativity and innovation.
One of my proudest achievements is the establishment of Booth 215 at Westside Market in Roswell. This space is a curated reflection of my artistic journey, showcasing pieces that harmonize with each other and the environment they inhabit. Looking forward, my ambitions stretch beyond transforming spaces with art. I dream of publishing a coffee table book that marries interior design with my artwork, hosting events, and venturing into larger retail spaces.
My contribution to the community extends to charitable endeavors, with art donations to causes close to my heart. I aspire to forge more partnerships that allow me to give back through my art. To aspiring artists, I offer this advice: pursue your passion relentlessly, arm yourself with knowledge, and let joy be the cornerstone of your work.
Success, I believe, naturally follows when you find happiness in what you do. My journey from finance to the forefront of AI artistry is a testament to the serendipitous paths that lead us to our true calling. It’s a narrative of embracing technology, cherishing traditional art forms, and ultimately, realizing a vision that is uniquely my own.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t been a smooth road; it’s been dotted with challenges and learning curves that have shaped me into the artist I am today. One of the initial struggles was bridging the gap between my finance career and my artistic aspirations. The transition from a structured, corporate environment to the fluid, uncertain world of art required not just a shift in mindset but also a leap of faith.
Embracing artificial intelligence in art creation introduced its own set of hurdles. Convincing others of the value and legitimacy of AI-generated art has been an ongoing dialogue. There’s a misconception that art created with the aid of technology lacks the soul and effort of traditional art. Educating people about the creative process behind AI art—how it’s a tool guided by the artist’s vision and not a replacement for creativity—has been both a struggle and a mission.
Another challenge has been the iterative process of working with AI. Mastering the art of translating visions into prompts that an AI can interpret requires patience and a deep understanding of both artistic terminology and the technology itself. Each piece is a collaboration between the artist and the machine, refined through numerous iterations to achieve the desired outcome.
Finally, establishing a presence in the art world, from securing Booth 215 at Westside Market in Roswell to navigating the logistics of displaying and selling art, has tested my resilience. Each step has involved learning—about marketing, customer relations, and the intricacies of running an art business.
Despite these challenges, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Each struggle has been an opportunity for growth, pushing me to innovate, adapt, and deepen my commitment to my art. The road might not have been smooth, but it has been rich with experiences that have enriched my practice and my understanding of what it means to be an artist in the modern world.
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?
My work is a fusion of traditional artistry and modern technology, a realm where creativity meets innovation. I specialize in creating bespoke, AI-generated art that captures the essence of luxury and sophistication. Utilizing artificial intelligence, specifically Midjourney, I translate my artistic visions into reality, crafting unique pieces that resonate with individual stories and spaces.
I am known for my ability to blend the timeless beauty of fine art with the precision and possibilities of modern technology. My art spans various themes, from the serene elegance of horses captured in my Gallop collection to the lush, vibrant allure of nature in Verdant Whispers. Each piece is a narrative, a visual exploration that invites viewers into a world of beauty and contemplation.
What I’m most proud of is my commission work. The process of collaborating with clients to create something truly unique and personal is incredibly rewarding. It’s in these projects that my skills in understanding and integrating clients’ visions with my artistic sensibility truly shine. My ability to provide custom mockup services, allowing clients to visualize the artwork in their space before finalization, adds an extra layer of personalization and satisfaction to the commissioning experience.
What sets me apart is my seamless integration of AI in the creative process. While many artists explore digital art, my approach—rooted in a deep understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of AI—allows me to push the boundaries of what’s possible. This, combined with my background in finance and my expertise in graphic and web design, gives me a unique perspective on art as both a creative expression and a valuable asset.
Furthermore, my commitment to using art as a means to enrich spaces and lives distinguishes me from others. From homeowners looking to transform their living spaces to interior designers seeking unique pieces for their projects, my art offers a blend of innovation, elegance, and personalization. My aspirations to expand into publishing and larger retail spaces, coupled with my charitable contributions, reflect my broader vision for art as a tool for beauty, joy, and community engagement.
In a world where art and technology increasingly intersect, my work stands as a testament to the power of embracing this convergence, creating art that resonates with the contemporary soul while paying homage to the timeless tradition of storytelling through visuals.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Reflecting on my journey, it’s clear that my path has been illuminated by the support and encouragement of several key individuals and groups who believed in my vision and my art. Their roles have been instrumental in my growth and the success of my business.
Firstly, my family has been the cornerstone of my support system. Their unwavering belief in my talent and vision has been my constant source of motivation. My mother, who first introduced me to the world of art, instilled in me the value of creativity and perseverance. My husband and children have been my biggest cheerleaders, offering love and understanding through the ups and downs of pursuing a career in art.
My education at the University of Iowa laid a strong foundation for my artistic and business endeavors. Professors and mentors within the Fine Arts and Business Administration departments challenged and guided me, blending the worlds of art and commerce in a way that has been invaluable to my dual career path.
During my decade in finance, colleagues and mentors at the consulting firm in Chicago played unexpected roles in my artistic journey. They encouraged my exploration of graphic and web design, validating my creative pursuits alongside my professional responsibilities. This environment of encouragement was crucial for maintaining my connection to art even in a seemingly unrelated field.
Clients, particularly those who have commissioned pieces, have played a significant role in my success. Each commission has been a collaborative journey, with clients trusting me to bring their vision to life. Their satisfaction and advocacy for my work have opened doors to new opportunities and have been a driving force in the growth of my business.
Lastly, the teams behind platforms and technologies like Midjourney have been unseen yet significant supporters of my work. Their development of AI tools has revolutionized the way I create art, enabling me to explore new realms of creativity.
Each of these individuals and groups has contributed to my journey in unique ways, offering guidance, inspiration, and support. Their roles have been varied, but each has been crucial in helping me navigate the challenges and successes of my career. I am deeply grateful for their contributions and proud to share my achievements with them.
Pricing:
- Fine Art Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints, Metal, Acrylic and Wood Prints starting at $22
- Throw Pillows, Blankets, and Home Decor starting at $12
- Coffee Mugs, Phone Cases, Apparel starting at $16
- Tote bags, Yoga Mats, Lifestyle Items starting at $27
- Stationery starting at $5
Contact Info:
- Website: daniellefernandezart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellefernandezart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielleFernandezArt/
