Daily Inspiration: Meet Dominiqua Eldridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominiqua Eldridge.

Hi Dominiqua, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been a digital artist for about four years. My love for digital art did not start off as a fairy tale. To be honest, when I was a student at Towson University, majoring in Digital Art & Design, I hated working with Adobe Illustrator (which is the software I heavily use to create my art lol). I told myself that once I graduate, I would never work with the software again. Clearly, I was wrong lol. After graduating, it took a year of working as a graphic designer for me to find a level of comfort with using Adobe Illustrator and from there, I began creating art. Art is my passion and it has been since I was a child (even though at one point I just knew I was going to be a Power Ranger, lol). I look forward to seeing the rest of my story unfold. I’m certain I will be a creator for the rest of my life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the art world is not easy. You have to know the right people in order to get your work into some really nice places. You can’t just rely on your talent, you have to network your way through the industry. For someone fresh out of college or just starting their art career, this can be very intimidating.

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?
As a digital artist, I push myself to create and design pieces that are balanced, clean, cohesive, colorful, and detailed. My work tends to depict black women and men who represent the identity of black culture. All of my work is created using Adobe Illustrator than printed onto a canvas or a piece of fabric. Sometimes I like to incorporate other materials into my art piece… adding a 3 Dimensional element to the overall piece. My biggest accomplishment, to this date, is having my work featured in “Mickalene Thomas: A Moment’s Pleasure” at The Baltimore Museum of Art (currently installed till 2021). Given the opportunity of being among very gifted and talented artists has motivated me to keep creating, to keep pushing forward. My biggest goal is to have my work featured in The National Portrait Gallery. Wish me luck! In the meantime, I will continue to create while changing the way people see digital art.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest supporters are my parents. Thankfully, they’ve accepted my career choice with no hesitation lol. As a child, my mom would tell me that I can do anything I put my mind to… and from there, she and my dad have been my cheerleaders. Even though they do not know much about the art world, they know my talent and passion and they want to see me succeed as an artist. I lean into their support whenever I feel undervalued as an artist. I would also give credit to my mentor and my friends. I’ve learned so much from each of them – from learning how to think and make decisions as a businesswoman to learning how to remain mentally and emotionally healthy. I’m so appreciative of having such amazing supporters in my life. I’ve come to realize the value of having a solid tribe.

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@artbyuniik.com
• Website: artbyuniik.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbyuniik/?igshid=1evardnoc54x7