Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Smith.
Hi Danielle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From as far back as I can remember, I loved to draw. I have filled up many sketchbooks just doodling with pen, charcoal, watercolor, oil pastels. I just loved art and loved to experiment with it. That led me to taking as many art classes as I could in high school, which then led me to get my Bachelors of Fine Arts from Georgia Southern University. There I concentrated in 2D arts, which included painting, drawing, and photography. I even had the opportunity to take a study abroad program to China and Vietnam where I got to travel for two weeks studying photography. Truly one of the best experiences of my life.
After graduating is when I moved to Atlanta. After some time of working in restaurants and having fun not being in school for the first time. I met tons of great people in Atlanta and enjoy live painting at festivals and local concerts. After a few years of not quite finding my footing in the art world, I decided to go back to school. I attended Portfolio Center, a graduate certificate program that is designed to help you build a portfolio and skills for working in the industry. So for the next two years, I studied illustration and graphic design. Learning from great teachers and getting the technical knowledge I needed.
From there, I worked for a few different printing companies. I learned many things from those jobs, but it still wasn’t quite where I wanted to be. Then I finally landed a dream job. I got a position as the in house graphic designer for King of Pops, a local Atlanta popsicle company, some may call them iconic in Atlanta. Right off the bat I felt like home. I basically got to work with the best people and on so many fun projects. It was like the King of Pops brand was just meant for me. Their rainbow color palette, hand-drawn illustrative (aka doodles), and plus the pops are just the best! I got to make murals, make so many doodles, design all sorts of marketing materials, special pop wrappers for Rick and Morty, Shaky Knees Music Festival and Make a Wish foundation. It really was in those years I got the chance to learn a lot about working with business and marketing and got the time to really hone my skills.
Then the pandemic hit and everything changed. In October of 2020, I was let go of my full-time position with King of Pops and moved to working for them as my first freelance client. I know the move was bitter sweet for both of us, but they believe in me that I could do great things on my own but still get to be a part of KoP. It has taken some time but I am not starting to see the same. In the beginning of 2021, I started my art and design company Dani Does Doodles, LLC. And really for the first time in a long time, I started making art that was coming just from me and using my voice. It really felt full circle. I was taking my art and doodles, what I had been slowly growing my whole life, and starting making things with them. I started with stickers, and then I started making mugs in my house, and then taking clothes from thrift stores and adding designs to them. I remember going to many music festivals and events and looking at the art vendors and being like I would love to do something like that. Then because of the pandemic and getting the chance to focus on myself, I was able to start doing just that. I bought a bright yellow pop-up and started applying to markets and getting in! Nothing has felt more satisfying to have someone love the things you have made. I am totally addicted now.
So 2022 will home much more making art, creating things, designing, painting and selling. I am excited for the future and happy to have all my experiences lead me to this time in my life. Phew, that seemed like a lot to write about myself!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly has not been a smooth road. And I am still struggling at times to figure out the life of a self-employed creative. Whether it’s getting consistent clients and figuring out financials. I am either working all the time on projects or having to push myself to get motivated to work.
I am not the biggest fan of social media. I know how essential and beneficial it is for creative entrepreneurs but it is also tough for me to remember to record and post on a consistent basis.
I am certainly a right-brained dominant individual with my feet on the ground but my head in the sky. Sometimes when I get hard on myself, I remind myself. “You have only been at this on your own for one year, and so far you are doing pretty good. You got this, keep working at it and you will continue to improve.”
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The services I offer range from graphic design for marketing materials, logo and branding packages, commissions for digital and painted portraits of people and pets, murals, etc.
I am most proud of my growth in vending in artist markets this year. I went from one little table to a full setup of having a tent with multiple tables and a clothing rack. I make my doodles and then I print the mugs myself in my home studio. I purchased a Cricut and started my vinyl designs and putting them on clothing, cups and other things. I am definitely in my happy place when I am drawing and making things. There is just nothing better than being able to bring smiles to peoples faces through my art.
I think my style is what sets me apart from others and what I am known for. I’m definitely colorful, funky, silly and a little weird with it. You just know when you get a Dani does Doodles product. I am thrilled that I have explored that this past year more than ever and I am looking forward to continually learning and playing with who I am as an artist.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My Dad of course. He has always supported my love of art and never questioned me following that passion.
My brother, Joe, has also been my a huge supporter of mine. He loved to take dibs on my paintings to hang in his room or where ever he was living.
My husband Woody who has supported me in so many ways through my growth in my career. He is always willing to help me in anyway to get where I need to go and follow my dreams.
When I got my job with King of Pops. My first manager was Manu Muraro Zamar, the marketing director at the time, she was very influential to me and someone I learned a lot from and really looked up to. She even gave me her wedding dress, which I wore in my wedding!!!
I worked close with Steven Carse, founder of King of Pops, for almost five years. A few of those years, we practically shared a desk. I owe him so much for teaching me the inside of what a business is like and pushing me to be my best.
That being said, every person I worked with at King of Pops became like family and many of them continue to show up to my vending events and support me and my growth. They are some of the most fun and hard-working folks I have had the pleasure to know. Rainbow family for live!
And to all my other Atlanta friends, many of whom I consider family, who believe in my work, support me with gigs, and showing up to my vending events. Y’all basically my life. I am truly blessed for my community.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@danidoesdoodles.com
- Website: danidoesdoodles.com
- Instagram: @dani.does.doodles
Image Credits:
Headshot was taken by Danielle Johnson (aka Jirikimusic) @subtlerealityphotoanddesign
