We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Moving with purpose brings me fulfillment and joy. Currently, painting helps me to achieve my purpose of serving others. Being able to bring an idea to life and truly exist in that creative process is liberating and magical. Impacting someone’s life or providing even just a moment of joy means everything to me. Knowing that God has not blessed me in vain with these gifts keeps me grounded. Being able to evoke peace, liberation, unity, and love through my work gives me a euphoric sense of freedom. If I am able to be my authentic self while making a positive impact I know that I am moving with purpose and not merely existing. That makes me happy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It has not been easy taking a chance on myself as an aspiring full-time artist. I fought my desire to be an artist for most of my life – writing it off as a simple hobby. I was only aware of societal limitations and the idea that being a successful artist seemed unattainable. I didn’t want to be a “starving artist”. So, throughout life I have worked an endless cycle of mundane jobs – neglecting the right side of my brain for a false sense of security.

I learned that when something is a true passion for you, you cannot put that fire out. I felt miserable and useless when I was not creating. I pushed my fears aside and stepped out on faith. I owe it to myself to explore the many possibilities of life. Being an artists is not a choice for me – it is an absolute necessity to create.

I want other people like myself to know it is possible to do what you love SUCCESSFULLY. You shouldn’t let your environment, circumstances, or cultural biases deter you from being the best version of yourself. Put your all into your God-given gifts and see what it really means to push past your limits. Create, make a difference, and discover the hidden parts of yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite restaurants are Poor Calvin’s, Plant-Based Pizzeria, Scotchies and Eighty7Sweets. The Belt Line, Underground Arts, Piedmont Park and Apache Cafe are always good options to hang out.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This pursuit of being a full-time artist is in dedication to my sister, Deondria. She has always been my biggest cheerleader and believed in me more than I believed in myself. She encouraged and supported me as if it were her own. I probably would’ve never taken myself seriously if she didn’t push me the way that she did.

Instagram: D.Monique_Art

Image Credits
personal photo credited to Ambient Artistry

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