Meet Danielle Tate | Illustrator, Graphic Designer, and Storyteller

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

Hi Danielle, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Through fun, custom illustrations, and graphic designs, I bring a lens of diversity to an industry that often does not share the stories of people of color. I hope that through my work, I am giving a voice through my art to those who have unique stories to tell. Mostly, my clientele ranges from Illustrating books or design projects for locals to corporate design projects and illustrating for studios and companies.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Through my art, I share slice-of-life stories, especially about my own experiences, challenges, and overcoming others can relate too. Currently, I primarily do work in concept and design for animation or illustration projects. However, from time to time, I also provide graphic design services for companies like SodexoMagic and Warner Bros. Music. I did not choose art, art chose me. It has always been a part of my life. I recognize it is a blessing to do what I love. My story starts as far back as when I was three to four years old. I have always loved art and often indulged in fantasy worlds I could create through my art.
There are so many things I want to share about my business and aspirations. One is I want people to know I am a special education advocate. I was a student in special education because of my diagnoses of dyslexia and ADHD. As a child, I overcame bullying, and extreme social anxiety. I had to learn how to manage dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, stuttering, and reading comprehension challenges (so excuse any typos I may have in the article ). I hope to one day inspire young children who are like I was. I have started to “pay it forward” as I have recently taken on my first mentee – who is dealing with the same issues I had at her age. I hope to help or inspire many children or young adults managing cognitive disabilities and anxiety. Through the grace of God,I learned to advocate for myself. I would say a lot of factors have gotten me to where I am, but one has been facing fears head-on. That has been the most challenging and rewarding aspect of my journey so far. “You must take control of your narrative and do not allow anyone to make you feel less than. Everyone has shortcomings, you just must learn how to manage yours.” Once I started taking control of my narrative. It was not easy but, what is? – I have learned that – it is not what you go through but how you get through it. I know I am (we are all) capable of changing my (our) habits. I think as I overcame different things, I grew confidence in myself. I wanted better for myself and to be an example for people like me. So, going through the pain and overcoming it always makes it worth it. Plus, life will continue to life, so it is best to learn how to enjoy life and be in a storm without a storm being in you. –

DannJ’nai Creative Works (my company) – specializes in creating unique, feel-good, – entertaining and educational storytelling through illustration, concept art, and graphic design. Whether I am telling my own stories or helping others create theirs -. If you can see it, we can make it.

I want people to know my brand showcases, life through art. I aim to be a source of education, a little entertainment, and inspiration for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs as I grow, touch, and create more projects.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh boy! We would have a nice brunch! I am a foodie and enjoy spending time laughing and- having a good conversation over a meal. Currently, I am really digging APT 4B its Jamaican restaurant with cute vibes, and good drinks! If it is a nice weather day, I enjoy being outdoors and – – we would probably spend some time=at a park, a morning hike at Stone Mountain, and have tea afterward. Then we could relax all day (that could include a spa trip or watching movies at home. I would probably end the day cooking something for us.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To say I have been blessed with the opportunity to be mentored by and work with so many talented, experienced professionals is an understatement. I would like to shoutout:

1) Dave Szalay- My undergraduate professor at the University of Akron. Dave is an extremely talented professor and children’s book illustrator. He was the first person to inspire me to pursue a career in illustration. He exposed me to art conventions, children’s book illustrations, literature, and publishing companies. He was the first person to show me professional practices and encourage me before I knew anything about a career in the arts.

2) J’Aaron Merchant – Black Paper Party® owner. J’Aaron, exposed me to how a business is run and how to seek out networking and job opportunities. She has created a safe space for me to ask questions about the animation industry.

3) David Wilkerson. Published Illustrator. David has been an amazing mentor to me. He has introduced me to several heavy hitters (illustration icons) in the animation industry. He, also, allows me to be authentic and ask question as well as provide guidance as I continue to network and find my place in the industry.

4) Carl & Love Jones. Martian Blueberry Animation Studio (Co-founders). Carl and Love support young creators through mentoring. As a participant in their fellowship program, I felt comfortable showing up as my authentic self which means a lot as a woman of color. I know that it is not always the case, so feeling valued was special for me. During weekly sessions, they unselfishly shared their knowledge in storytelling techniques and innovative ideas that I can use to create and distribute my art. The fellowship was also deeply meaningful because in all my years of study, such rich information has never been given to me in a way that made learning easy to digest. Most information given in school does not really translate into actionable items. I am grateful for the opportunity to have access to two animation icons. Martian Blueberry’s fellowship helped me feel connected and more confident that I can make it in the animation industry.
Thank you to all mentioned above; each of you mean the world to me. –

Website: https://www.dannitate.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannijnai/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannitate/

Other: Threads: @dannijnai

Image Credits
Danielle Tate