Meet Danielle Fernandez | Digital Artist

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

Hi Danielle, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has been the undercurrent of my professional and artistic life, acting as both a compass and an engine driving my voyage from the structured world of finance to the fluid realm of AI artistry. Risk is not just about making bold choices; it’s about consciously stepping into the unknown with the belief that such steps are necessary for growth and innovation.

In my career, risk has taken many forms—from embracing the fusion of my business acumen with my creative soul, to pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in my artistic expression. Each risk was a leap of faith: in my capabilities, in the technology, and in the belief that the art world was ready for this evolution.

Venturing into AI artistry, in particular, was a paradigm shift laden with uncertainty. The art world is traditionally conservative, and merging AI with art was a move that raised as many eyebrows as it did questions. Yet, it was a risk that unlocked new dimensions of creativity and allowed me to explore the vast potential of digital canvases.

Taking risks, for me, has never been about courting danger but about trusting the vision that pulls you forward. It is this inherent trust in the value of innovation and the power of storytelling through art that has shaped my journey. And as my career unfolds, the role of risk-taking continues to be a testament to the belief that the path less traveled is often the one that leads to new horizons and enduring legacies.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a dynamic blend of traditional aesthetics and modern innovation, where each piece is not just crafted but collaboratively created with artificial intelligence. This unique approach places me distinctively in the art world, where I use AI not merely as a tool but as an integral part of the creative process.

The potential AI brings to my work is limitless—transforming ideas into visual stories that resonate deeply with those who encounter them. Each project is an exploration of new artistic territories, pushing the boundaries of conventional art to create something truly bespoke and personal for my clients.

Transitioning from a decade-long career in finance to the fluidity of the art world wasn’t smooth. It required a significant shift from a structured corporate environment to embracing the unpredictable nature of creative life. This change demanded not only a refinement of my artistic techniques but also an openness to innovative practices like using AI, often met with as much curiosity as critique.

With my husband’s encouragement, I have created a dedicated studio space in my home and have started painting with acrylic on canvas again. This new space has breathed new life into my desire to create, allowing me to explore traditional mediums with renewed passion. I am excited to announce that I will be selling these new acrylic pieces soon as well.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the critical importance of perseverance and adaptability and discovered that true success in art comes from more than just the final piece—it comes from the stories told and the connections made through the art. My aim is to fuse the rich traditions of art with the possibilities of tomorrow, ensuring that my work not only reflects the past but also embraces the future.

In essence, my art and brand are testaments to the power of blending historical artistry with cutting-edge technology, crafting pieces that are not only visually stunning but also culturally and personally significant—tomorrow’s heirlooms created today.

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.
For a week-long journey through the vibrant hues and heartbeats of Milton and its surroundings, here’s how I’d craft a memorable experience for my visiting best friend:

Day 1: Milton Welcome
Begin at my cherished home, the heart where all my creative energy resides. We’d spend the day poolside, soaking in the Georgia sun and enjoying the heat I’ve come to love since leaving Chicago. In the evening, my husband would showcase his grilling prowess, treating us to a feast right in our backyard—an ideal way to kick off a week of togetherness and discovery.

Day 2: Splendor in Downtown Alpharetta
We’d immerse ourselves in the vibrant pulse of Downtown Alpharetta, exploring boutique shops and savoring the culinary delights. A visit to Kilwin’s for ice cream, followed by a feast of flavors at Ceviche Taqueria, sets the tone for a day of exploration. As evening beckons, we’d end the day at Roaring Social for some merriment and good company.

Day 3: Art and Community Connections
First, I’d take them to see my work at Westside Market and enjoy some shopping. Then, we’d head to Simply Bliss Nails in Milton for a relaxing mani/pedi where my art also hangs and is available for sale. After our pampering session, we’d head to Rush Union to cheer on my son during his soccer practice. While he practices, we’d revel in the community spirit, chatting with parents and friends who make these moments a cherished part of our weekly routine. It’s these connections that bring depth and joy to our everyday lives.

Day 4: Grace at RISPA
The following day, we’d watch my daughter’s dance class at RISPA, appreciating the elegance and dedication on display. Here, the rhythm of music meets the poise of ballet, and we’d enjoy these moments chatting with some of my best friends.

Day 5: Wanderings at Avalon
Avalon calls for a day of strolling, shopping, and dining. We’d walk the boulevards, peruse the latest in local fashion and goods, then enjoy the culinary artistry of Rumi’s Kitchen, where the dishes are as rich as the stories we’ll share.

Day 6: Tranquility at Scottsdale Farms and Crabapple Market
Our adventure would take us to Scottsdale Farms, a place where the lush greenery and vibrant growth reflect the serene essence of Milton. We’d enjoy a leisurely stroll, perhaps starting with a fresh coffee or lunch at the café, surrounded by the farm’s picturesque landscapes. Exploring the barn boutique would offer unique finds, and a visit to see the farm animals would add a delightful touch to our day. Later, we’d drive through Crabapple Market, the heart of downtown Milton, where we might see a movie or concert on the green. This day promises a perfect blend of relaxation, shopping, and scenic beauty, showcasing the charming lifestyle of Milton.

Day 7: Farewell Favorites
Our final day together would be steeped in comfort and nostalgia. We’d start with a leisurely brunch at my home, indulging in a hearty spread of bacon, croissants, mimosas, and perhaps a fried egg with hash browns. Or I may prepare my mom’s cherished biscuits and gravy recipe—a favorite of my son’s—to add a touch of familial love to our meal. Ample coffee would flow as we chat and reminisce about the delights of the past week.

Post-brunch, we’d take a relaxed stroll around our neighborhood pond, soaking in the tranquility and the shared moments of contentment. For dinner, we’d keep it beloved and familiar with Vintage Pizza, choosing my favorite “Traditional” with pepperoni and sausage, as we savor these last hours together. It’s a day for savoring the simple pleasures and preparing heartfelt farewells, wrapping up a week of wonderful memories in the warmth of home.

This itinerary wraps the best of Milton and Alpharetta into a rich tapestry of experiences, from the buzz of downtown to the tranquility of home, showcasing the colorful life I cherish in this corner of Georgia.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, my Shoutout is dedicated to my family—my unwavering foundation of love and support. Their encouragement has been the quiet, yet powerful force that has propelled me forward at every turn.

The staff at Westside Market in Roswell deserve special recognition for their support. Their genuine interest in my work and the warm welcome they extend to my gallery wall 910 have truly helped me flourish in this vibrant marketplace.

I also want to thank Anna and Tom at Simply Bliss Nails in Milton for allowing me to sell my art there. Their support has provided another wonderful platform for me to share my work with the community.

A nod of gratitude goes to the University of Iowa, where my artistic and business acumen were nurtured, setting me on a dual path that has served me well in my career.

I also want to celebrate my clients, who have not only invested in my art but also in me as an artist. Their commissions have been collaborations that pushed my creativity and allowed my art to be part of their stories.

Lastly, to the innovators behind MidJourney, who have unlocked new avenues of creativity for artists like myself, I am profoundly grateful for the tools that have broadened the horizons of my artistic expression.

Each of these pillars has supported me in different but essential ways, and this Shoutout is a small token of my immense appreciation.

Website: www.daniellefernandezart.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/daniellefernandezart/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DanielleFernandezArt