Meet Davonne Dupart | Executive Director of Lifted Wings Studios, Educator, Artist

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

Hi Davonne, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Lifted Wings Studios I was thinking about my purpose and how to make a greater impact. How can I put more “good” in the world? I realized that starting a business would allow me to create content on a larger scale and have the lifestyle I desire to live. As a business owner I can offer work to my colleagues, and I am earning the income and time to support and impact those I care about in my life. It’s hard work but I have always had an internal “knowing” that I am meant to have a business. It was continually tugging at me and the thought of not moving forward with it brought on a feeling of remorse. So far it has been an amazing journey that I’m excited about!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Something that has set me apart from most people is that I was blessed to know from a very young age what I wanted to be. I declared to both my mother and third grade teacher “I’m going to be an artist!” So, I have had many years to focus on this target. I found animation to be the best way for me to have a career as an artist. I started interning at a couple of studios and then I got my first career-related job as an in-between animator at Bento Box Entertainment. From there, I began working as a freelance animator at many different studios. While animating studio work, I started gaining my own clients that were referred to me by some of my colleagues. My client list began to grow, and I decided to become an independent contractor. As my projects became larger and there was a need for me to build a team to finish these projects, creating an LLC, Lifted Wings Studios, was the natural next step. There have been so many challenges, but my faith keeps me grounded. Prayer, meditation, and fellowship has always helped me not to put my worth and identity into my career. This has been a good way to stay levelheaded through the ebbs and flows of the animation industry. During this journey, I found my niche. I had the opportunity to work on an interactive anti-bullying animation exhibit for the Unity Center at the California State Museum. I am extremely proud of this project it transitioned my work from being solely for entertainment to work with a message for good.

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.
If I were going to take a friend around Atlanta I would definitely take them to the Georgia Aquarium and then the World of Coca-Cola. Both of these places are a good experience and we all need to go at least once. On a hot summer day, we then stop by Johnny Rockets to grab a delicious milkshake. One day would be dedicated to going to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park where we would see his birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, the Kings Center and surrounding buildings. We would have a day set aside to go to Ponce City Market, then walk the Belt Line until we got to Piedmont Park. We could not end the week without having a meal at Home Grown!

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?
I cannot look at my success without mentioning one of my graduate school professors, Prof. Maloney. He has been instrumental in my career and education, and I am incredibly grateful. He has challenged and guided me and the process has allowed me to grow and has pulled greatness out of me.

Website: https://liftedwingstudios.com/

Instagram: lifted_wings_studios

Facebook: @liftedwingstudios

Image Credits
The last two images of the project “Courage to Act” are credited to the Unity Center, California Museum.