Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Thompson Jr.
Hi Darren, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started with art at a very young age. I used to draw Pokémon and animals a lot when I was a little kid. Those Pokémon drawings transformed into figures. I would make different Pokémon I liked that weren’t available in stores, using masking or packaging tape. I would color them with either crayons, colored pencils, or markers. I also made picture books as well. I would draw and color the images on printer paper and use cardboard to make the front and back covers. I would use a stapler to bind the book together. I would say this was the peak of my childhood creativity because throughout middle school and high school was where I lost interest in art. Those were some rough years, as I still would draw occasionally at home, but the creative spark I had as a young child, laid dormant for years. My freshman year of college was when I regained my spark and love for art; I took a computer course that introduced me to Microsoft Paint, where I explored the possibilities of digital painting. I was in love again, and that led me to graduate with a B.F.A in Digital Art + Design from Towson University.
During my senior year at Towson, I learned about entrepreneurship in art in my Senior Project class. Dealing with my own insecurities and unsure of my future post-college, I didn’t feel entrepreneurship was a viable option for me. After graduating in 2016, I was still unsure about my future, but I continued to pursue art as I participated in many art shows and galleries to showcase my art. My work has been featured in Michigan, Louisiana, Virginia, and Texas over the years. In 2020, during the early stages of the pandemic was when I realized creating art is my purpose in life and a gift God blessed me with; to be shared with others. That’s when I decided to become a full-time entrepreneurial artist. Following my friend, Jordan Lawson’s entrepreneurial journey as an artist has been a blessing and a big inspiration as well. Starting in late 2021, I started participating in pop-up events and craft festivals to gain more of an audience and help build my brand. Going to these different events, you gain a feel for what products and art people gravitate towards. Actually, my first pop up event was one my friend Tristen, organized for her small business, A.L.O.p.e.c.i.a Co. Foundation which raises awareness about alopecia. I will always be grateful for her blessing me with that opportunity, it opened my eyes to many different things. That’s where I found out children love my art as well. With the support of my family, friends, co-workers, and artists I met over the years, I am where I’m at today, getting closer to reaching my ultimate goal.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been easy. I am still in the process of becoming a full-time entrepreneur. Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome is something we all struggle with at some point in this journey. I had to develop the mindset and self-confidence that nothing will stand in the way of achieving my goals. Whether I receive a lot of sales or none at all, I have to keep the same level of confidence and desire to keep going forward. While the inconsistency and obstacles I face are disappointing, I know they are necessary to help me grow and continue to learn. Trusting God, believing in yourself, and consistently putting in the work are pivotal in this journey. Sometimes you might need to step back or walk away to re-evaluate the situation, but don’t ever give up. Through it all, I’m loving the journey while looking forward to the destination.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a digital artist who specializes in photography and digital painting. After graduating college, I concentrated on digital paintings, with my first series being called “Zodiac EVO ‘ which features digital paintings of the 12 western zodiac signs. In 2018, I began to focus more on photography, mainly flower photography. In 2019, is where I discovered the world of abstract photography, which is currently my main focus.
With my abstract work, I capture a bunch of photos of objects and surroundings people would usually overlook and turn them into art. From spilled juice on the floor to boiling water in a pot, my iPhone camera lens is on it. I turn these photos into colorful and vibrant pieces of art. I create an emotional response with the colors and curiosity with the image. People are drawn in with the colors while trying to figure out what the image is and what they see within it. With my art, I feel my vision is what sets me apart, both literally and figuratively. Being able to see the uniqueness of certain objects or surroundings and having the ability of not having a clear direction of how the piece will turn out but knowing I am going to create a great piece. I like to think of my art as community or a sense of togetherness. As people, we can achieve great accomplishments as individuals, but when we come together and work as one, we achieve even greater success. That’s the core concept behind my art when I combine different photos together to create one piece. I’m most proud of being able to share my gift of art with other people; being able to see children and adults enjoy my work and feel a sense of joy from it, is my main reason for creating.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being able to accomplish your goals and being able to help others achieve their goals as well. Being able to enjoy your accomplishments and triumphs while having the opportunity to guide and elevate someone else that’s up and coming or just someone who needs help in general is the greatest success to me. Being a blessing to others is what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to reaching that pinnacle of success soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.darrendesignsart.com
- Instagram: darrendesigns19
- Facebook: DarrenDesigns
- Twitter: DarrenDesigns19
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DarrenDesignsArt
