We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniel Ramirez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel , thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

No, It Wasn’t Like That from Day One
It’s incredibly difficult to earn a stable living from creative work, especially in the beginning. When you’re just starting out, it often feels like you have to say yes to underpaid jobs, work long hours, and hustle constantly just to get by. Many creatives, including myself, struggle to make ends meet even after gaining some experience. It can be discouraging and exhausting, to the point where I’ve seriously considered quitting and finding a more stable job. But deep down, I know that wouldn’t feel right for me—it’s the passion that keeps me going.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey began in 2017 when I enrolled in beauty school, inspired by my love for late 90s and early 2000s runway shows from icons like Mugler and Alexander McQueen. I was captivated by how everything—fashion, photography, and hair—came together to create a story, and I knew I wanted to contribute to projects like that. Photographers like Steven Klein and David LaChapelle also inspired me with their bold, visionary work, which still influences my approach to hairstyling today.

I enjoy creating hair looks that are both timeless and creative, catering to clients who want to express themselves through their style. Whether it’s working with clients one-on-one in the salon, styling for photo shoots, or collaborating on artistic projects, I focus on bringing a polished and innovative touch to everything I do.

What sets me apart is my passion for continuous learning. I firmly believe that hair education never stops—there’s always a new technique or trend to master. I draw inspiration from the many talented hairstylists in the industry, and I’m constantly evolving my craft. While I don’t feel like I’ve reached where I want to be yet (and maybe none of us ever do), I embrace the journey and strive to grow with every project.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is deeply driven by the desire to achieve financial freedom, surround myself with like-minded creatives, and create work that doesn’t feel like work. I want to collaborate with others who share the same passion, producing fun and dope content that’s inspiring and exciting. It’s all about building a community of people who push each other to grow while having fun with the process! This mission keeps me motivated and focused, even during the tougher moments of my career.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Definitely not worrying about what others are doing , and comparing yourself to anyone , everyone is different and everyone is going through Battles that some people wouldn’t understand

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Danielartiistry

Image Credits

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