We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daijranae McCloud a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Daijranae , thanks for joining us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?
This may seem crazy to admit, but this person has helped me in many ways throughout my whole art and writing journey. And that person is Latasha Frye, my mother. I call her my ‘Momager’. She is one of the only few that really believe I have a real talent in this industry of art. Since the beginning she’s helped me set up for showcases, gives criticism and ideas when needed, and always encouraged me when I feel insecure about my work. I appreciate her for the past few years of love and care for my craft.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Daijranae McCloud, but on social media I go by Goldie D McCloud. I’m a mixed media artist and storyteller that writes all sorts of genres. My art outside of commissions revolves around giving appreciation to women and men of color.
I’ve been writing fiction since I was little, however I started painting about three years ago. I was in a Micheal’s store one day and decided to buy some paint. It became a hobby for some time until people started asking why I don’t showcase my work. I was shocked because I didn’t think it was that good. I didn’t even know I had it in me to create art pieces from start to finish. Then in a matter of months I was doing my first art show. Seeing my growth has definitely made me happy that I have a talent that can inspire people.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Just support. Help with engagement on social media, or even giving them on ideas on things you’re an expert on. And this is more specifically for the artists that have only been doing their craft for less than five years. Beginning artists (because I don’t want to call them starving artists) already have a hard time breaking into the art world because they’re so many artists with many years of experience. They’re overshadowed a lot and don’t get as many opportunities as the artists who’ve been doing it for a long time. My experience as a rookie was not fun, and very frustrating. Dealing with people bypassing your work, negative comments on social media, not getting picked to showcase, the list goes on. I love all my creatives whether they are a rookie or not, but I believe we should find a future in the ones who are just starting their craft.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
At first, to be honest I was a little jealous as an artist that doesn’t dabble in digital art. But after some thinking it’s just another way for creatives to make money, even for the ones who still create physical work. Because everything is more tech based now it’s perfect to set up a way for artists to sell their work without much of a hassle. It even make it easier for a consumer or art lover who just wants to support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/goldiedmccloud
- Instagram: @goldiedmccloud
- Twitter: @goldiedmccloud