We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful D’Angelo “D’Lo” Louis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with D’Angelo below.

Hi D’Angelo, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

“Am I happy as a creative? It’s not just happiness that defines my creative journey; it’s also an overwhelming sense of inspiration. I have the privilege of being both a creative and an executive, assisting others in bringing their ideas to life. What truly captivates me is the fact that each day, at any given moment, I can conceive an idea or a story, jot it down, and discuss it with fellow creatives and executives. There is the potential for these ideas to transform into reality. It may take time, but once the ball starts rolling, I’m fully committed to the journey. It’s an incredible feeling. I draw from my own experiences and motivations to create things that inspire others. I find inspiration in the situations and stories of others. Sure, thoughts of what a regular job might be like cross my mind occasionally, but I’m immensely grateful for the space I’m in now. I constantly reflect on how fortunate I am to call myself a creative.”

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.

What’s hannin’, I go by the name D’Angelo “D’Lo” Louis, hailing from the Bay Area as a writer, producer, and director. Specifically, I was born and raised in Richmond, California. Currently, I hold the position of Creative Executive in television at Proximity Media, a dynamic multimedia company. In August of 2018, I was released from prison. In early 2019, a close friend of mine, who is also a talented writer, producer, and director from the Bay Area, was in the process of establishing a production company. Initially, his younger brother served as his assistant but eventually decided to pursue his own path as a professional writer. Consequently, my friend found himself in need of a new assistant. He approached me with the opportunity, although initially I hesitated at the thought of fetching coffee and handling someone else’s dry cleaning. However, after careful consideration, I made the bold decision to accept, which ultimately altered the trajectory of my life. Ever since then, I have been immersed in the entertainment industry. It is worth mentioning that prior to this, I had no prior experience in the film industry. Instead, I underwent an intensive crash course, beginning as a producer’s assistant on films such as “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Subsequently, I was given the remarkable opportunity to serve as a director’s assistant on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” an experience I hold in high regard. Towards the end of production, I was promoted to the role of Creative Executive within Proximity Media. My next venture involved working on “Creed 3,” where I earned the title of Associate Producer due to my significant contribution to the project. As of right now, I’m in post production with my first short film called “Shoebox”. This is the story of a teenage boy who battles the overwhelming weight of abuse, confronted with an agonizing decision: to pull the trigger or not, in an attempt to safeguard himself. As we delve into the narrative, we find ourselves immersed in two diverging paths of destiny – one representing a dream and the other a deferred dream. I am thrilled about this project and eagerly anticipate the moment when I can share it with the world.

One aspect I take immense pride in is myself. It would have been effortless for me to remain within my comfort zone and refrain from placing any bets on my own potential. At the age of 33, fresh out of a decade-long prison sentence, I reflect on the numerous mental health and spiritual challenges I faced. These obstacles could have easily become excuses to avoid taking the leap of faith that ultimately paved the way for my current journey. Navigating such spaces can be arduous, particularly when imposter syndrome resides in your mind, reminding you of your lack of experience and knowledge compared to others in the room. This can make you feel insignificant and ill-equipped. However, ever since I was a child, I adopted a “F*ck it” button as my coping mechanism. I pressed it whenever I felt nervous, scared, or unprepared for what lay ahead. I would acknowledge the fear, take a deep breath, and tell myself, “F*ck it” with a lighthearted tone. Prior to my time in prison, I used this approach to remind myself that I am deserving of being present in any situation.

You don’t have to great when you start but you have to start to be great.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

To me, the most gratifying and fulfilling aspect of being creative lies in the process itself. Inspiration can strike at any moment, whether I’m engaged in work, running errands, exercising, or even taking a shower. The mere presence of an idea in my mind can be both exhilarating and maddening. As a creative individual, I have the power to act upon that idea, capturing it by putting it into words. At that moment, it transforms into something tangible—an entity that starts to take shape and grow.

With each addition I make, I am constructing a world where this idea can thrive and flourish. I introduce characters who drive the story forward and provide it with a unique identity. Sharing this idea and all its components with fellow creatives becomes a crucial step. Their perspectives and contributions merge with mine, breathing life into this growing organism. Suddenly, I find myself looking up and realizing that this idea has developed a life of its own. It has evolved into a world governed by its own set of rules and inhabited by various entities. Adhering to these rules becomes essential, ensuring coherence and rewarding storylines.

To bring this vision to fruition, I assemble a team of dedicated individuals who share the responsibility of manifesting the best possible visual representation of this idea. Together, we refine and fine-tune every aspect until we reach a point where further editing, reshooting, or tweaking seems unnecessary. Once we have reached this stage, we package it up, ready to be shared with the world.

The ultimate reward lies in the journey itself, enduring this creative process alongside remarkable people and offering others the opportunity to “feel where I’m comin’ from” as they experience what we have created.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The two books I will recommend are:

“The Autobiography of Malcom X: As Told to Alex Haley”
This book has become a significant read for individuals facing incarceration, often considered a transformative experience. When you hold this book in your hands, it signals a forthcoming shift in thinking and mindset. The key concept that resonated with me while reading was “accountability.” It prompted me to step back and recognize both who is responsible for the situation I found myself in and who ultimately holds the power to change it.

“Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
The most valuable lesson I took away from this book was the concept of the “10,000 hour rule.” According to Malcolm Gladwell, achieving mastery of complex skills and materials requires approximately 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. This realization made me understand that success boils down to the effort we invest. While networking and building connections are important, at the end of the day, it’s the hard work we put in that attracts people towards us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @dlo.louis
• Facebook: @D Lo Louis
• Twitter: @dlo_louis

Image Credits
Rochelle Brown J-Nyce Chris Rubio David Hernandez