Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniel Villarreal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Daniel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

Before I started my career as a photographer, I was hired at a local law firm. My position as a photographer and videographer (along with taking college courses) helped me build my skills to use in my projects. Some photographers start photographing their family members or friends to gain experience, but I chose to join a law firm. The legal world was far from what I am accustomed to, so I had to find a way to adjust to a professional setting while also getting as creative as I could. This was challenging because it limited my creativity, but it only inspired me to go above and beyond in my work. I have worked there for over two years and this experience has helped me gain more skills and become more confident in my own work. My director critiqued my photos and videos to fit the legal profession and I was also able to apply her input to my projects. For example, one of the first big projects I worked on was excruciatingly demanding. My director challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and think in a different headspace than I would in my own work. I had to remember that I worked at a law firm, so I had to get creative in a different sense. I had to think of what would be attractive to lawyers and what would pique their interest. My director advised me to think “legal”, but also put my own creative spin on it. Later on that day, I completed the project and received the highest praise I had ever gotten from my director. This project ended up being the most successful that we have had to date.

Daniel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The passion bloomed through the love of fashion. I got into my craft by drawing, and drawing evolved into photography and videography. Knowing my work could come to life excited me in a way that I did not imagine was possible before.
I provide photography and videography services that enrich people’s lives. That being for marketing purposes or clients personal projects. One day I’m working on law firm content, and the next day on a Maternity shoot. I help my clients create a narrative that they want to portray through photo or video while keeping an aesthetic.
Regardless on the project I always try to find a way to incorporate fashion or minimalism, less is more.
Being in marketing allowed me to learn what works and what does not. How can I create an ad for you that works? By playing with the algorithm and adopting to social media.
I am most proud of helping my clients visualize their ideas, and watching their faces glow from the final product.
The main thing I want people to take away from my work is that you can create a story using any medium and it will be aesthetically pleasing.

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

After planning my photos, finding models, and editing, the final product is the most gratifying part of my creative process. Seeing my vision become a reality is what fuels me as an artist. The response I get from my clients is also a big part of why I am a photographer. Seeing their shocked expressions gives me the energy to keep going with my craft and reminds me of why I love being a photographer. My finished work makes people happy and that is my biggest motivator.

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

My mission is to use my art to bring more enrichment into my clients’ lives. Fashion is a big element of my art that drives me to get as creative as possible with my clients. I utilize fashion to make my clients feel good about themselves. I am able to take my clients’ ideas and add my own elements to make it complete the narrative that my clients want to depict through their photos. This creative freedom allows me to express myself while also satisfying my clients. Creating art is the foundation of my existence, so making it come to fruition is what helps drive my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.danielmannequin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmannequin/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-villarreal-688a23205/