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

Alright, Daniel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My journey into the world of art commenced at a tender age, a passion ignited by my mother’s own love for crafting pottery during her youth. I must have been around 13 years old when I found myself at the crossroads of choosing electives upon transferring to a new school district. My mother, with her customary wisdom, suggested, “Why not try an art class?” Initially, I hesitated, unsure of what lay ahead, as I possessed minimal knowledge of the artistic realm. However, I decided to embrace the opportunity and explore this uncharted territory. Little did I know that this simple decision would set me on a path of artistic discovery.

As I journeyed through high school, I found myself irresistibly drawn to painting and the world of photojournalism. It was during my senior year that I confronted a pivotal decision – should I relinquish one passion for the other? The task of selecting a college intensified this dilemma. It’s important to note that, as a budding photojournalist, I had already begun participating in workshops and classes with esteemed institutions like the News Observer and UNC Chapel Hill.

My perspective took a profound shift after immersing myself in war documentaries that featured the lives of photojournalists. I realized my commitment to photography was unwavering, but my aspirations were evolving. I was inclined towards the commercial and advertising aspects of the industry. Thus, I embarked on the arduous process of applying to various art institutes, universities, and smaller colleges, ultimately arriving at a charming institution nestled in Central New York – Cazenovia College.

What sealed the deal for me was the college’s promise to allow me to focus on both painting and photography. Additionally, the small town ambiance, surrounded by picturesque landscapes of trees, rolling hills, and tranquil country roads, tugged at my heartstrings, evoking memories of home. Fast forward to my post-graduation phase, I found myself serving as a teacher’s assistant in photography at Manlius Pebble Hill and working as a photo researcher for the New York Historical Society.

At a mere 21 years of age, I began to feel a bit too close in age to my students and recognized the need for a new chapter in my academic journey. Hence, I decided to return to school, this time with the goal of acquiring a master’s degree to teach photography at the college level. The Academy of Art University in San Francisco had been on my radar during my undergraduate years, but I heeded my family’s advice to postpone that adventure. However, the timing seemed perfect to explore this opportunity now.

After applying, I received my acceptance letter, and in no time, I found myself on a plane, heading to San Francisco to embark on the next phase of my education. By this point, my photographic focus had evolved and crystallized; I was increasingly curious about the fashion industry. My concentration became fashion editorial photography, a pursuit that involved crafting narratives through a series of images for magazines and other publications. I developed a discerning eye for dramatic lighting and began to shape my distinct style as a photographer within the fashion industry.

As I neared the completion of my studies, I had already established myself in the field, working on assignments for international magazines, commercial shoots, and advertising campaigns.

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?

For those who might be new to my journey, allow me to introduce myself and share the evolution of my career. After completing my graduate studies, my initial foray into the professional world led me to an exciting role as an Art Director at William Sonoma’s corporate office. It was a pivotal phase in my career, where I had the privilege of working alongside seasoned Senior Creative and Art Directors who imparted invaluable mentorship and practices to bolster the core of our creative teams.

My responsibilities ranged from collaborating with producers, photographers, and set teams to overseeing shoot crews, whether in the studio or on location. I also participated in portfolio review meetings with talent agencies, contributing to casting decisions for potential new production teams, which included prop stylists, photographers, art directors, interior designers, and models. Concurrently, I continued my personal photographic work, contributing to various magazines.

However, as I delved deeper into the world of magazines and editorial photography, I began to experience a growing sense of frustration with the industry’s approach to image selection for both print and digital platforms. It was during this period that I had an epiphany and realized my true calling. After parting ways with William Somnoa, I embarked on a new venture with the vision of launching my own publication.

Armed with the knowledge and connections I had cultivated over the years, including model agencies, location scouts, hair and makeup artists, and wardrobe specialists, I set out to conceptualize a magazine that would carry profound significance. The name ‘LIVID’ was born, with ‘LIV’ symbolizing Living Identity, and ‘ID’ representing Identity itself. The core ethos behind LIVID was to infuse every aspect of our work with purpose.

I crafted a mock cover and presented my vision to a network of creative individuals who shared my passion. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the dream of LIVID was officially conceived in March of 2011. By September of the same year, we unveiled our first digital issue, comprising over 111 pages and featuring contributions from 20 talented individuals spanning eight different countries.

The following year marked a period of rapid growth as we welcomed over 300 contributors to the LIVID family. We ventured into print, producing runs of 40,000 copies, and secured distribution agreements with prominent retailers such as Barnes and Noble, as well as local distributors. Our journey has since taken us to more than 100 countries, where our dedicated editors and team continue to create and curate content, embracing our mission of Living Identity with unwavering purpose.

At LIVID, we take immense pride in our commitment to crafting purposeful and captivating narratives through our publications. We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey, where every page tells a story, and every image conveys a powerful message. We look forward to sharing our passion for Living Identity with you and our ever-expanding community of followers and supporters.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining chapters of my journey was marked by the doubters and naysayers, some of whom were teachers in high school and even my graduate school director. They all seemed to cast a shadow of skepticism over my aspirations, and it was a challenge I had to confront head-on. At those moments, it felt as though they were projecting their own limitations onto me, underestimating what a young Black boy from Raleigh, North Carolina, could accomplish.

However, amidst this adversity, I was blessed with a strong and unwavering support system. My family, especially my mother, and a group of dedicated educators took me under their wings and propelled me to greater heights. Their belief in me served as a source of strength, and their guidance was instrumental in helping me overcome the obstacles that stood in my path.

The key lesson I’d like to impart from this experience is the importance of understanding your own identity and worth as an individual. When you possess that self-assuredness, no one can undermine your determination. It’s vital to keep learning and honing your craft continually because knowledge is an ever-evolving journey.

Remember, the path to success is often strewn with obstacles and naysayers, but your resilience and determination can carry you through. Embrace your uniqueness, believe in your potential, and stay committed to your journey. The road may be challenging, but with the right support and unwavering self-belief, you can achieve your dreams.

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

For me, the most rewarding facet of being an artist or creative lies in the perpetual thrill of it all. Each day, I embrace the boundless scope to craft stories that come to life through my creative endeavors. Yet, what truly adds an enchanting layer to this journey is the collaborative synergy with kindred spirits, and fellow creatives, who share the same passion.

Together, we weave an intricate tapestry, an ethos that transcends the limits of individual imagination. The magic unfolds in the fusion of our ideas and the collective energy we channel into our work. It’s a world where monotony never finds a foothold, and the canvas of possibilities stretches to the horizon and beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.danielwatson.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danieleditorliv
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-watson-1b87a29/
• Other: www.lividmagazine.com www.lividmediagroup.com