We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Hardy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Danielle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I always knew that creativity was going to be a part of my story. My mother enrolled me in my first ballet class at the age of two. After a total of sixteen years at the barre and on the stage, I decided that I wanted to push my creativity into different vessels, such as photography. I was always fascinated by how much power a photograph can wield. So I went full fledged into pursuing this next creative venture.
Danielle, 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?
My artistic practice is strongly tied to my African American identity. I use photographic mediums to explore the nuances and variability of black Americans by conceptually linking black historical themes into a modern context. Inspired by my formal dance training, my photos push the physical form of each subject to further illustrate the complexities of one’s identity. Balancing the line between fashion and narrative art, my use of natural light and out-of-studio scenes highlights and celebrates both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of black existence. Above all, exalting the black body is at the core of my practice.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Ok. So less of a resource and more of a course of action. It is called cold emailing. Basically, a cold email is emailing someone who you have little to no prior connection to in order to build a connection or professional contact. This email style can actually change the game for a creative!
For example, if you are a photographer who is looking to get their feet wet in the industry by photo assisting. You would formulate a nice email expressing your interest in working with said photographer and why. Cold emailing shows bold eagerness to learn and is a great way to connect with people who you never thought you had access to. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive an answer on the first couple emails! Just keep sending them and one will stick!
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Twyla Tharp’s “The Creative Habit” is a great resource for those trying to find their creative voice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellehardy.com/
- Instagram: @dani.lanae