We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Danielle Ramos. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Danielle below.

Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

Growing up, I was that kid—the straight-A student with a side of test anxiety so intense, I could’ve powered a small city. I’d study like my life depended on it, convinced that if I just memorized everything and got those perfect grades, I’d unlock the secret formula to success. Spoiler alert: it’s not that simple.

I was so deep in the books, I’d cancel plans, ditch memorable events, and basically hermit myself away to cram for projects. My mom would casually suggest that I, you know, live a little. Take a break. Maybe breathe? But did I listen? Nope. (And now I wish I had—shoutout to Mom, you were right.)

Fast forward to adulthood and working in the creative world—where the universe laughed at my plan. Turns out, it’s not just about knowing *all the things.* In the creative field (and most fields), it’s also about WHO you know. Networking. Showing up for events. Getting out there and talking to people (cue sweaty palms). And selling yourself? Yeah, that’s a whole other beast. You can’t study your way into making real-life connections or gaining inspiration from life happening around you.

Now I’ve learned that while grades are great, life requires a different kind of hustle—a balanced one. So if you’re stuck in your head, remember to put down the study guide and show up for yourself. You never know what magic you’ll find outside of those pages or the computer screen.

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.

James Victore said it best: “The things that made you weird as a kid, make you great today.” That quote? It’s basically my personal mantra. Growing up, I was always told I marched to the beat of my own drum—whether it was my bright, eclectic wardrobe or my unconventional ways of solving problems (the math teachers loved that). At the time, I didn’t always see how powerful being different could be. But now? I own it. It’s what drives my work and makes me thrive.

At DaniLou Illustrates, we embrace the weird, the quirky, and the unique—because that’s where the magic happens. My studio is all about helping brands uncover their own quirks and turning them into standout, authentic identities. We do more than just design. We create stories through brand strategy, identity, and everything in between: from event branding to signage, package design to campaign development. I dig deep into my clients’ stories to bring their true essence to life through visuals that connect, inspire, and solve problems creatively.

What sets me apart? I’m not afraid to break the mold and see things through a different lens. And I’m most proud of my ability to tap into the heart of a brand and transform it into something tangible, relatable, and unmistakably them. If there’s one thing to know about DaniLou Illustrates, it’s this: we celebrate the beautiful weirdness that makes people—and their brands—extraordinary.

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

I went to the University of Georgia and studied scientific illustration, and while it’s an amazing field, I quickly realized it didn’t offer the artistic freedom I craved. So, I took a leap and enrolled at Miami Ad School (formerly Portfolio Center) to dive into design. For three long quarters, I poured my heart into it, and I FINALLY felt like I was getting it. But then, came the dreaded critique—a final exam on steroids. One of the panelists was a creative I admired greatly, so naturally, I wanted to impress him. BUT… I did not.

He dragged my work—every. single. project. It felt like a creative gut punch. My face turned red, my eyes welled up, and I barely made it out of the room before bursting into tears. It stung, criticism is tough. But here’s the kicker: he was right. Design wasn’t the whole story for me. I realized I was strongest when I combined both design and illustration. That was my sweet spot.

So, I pivoted. I double-majored in design and illustration, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made. It was like finding the key to unlock my creative potential. And guess what? A few years later, I found myself working next door to that same panelist. Instead of holding a grudge, I walked over, knocked on his door and I thanked him. Sometimes the hardest critiques lead to the greatest breakthroughs.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Simple: ALWAYS giving 110%—pouring passion and heart into every creative project, no matter the size or scope.

When you start a creative studio, it’s a slow build. You get these fun, quirky projects that may seem small at first, but they have the potential to turn into something really special. One project I’ll never forget was when a friend came to me asking for branding and packaging for his homemade seasoning, Herbal Sol. He had a few straightforward ideas, and I got to work. But after I’d designed a few options… it didn’t sit right. The designs didn’t match the love and soul he poured into his product.

Travis, my friend, was thrilled with the initial designs, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it needed more. So I told him, “I want to create one more option.” I wanted to give him a brand that was genuine—one that told the story of his business and captured its heart. I spent days hand-drawing typography, reworking sketches, and channeling the true essence of what Herbal Sol was about.

When I finally revealed the design that I’d put every ounce of passion into, Travis was blown away. That moment was a turning point for me. I realized that no matter how big or small a project may seem, I have to create visuals that are just as personal to me as they are to my clients. Every. Single. Time.

Bottom line? You’ve got to have the heart in your art. That’s what makes clients not only love the work but come back for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://danilouillustrates.com
• Instagram: @danilouillustrates
• Facebook: @danilouillustrates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danilouillustrates

Image Credits

Photo Cred:
Main Headshot: Josh Geyer
Citrus Bliss Packaging: Drone Jones Media
The Little Waterdrop Book: Dan Almasy
Shirt Image: Josh Geyer
Bandana Photo: Tyson Edwards