We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Warren recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I went to Paris to study art at the École Des Beaux-Arts. My grandparents lived in France and my grandfather was a professional artist who inspired me to pursue a creative life. The first moment I realized I wanted to become an artist was in a studio where I was studying life drawing, The room was large with sculpted pillars where a feeling that ancient artists had roamed the halls leaving there spirits all around us. The students were huddled around the nude model totally submerged in the act of creating art. The sensation of being immerse is when I first knew I wanted to devote my life to a professional path in art. I made many artist friends which I think is one of the key to developing a professional career. I created a group of 4 women artists called “group 9”. Together we created installations in a cultural institutions around Paris. We understood how much art interacts and connects with the viewer.

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?

After studying art, I become a fashion designer to earn a living as an artist. A friend of mind from art school ask me to create a textile for a client in the fashion industry. I was amazed how much I loved creating my first commercial design work. I then created my own business in textile design where I sold my designs to the Haute Couture houses. I engaged with with my clients on their visual presentation of textiles and colors that reflected their key market. In my textile business I met many people that encouraged me to grow and slowly I became a fashion forecaster in Europe I worked researching movements in art, color and textiles. I had the opportunity to travel and learn about different cultures. My bilingual and bicultural path sets me apart from others because of these life experiences. I am most proud of becoming a professor of art and design at Parsons School of Design in Paris and New York where I taught for 15 years color theory and design. A place where I could share my life experiences and inspire the next generation of painters and designer.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social Media is hugely important for creatives because the aim is to grow your audience and promote professional development. I learned to grow my audience by telling my story through postings on Facebook and Instagram. I post stories almost everyday with photos of my work and process. Also, it is important to follow other artists, to create a community where you interact with others. I learn so much about how applying to artist calls, residencies, and grant opportunities. I have increased my sales by 75% through engaging posts. Connecting with other artist and art organizations has help me to understand how the art industry works. I show my work in New York and Paris galleries and through these connection I now belong to the New York Artist Circle and major artist communities. My advice is post, post, post.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to develop and express your ideas. I am a full time artist devoted to promoting and marketing my artwork and designs. I love being an entrepreneur continually looking for my own avenues to promotions and increase business sales. What I loved most about being an artist/entrepreneur is connecting with other artists and the freedom to make a living from my painting and designs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daniellewarren.net
• Instagram: www.instagram/daniellewarrenart
• Facebook: danielle warren
• Other: www.nyartistcircle.com very important artist community