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

Dante, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I look at path from two perspectives. First, gaining the interest in the arts and then actually having the courage to actually do it. First path was meeting my older brother and finding out he was a phenomenal artist at a young age. I would study his drawings and say to myself, I can do this too. His subject matter was mainly Prince and Bruce Lee as I recall. Or at least those were the ones I gravitated towards. But meeting him definitely lit the pilot light. And the second thing was an artist collective I joined after having not created in many years. I always refer to it as the artist version of Shark Tank and The Apprentice rolled into one. Being rusty in my craft while being in the room with some visual giants shoved my self-esteem into a do or die situation. I never imagined that art or being an artist could be so tough. With all that, I stuck with it and began to pursue it professionally.

Dante, 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?

Well, I recieved my degree in Art from Clark Atlanta University. Art wasn’t my first choice but wound up being my best choice. Before I started pursuing art professionally, I had a good 7 to 10 year gestation period which included several odd jobs. Jobs that included teaching a bit and barbering as well. There was always creativity budding but not until a co-worker from school demanded that I go pursue art and quit waisting my talent. It was at moment and with that challenge, I began to create and build up work for exhibitions and such. I am most proud that I found my own voice eing an artist. The fact that there is nothing new under the sun but you can always articulate it in a refreshing way. I pride myself on capturing the mood of a client when doing a commission. Its even more satisfying when you’re given full creative license to make there walls speak through your interpretation. Its always a proud moment when someone wants my artwork in their home, business or what have you.

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

There have been numerous times where the sale didn’t happen, the client changed their mind, or even not getting any interest while being in a show or exhibition. Having to sustain positivity and the belief that your product is great. Definitely not letting one instance dictate your passion. I have spent countless hours, days even months preparing for shows, not including the monies spent and not sell one earthly item. But you have gather and know that maybe it wasn’t your day and get ready for the next opportunity.

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

I built my audience by simply being seen. Visibility is everything. And I also created my brand through wearing my product everywhere I’d go. I also did a lot of communicating and building relationships. Your audience or fan base is a major part of success. When people connect with you and your product, that is an instant selling tool. It means they believe in your product enough to share it and even articulate about it. I’m still working on the social media side. I’m a slight old school fist bump dinosaur. I see it takes a lot of the same tenacity to keep your social media presence current and bubbling.

Contact Info:

• Website: danteyarbrough.com
• Instagram: dantetheartist@instagram