We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darcy Yates. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darcy below.
Darcy, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be successful you need to rethink the ideology of having success. The ego creates success through validation, but lasting success is through personal enlightenment. I truly believe that accomplishments are defined by individual experiences. Grass will be greener on the other side because people are installing AstroTurf. When you understand your weeds and plant your own flowers, you will be able to make the best of what you have. I found myself mentally pigeonholed in 2020 and I decided to go back to school. Honestly, I’ve wanted to go back for years but failed myself by thinking it was impossible. Through obstacles, balancing my art career and another full-time job, I graduated in 2022 with a master’s degree in business. I have found my own personal success through persistence, and I am grateful for where it has and will lead me.
Darcy, 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?
Hello, I am a muralist and visual artist born and raised in Los Angeles California. At a young age I’ve been accustomed to expressing myself through art. Introverted by nature, extroverted by nurture, I found my artistic calling through collage/mixed media. I love finding the materials (photos/paper etc.) and growing it with my own vision. With this passion I went to Cal State Northridge for my BA in Art (Illustration). During Senior year, my silk screen print won Best in Show at the annual student art show. It was in that moment, I mustered up hope that I could do this. From there my life as an artist grew into internships, art shows, mural festivals, traveling and endless creating. Mixed media art is the best, I can work big or small and I can still convey my idea through found materials. It’s also has a relatable quality by giving instant visual gratification. I find myself artistically lost in the wallpaper and truly enjoy creating my own world. I’ve also enjoyed making masks and environments for photoshoots, music videos and art installations. I’ve dabble in animation and have worked with some extremely kick ass artists in making their music videos/ NFT’s come to life. I set myself apart from others by being extremely versatile. I also love working with cool people. My favorite example is my mural with Captain Morgan for the MLS match in Los Angeles. After a impromptu photoshoot, lots of gold spray paint and actual lights, my mural was complete. Since they believed in my vision, I was able to create a great mural.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I love sending limited edition thank you cards to my clients through the mail. Some of my long-time clients have given me years of support and I enjoy showing my gratitude. Having a genuine connection with your clients makes the art experience meaningful to the process. I also like catching up on new projects via social media and email.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think people struggle to understand that having many passions doesn’t diminish creativeness. It would be harder to understand my journey if you define my art as a linear progression. I feel like I’m everywhere and I love that! That’s what life is all about, the hills and valleys that create the onion. My insight would be (from my own experience), don’t let your career define your creative passions because anyone can be creative. If you have a 9-5 job, there is nothing wrong with taking time and creating. ( Multi-passionate people are more interesting!)
Contact Info:
- Website: darcyyates.com
- Instagram: @darcyyatesart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darcyAyates/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darcyyates/
- Twitter: @darcyyatesart
Image Credits
Any photo with BIRDMANPHOTOS labeled on the bottom is taken by Bryan “Birdman” Mier. The others are taken by myself.