Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Donte Douglas . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Donte, thanks for joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

It all started because I was being rejected. I realized I had to stop depending on the approval of other people. Instead of waiting around to see if my work would be published, I just decided to do my own thing. Work for myself. So for two weeks, nothing could stop me. All day. Everyday. I worked on my craft. Day and night. I aim for balance in the work I was producing. I wanted to include and express topics that I was passionate about. Then also create work for the readers to keep them satisfied as well. To launch, all I needed was a computer. I just put my head down and went to work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

One thing people should know about me is that I don’t talk much. I am always thinking and plotting on ways to improve my craft. I work well with people and have been apart of numerous projects with other creators. But I truly enjoy being alone. In my own space, with my own thoughts. It helps me visualize concepts for my photoshoots. I map out and execute my journalism work due to the silence I have built around my world. I get teased a lot for my demeanor and how I carry myself. And I embrace all the jokes. But its truly a gift and something I admire about myself. And it is very vital to how I operate as a creative. I am a writer before anything else. I publish books, greeting cards, blog pieces and magazines. I teach writing at an elementary school. I use my talent to uplift and push the young minds to use their creativity. Writing is extremely easy to me. And I advocate for the people around me to see it the same way. As well as give consumers an entertainment aspect of it. I interview and write pieces on fashion designers, models, athletes, music artist and influencers. I am a street fashion photographer and I have plans of one becoming a wedding photographer.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During my journey I’ve experienced people quit on me. Either during the middle or towards the end of publishing my magazine. I have written lengthy articles on different people or taken photos and for whatever reason they did not share the work to their peers. As far as dealing with people who quit. I love working and learning from other people. And most people know that developing each issue, is not a one man job. I appreciate everyone who contributes because at the end of the day, it is my dream and they are doing me a favor. With that said, no one owes me anything. For those reading, remember that no one in the world owes you anything. So broken promises will happen. People will lose interest. Life also happens. The people on your team have a life, a job and families to take care of. So when the partnerships fail, don’t take it personal. Just don’t be oblivious to the possibility. Because once it happens you have to keep going. Unless you want to give up on your dreams. Going back to the people who don’t share the hard work you put in to give them a spotlight. I would say, you have to channel your focus on the people who do share your work. Yes I have had models, designers and so on have a story written by myself and they did not let it be known. But I’ve also had people I wrote stories on, go above and beyond to let the world know. So just put your energy towards the people in your corner. And you have no other choice but to be resilient.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The only goal that is pushing me is to gain the approval of my family. And I know they would be very cliche in this moment and say they are already proud of me. But I know there’s more work to do. But my family is the only reason I still get up and go. After all these years of trial and error and not being where I want to be, I am only doing this for them. I have loving parents, grandparents, two sisters and cousins that support heavily. I have never been a fan of people saying you don’t owe your parents anything. I just do not believe in that. I had a very normal upbringing that I am very thankful for. And I believe I owe my parents something in return for what they did for me and my siblings. My sister and my grandfather passed away some years ago and I also push towards my goals because I truly know that’s what they would want me to do. All cliches aside.

Contact Info:

• Website: douglasjournal.com
• Instagram: douglas.magazine
• Linkedin: www.LinkedIn.com/in/ddouglas7
• Twitter: Douglas_Journal

Image Credits
Credit for the photos: Donte Douglas. The models can remain unnamed.