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

DTrae, appreciate you joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

At Tulip City Creative, we break away from the traditional agency model by fusing high-art creativity with precision-targeted marketing—an approach that many in our industry treat as separate disciplines. Most agencies either focus on data-driven digital advertising or prioritize creative aesthetics. We believe that art and strategy should work hand-in-hand, and we’ve built our entire business around that philosophy.

One key way we stand apart is how we execute geofencing strategies using creative storytelling. Many marketing firms use geofencing as a cold, impersonal tool—just another way to serve ads to people within a geographic radius. We take it a step further by ensuring that every visual, video, and design element is tailored to evoke emotion, build connection, and drive action. Instead of generic promotions, we craft experiences that feel personal and immersive.

We worked with a local dispensary that struggled to attract foot traffic despite investing in traditional radio ads. Instead of pushing out the same templated social media campaigns, we designed an art-driven geofencing strategy that used a mix of custom photography and artistic motion graphics. The campaign didn’t just target people nearby—it told a visual story that resonated with the local culture, making people feel like they were part of something special. Within weeks, they saw a 40% increase in in-store visits and a higher engagement rate than any of their previous marketing efforts.

By prioritizing the artistry behind the message, we elevate marketing from just an algorithmic process to a high-impact brand experience. That’s what sets Tulip City Creative apart.

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.

I’m DTrae (sounds like “dray”)—a visual creative, marketing strategist, and lifelong explorer (of both the world and great opportunities). My journey has taken me from designing high-impact campaigns for some of New York State’s most essential programs to helping small and medium-sized businesses elevate their visibility through smart, effective visual marketing strategies.

For 17 years, I’ve had the privilege of designing and directing work for programs like Taste NY, Pride of New York, the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and NY State of Health—projects that connect people to the resources, food, and support they need. Through that experience, I developed a deep appreciation for how strategic design and storytelling can create real change.

But my journey doesn’t stop at marketing. I’ve always been drawn to new cultures, perspectives, and experiences, which is why after graduating from Siena College, I packed my bags and headed to Osaka, Japan, to teach conversational English. My students ranged from toddlers to centenarians, including physicists, politicians, musicians, and housewives. Every conversation taught me something new about philosophy, culture, and human connection, which continues to shape how I approach every project today.

At the core of my work is the belief that great marketing isn’t just about looking good—it’s about creating meaningful connections. Whether it’s designing a brand identity, crafting a visual campaign, or rethinking how businesses engage their audiences, I bring an approach that’s as thoughtful as it is creative.

And when I’m not working? You’ll probably find me rummaging through one of Albany, NY’s public library branches or counting down the days until the next Pizza Friday.

So, if you’re looking for an expert who thinks outside the box but still keeps things down to earth, I’d love to connect. Let’s tell your story in a way that gets people to notice—and remember.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I’ve built my reputation in the marketing world by combining creativity, strategy, and a deep commitment to my clients’ success. What sets Tulip City Creative apart—and what keeps clients coming back—is our ability to listen, adapt, and execute with precision.

Clients don’t just want “good marketing.” They want campaigns that feel authentic, resonate with their audience, and drive real engagement. We don’t do one-size-fits-all solutions. We take the time to understand each client’s vision, ask the right questions, and then transform that vision into a creative strategy that gets results.

One of the biggest reasons clients trust Tulip City Creative is our ability to translate ideas into powerful, high-impact visuals. Dry Fork Farms, for example, came to us looking for a fresh marketing approach. Instead of simply running ads, we took the time to understand their brand story, crafted a campaign that felt true to their roots, and executed it in a way that connected with their audience. The result? A campaign that didn’t just get seen—it resonated. The same applies to our work with Capital Region Community Investment Trust, where we developed branding, website design, and social media content that not only grabbed attention but also inspired confidence in a community-driven investment movement. Clients like Hammock Way of Life have even dubbed us their “go-to” creative team because we deliver work that is not only visually stunning but also strategically sound.

At the heart of my reputation is a belief that creativity should serve a purpose. Every design, campaign, and video we create is built with precision—blending artistry with strategy. Our process starts with deep collaboration, asking the right questions, and developing solutions that feel authentic to each brand. Clients appreciate that we take the stress out of marketing, delivering seamless execution and tangible results. Whether it’s helping a coach land a dream job, elevating a farm’s brand presence, or capturing the energy of an unforgettable event, Tulip City Creative isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making an impact.

At the end of the day, my reputation is built on trust. Clients know that when they work with Tulip City Creative, they’re getting more than a marketing agency—they’re getting a creative partner who genuinely cares about their success.

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

Resilience in business isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about adapting, evolving, and finding creative solutions when things don’t go as planned. One moment in my journey that truly tested my resilience was when I first transitioned from working on large-scale state projects to focusing on small and medium-sized businesses.

For over a decade, I had designed and directed work for high-profile programs like Taste NY, Pride of New York, and NY State of Health—projects with significant budgets and resources. But when I set out to build Tulip City Creative, I quickly realized that the landscape was entirely different. Small businesses didn’t have the same marketing budgets, and many were skeptical about investing in creative services. I had to rethink my entire approach—how I positioned my work, how I structured pricing, and how I proved that art and strategy aren’t just “nice to have” but essential for business growth.

The turning point came when I landed one of my first major small business clients. They were hesitant about investing in a highly visual, storytelling-based campaign—they had previously only used basic ads and word-of-mouth. Instead of backing down, I adapted. I put in the extra effort to showcase how a visually driven campaign could directly impact their bottom line by directly connecting them to their target audience. I built a small-scale prototype of their campaign, demonstrating the potential results before they had to commit. That extra step not only won them over, but the campaign itself was a huge success—driving higher engagement and customer conversions than any of their previous traditional efforts.

That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about persistence—it’s about being willing to learn, adjust, and prove your value in new ways. It’s a mindset I bring to every project, ensuring that Tulip City Creative stays ahead of industry shifts and consistently delivers results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tulipcitycreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tulipcitycreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tulipcitycreative/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tulipcitycreative
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TulipCityCreative

Image Credits

Photography taken and Graphic Design crafted by DTrae Carter of Tulip City Creative