We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Toshia D. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Toshia, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I am self taught in both graphic design and photography. I started teaching myself graphic design at the age 10 using websites like PicNik that allowed you to edit your photos with different filters and things. As a freshman in high school I then started to use Adobe software like photoshop and illustrator to learn more on how to do graphic design. For a while I did manipulation graphics on friends photos for practice. Throughout high school I learned how to do web development, textiles fashion, and more graphic design. I graduated from the Indiana Institute of Technology with a Bachelor Degree in Science of Digital Graphics and Design.
Knowing what I know now is to keep taking my time with my craft. For a while, I had felt like if you rush through the craft then you will miss the key points that will keep it as success. I have a passion in doing my craft so I take time on all of the skills that I have Learned. Any mistakes that I come across will be learned and understood. Learning photoshop is the essential part of all my skills because I can use it in multiple ways. From retouch editing photos to manipulation graphics on my photography photos. There are multiple obstacles that have stood in the way, but I do my best to stay calm to get through the situation. I am always going to learn something new in my craft! It’s one of the best parts.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Well, after graduating college I started doing photography as a hobby while looking for a graphic design job. Asking friends around to model for me at different locations. When it got cold outside that’s when going to the studio was a thing for me. My first shoot in the studio was a headshot and the makeup was done with gold sheets of glitter. I posted that photo and it was literally up from there. Being the studio and experimenting with lights feels free. There are no rules when creating. I will design a light setup that gives out the mood that you can feel. My style is natural but bold. Making sure that the subject has smooth natural looking skin. The colors around are bold and set the mood.
The service that I provide is photography and digital graphics. For photography I specialize in portraits, campaigns, and products with studio lighting. I do shoot at location and bring my studio lighting with me. I have clients that love my work and keep coming back. If there is a mess up on my end I do offer a free extra edited photo or graphic design piece from the photo collection that I took. I am proud of myself for continuing on with my journey as a photographer because being a black women in this industry is not easy. We do tend to have to work and show out 10x more or harder than the rest. It is a very hard road but I do my best every day. My goals are being met and more!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice
My view on NFTs is that it can be more than just a digital collectible. For me, if I were to mint an NFT it will come with a tangible item of some sort. A digital collectible seems to be able to still go missing but if you are able to see and have it in hand then you will be able to hold on to it longer.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding is knowing that I have made someone feel good about themselves with an amazing service. Knowing that I have achieved bringing sometimes vision to life feels great and lets me know that I have a purpose in photography and design. I like for people to be happy with what I provide them. It does not feel good for people to not like to work with you. So, I am always making sure that my client(s) or model(s) feel good during the shoot by hyping them up and giving them the space to be comfortable. Telling them that they are looking amazing. Music play in the background and more. It is the best feeling to know that you made someone feel good about themselves. If it sticks with them then that is a plus! That is something that warms my heart in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yaakoa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toshiadvisuals/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ToshiaAba
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natoshia-damptey/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ToshiaD_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrBBTADgZbn0cchBhqDurlA
- Other: Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/yaakoastylz/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_toshiad
Image Credits
Models: Raven McCree, Perfect “Pink”, Payusu aka P, and Ethan Calhoun Brands: Do Better Clothing Photographer: Toshia D. (me)