Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Blackmon.
Dominique, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I think creativity has always been second nature to me. I can remember as a little girl carrying a drawing pad around with me wherever I went and throughout the years, I have dabbled in different forms of art and design. In grade school, art and design classes were always my first choice and I had the opportunity to work on large projects like murals around the school and have my art displayed. I was first introduced to graphic design in a high school class and grew to enjoy it. When I went to college, I was torn between choosing design or kinesiology as my major. I was told I couldn’t do both, but I didn’t let that stop me.
Eventually, I chose kinesiology so that I could pursue physical therapy, and for a while, I thought that design wasn’t an option anymore, but God had bigger plans for me. While working towards my degree, I joined organizations on campus, and guess what my prime role became in all of them? You guessed it, designing! I served as the public relations chair and handled all things creative – flyers, t-shirts, logos, snapchat geo-filters, you name it. So eventually, with requests and the support of my family and friends, I decided to start Designs by Dominique. I’m very passionate about what I do and love being able to help someone bring their vision to life! I believe that my designs leave a lasting impression and will only continue to get better from here. At the beginning of my college career, I was told that I had to pick one of my passions, but I am currently in grad school for physical therapy and also have a graphic design business that is growing by the day.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been an easy road, but it definitely has been a rewarding one. Most of my struggles have come from self-doubt and indecisiveness. I’ve always been passionate about art and designing, but never truly believed in how far I could go with it. I come from a family that has taught me to believe in myself and stand firm in the things that I am passionate about, but also one that is traditional and believes that you go to college either to be a lawyer or a doctor.
Despite that, I went to college and initially chose design as my major, but after one semester of having professors who were hard to please, I felt like I had made the wrong decision. They made me feel like my art and designs were incompetent and I lost all confidence to continue on, so I listened to my parents and switched majors. Once I started designing again and getting suggestions to start a business, I questioned myself for some time and had doubts about not being good enough. It took me a while to regain my confidence, but I feel like everything happens for a reason. My worst enemy was myself and the doubt that I had, but I eventually overcame it, pursued a different route, and I am now living out all of my passions.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Designs by Dominique offers high-quality and affordable graphic designs. I provide custom design created for individuals, groups, and organizations, or for different occasions and celebrations. The most popular designs are logos, flyers, and during grad season, cap designs. I also have a few shirts for sale that can be found on my site. Check out my Michael Jordan vintage tee below! My mission is to create exceptional designs to meet and surpass the expectations of my clients within a timely manner. I work closely with each client to create designs specifically meant for them based on their ideas. What sets me apart is my passion to design with meaning and purpose while being able to help others in doing so. I am also working to take my business a step further and create customized items; so, if you like things like custom t-shirts, cups, or bags, stay tuned!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, of course! I think you can be a graphic designer anywhere, though. If you look around, graphic design is all around us. A graphic designer probably created the logo for your favorite brands or that flyer you just scrolled past on Instagram. When people have ideas, graphic designers help bring them to life, whether that’s a new business idea, an event, or an occasion. Dallas is a big city full of great and vibrant people, so I think a lot of opportunities can arise from starting a graphic design business here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.designbydominique.com
- Email: designsbydominique1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designsby.dom/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/girlydom_
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