Today we’d like to introduce you to Dre Hill.
Hi Dre, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a lover of art and stories. As a young child, I drew on my parents’ walls and scribbled bits of fantastical stories in journals. Thankfully, my parents encouraged and nurtured my passions. ArtSmart (sadly long closed now), coloring books, creative craft projects at home, and art supplies were all some of their earliest investments in me and my talents. As I got older, I gained better clarity of vision with what I wanted my creative pursuits to be. I wanted to be a storyteller, especially in the visual arena. I really, really wanted to make movies y’all. I studied animation at Trimble Tech High School and then again at Drury University, majoring in Writing as well. Along the way, my creative repertoire expanded as I began experimenting and falling in love with other ways to tell stories like: photography and podcasting to name a few. Now, I introduce myself as an artist and storyteller because, regardless of the medium, that’s exactly what I am. That’s exactly what you’re going to get from me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think it has definitely been more of a smooth road for me. Having the support of my parents and the rest of my family has really been critical. They’ve never judged me for wanting to pursue a creative life, in fact, they’ve thrown the full weight of their support behind me, and that has definitely only ensured that I catapult further into success. While I’m still learning and growing, I already feel proficient in my crafts. College was tough for me; there were times that I really struggled. I contemplated my purpose. I contemplated my desire to be an artist, and especially my choice to study animation. I stuck with it though. Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse was actually the breath of fresh air, that critical catalyst of second wind that ensured that I stuck with my pursuits. The road was sometimes arduous, I came out and am still coming out on top though. Comparison kills, and while I can’t always stop those thoughts, I can always channel them into something that will serve me and my creativity, not stifle it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an artist and storyteller. I tell stories through my artistry. I would say that I’m most notably known as a published author and poet, but don’t sleep. I’m an animator. I’m a gallery exhibition artist and a published photographer as well. I’m also a podcast host. I even do a little graphic design and creative direction from time to time. One could say that I’m a jack of all trades. Most creative endeavors that I touch, I end up incorporating into my practices. As far as what I’m most proud of… I’d say publishing my first three books before the age of 24, without any formal collegiate poetry coursework. All within the span of a year, too, actually. Just me, my emotions and experiences, the pen, and vibes. The reception to my work has only further solidified my gratitude and elation for such an accomplishment. As a creative, I would say that what sets me apart from others is my general authenticity. Not that others are inauthentic, just that my natural connection and understanding of and to myself has a great influence. I think it shines through in my personality, my relationships with others, and especially in my work.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Truthfully, Covid-19 taught me to be open to pursuing new things, even if they seemed outside my wheelhouse. I started taking more creative at-home portraits during that time. I really dug into my story writing, and the first kindlings for the fire of poetry were being tended to. But most importantly, that’s when I started my podcast, Daily Dose With Dre Hill. It was a “silly” little passion project that has continued to serve a greater purpose while allowing me to explore the intersections of artistry and storytelling in a new way. In spite of the horrors of Covid-19, I’m grateful for the lessons and experiences it gave me.
Contact Info:
- Website: drehillart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drehillart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drehillart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-andre-hill/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drehillart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYnWZ0BU-ufFUX2LBl0TONw
