Today we’d like to introduce you to Danii Oliver
Danii, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey as an artist took off when I attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City, where I started showing and selling my work in galleries during my teen years. This early exposure to the art world fueled my passion for storytelling and creativity, leading me to explore various mediums, from fine art to interactive digital design, animation, writing, and illustration.
One of my most significant projects is “Unschool Discoveries: Venturing into the Unknown,” a book that reflects my passion for self-directed learning and the unschooling lifestyle. As a full-time unschooling parent facilitator for over 11 years, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of learning beyond traditional education. This experience inspired me to create content that empowers children and parents to embrace natural learning and being self-directed.
Today, my focus is on the Unschool Discoveries series, combining my skills in writing, illustration, and interactive design to produce engaging and entertaining content. My goal is to offer representation for unschoolers and homeschoolers in mainstream entertainment. Unlike traditional narratives that focus on school-related challenges, our stories emphasize exploration, discovery, and problem-solving for personal interest growth. By showcasing a lifestyle centered on self-sufficiency and passion-driven endeavors, I aim to create a multigenerational entertainment universe that resonates with a global audience, making learning a delightful and engaging experience.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. Discrimination has lurked in every corner. Breaking into companies and job roles that would allow me to flourish as an artist and earn a living has been challenging due to judgments based on my outward appearance. Until 2020, being the only non-white person in rooms filled with white men in similar roles or roles I aspired to grow into highlighted the obvious disparity in representation and opportunities. When I didn’t get new roles or was turned down for open opportunities, no one believed me about the discrimination I faced, making me question my own abilities.
After 2020, the world started to acknowledge the discrimination and sexual harassment I faced in the workplace, especially with the increased focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). However, now that there is backlash against DE&I, the ugly rhetoric of racism and sexism has resurfaced. It’s no secret that the publishing industry is predominantly white, with 95% of authors being white. When working with companies to share my talent, I often receive feedback that underscores this discrimination, such as being disqualified by a panel of white men or being told I need a background that can sell to high-end clients. Recently, I was disqualified from an interview for being too practiced and prepared, and in another instance, they sought someone who codes 24/7, despite my qualifications.
Although these challenges persist, I am grateful for the opportunity to produce as an indie publisher, build my portfolio, and navigate around gatekeepers to share my work with the world. Who knows, with the possibility of an Arawak Caribbean & Tamil Indian President like my own heritage, more roads—albeit rocky ones—may open in the future. I hope to pave a pathway for generations to come, showing that perseverance and resilience can overcome even the most ingrained barriers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a polymath, a STEM creative technologist, in software engineering, art and design, illustration, writing, interactive UX/UI design and sciences such as anthropology, human computer interaction and fermentation. My work spans creating engaging digital platforms for enterprise businesses and children’s entertainment. I am known for my contributions in fermentation and permaculture in the craft beverage industry, producing natural, health-based experiences paired with fine arts, from gallery showcases to comedy and music.
After 2020, I pivoted to focus more on remote and digital experiences as the world shifted from relying on in-person to globally reaching experiences. This pivot brought me back to my roots in art, design, and creative technology, merging my skills as both a fine artist and a software engineer. My latest endeavor, the series “Unschool Discoveries,” reflects my passion for natural living and self-directed learning. As a parent, I draw inspiration from the next generation and aim to provide representation for unschoolers, homeschoolers, and mixed kids in mainstream entertainment, emphasizing exploration, discovery, and problem-solving for personal growth, as well as an indigenous heritage that is not one-size-fits-all American.
What sets me apart from others is my interdisciplinary STEM / STEAM approach, combining science with fine art, digital design, UX/UI, animation, storytelling, and my serial entrepreneur B2B background. This unique blend allows me to create rich, immersive narratives that resonate with a diverse audience. My 11 years as an unschooling parent facilitator and researcher provide me with a deep understanding of natural learning paradigms, which I incorporate into my work.
I am most proud of the impact my work has on children and parents, encouraging them to embrace a passion-driven, self-sufficient lifestyle. The “Unschool Discoveries” series validates and represents unschoolers and homeschoolers, offering stories that highlight the benefits of self-directed learning.
“It is a great pleasure to witness grown unschoolers and homeschoolers discover my book and immediately feel validation and representation for a large part of their identity they either keep hidden or feel they cannot share with peers because no one believes their childhood stories.”
My commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in all my endeavors. I strive to create content that reflects unrepresented experiences and backgrounds, ensuring that the publicly marginalized can see themselves in the stories I tell. This dedication to representation and authenticity is a cornerstone of my work, and it is what truly sets me apart in the creative and tech industries.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always curious and eager to explore the world around me. I had a vibrant personality and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, which led me to delve into a wide range of interests. From a young age, I was fascinated by both the arts and sciences, spending countless hours drawing, painting, and experimenting with early computer software. My love for storytelling was evident as I constantly created and tested ideas and sales pitches.
I attended both private and public schools in NYC, where I struggled to thrive in environments that partly nurtured my creative talents but rushed through my thirst for math, science, and experimentation. Additionally, I was denied access to sports because of my birth sex. During my high school years, I began showing and selling my artwork in galleries, which further fueled my passion for art, design, and business. As the child of an electrical engineer, DIY electronics builder, and DJ/sound engineer, I simultaneously developed an interest in technology and programming. Watching my father draft engineering and industrial designs that he would build himself laid the foundation for my future career as a creative technologist and my lifestyle as a techno-homesteader.
My upbringing was deeply influenced by my indigenous Arawak Caribbean heritage, which instilled in me a strong sense of identity and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. This cultural richness is something I continuously draw upon in my work, aiming to bring representation and authenticity to the stories I create.
Overall, my childhood was characterized by a blend of artistic creativity, scientific and engineering curiosity, and a strong drive to understand and represent the world around me. These qualities have been the bedrock of my career and continue to inspire my work today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.UnschoolDiscoveries.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unschooldiscoveries/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidofamilyranch/
- Twitter: https://x.com/UnschoolPages
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kidofamilyranch
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@unschoolpagesofourlives
Image Credits
Danii Oliver
