My Story

My Design Journey

By Dana Love

Where It All Started

I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. While other kids were outside playing sports, I was sitting in my grandmother’s craft room rummaging through her things. Both of my grandmothers really inspired the creativity in my life and the love to create. One grandmother taught me how to scrapbook, and gave me the tools to create, while the other showed me how to upcycle. I was turning old tissue boxes into barbie beds and making doll clothes out of old clothing in my closet. Creativity was my safe place.

In my younger years, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. I went through so many notebooks sketching dresses, I loved styling outfits, and obsessing over accessories. In high school, I took a Fashion and Textiles class and learned to sew. The sewing machine was a beast to master, and reading patterns for different clothing pieces were a struggle at first but I was determined. My final project was to create an outfit that was showcased in the school fashion show. That was an unforgettable moment when my dream felt within reach. Although I let other people’s doubts seep in which created doubt in myself and my dreams. Teachers implied fashion design was an unrealistic career, and I quietly shelved that dream.

Losing My Way

Then came a dark period in my life, where i not only started to lose myself but my love for fashion and creating. Sophomore year, I struggled with my mental health and it really dimmed a light inside of me. It wasn’t until junior year, when I stepped into a photography class and the quiet magic of the darkroom, that reminded me what made me happy. Photography became my therapy, my voice, and my window back to myself. That's when I decided to get a BFA in Photography, which was an out for my current situation a beginning to living. I only applied to one college, in Chicago, believing I wasn’t good enough for anything else  Once I was accepted into school I moved right to Chicago and my journey really felt like it began. Inspired by artists like Nan Goldin and Cindy Sherman, I began telling stories through images, sometimes of my friends but more often of myself. Capturing raw emotion and staging scenes that felt like fragments of a memory. Still, I dove into my photography degree with hopes of breaking into the fashion industry.

Although its true what they say about running from your problems, no matter where you go they will follow, and even in the city where I felt like a different person I still had my shadows that followed. I compared myself endlessly to others, especially a friend who transferred from the music department into photography and quickly began booking the kind of dream projects I wanted. Instead of cheering her on, I let bitterness and self-doubt take over. Also seeking validation in others I really let me focus from school fade while I began to chase unimportant things. My grades slipped so badly I wasn't going to be able to finish my 4th year due to my grades and attendance. I convinced myself I wasn’t good enough and eventually quit on myself altogether. My camera gathered dust, and so did my identity as an artist. I slipped into the restaurant industry, bartending and serving, trapped in a cycle that felt safe but drained the life and creativity right out of me.

A Flicker of Light

Years later, when I was bartending in Chicago, a coworker mentioned needing photos for a modeling portfolio. Another friend outed me as a photographer, and despite it having been years since I’d touched my camera, I showed him my old work. He was floored, and persistent that I take his photos. I was so self conscious and told him that I could refer him to other photographers because I really did not believe in myself. So I gave in and got in contact with a friend of mine who had access to strobe lights and some basic equipment for a studio set up. We shot a few headshots and a few different outfits in my friends living room studio. Now, those images are now among my favorites. Not only because of the quality they were but they reminded me of the artist I had been… and still was.

After that I knew something needed to change, I had that fire under my feet to create again. I just knew that I needed to take myself away from all of my distractions and really apply myself to being better as well as educating myself to being skilled in more than just photography. I knew that you didn't need a certificate to be a photographer, but I also didn't want to just be a wedding photographer or a senior picture taking photographer. Plus the years of not being in school, I didn't pursue it on my own so I knew there was something missing. And then a few weeks later I got a call from my grandfather asking me what I though about going back to school. He wanted to know if I would move down to Winter Haven, Florida and help him with a few things, and in turn he would help me get through school and finish my degree. Now in Winter Haven I struggled finding a Photography program to complete my degree. But for some reason Keiser University kept popping up on everything, so I gave it a shot. Touring the campus I was a little unsure, especially only offer an Associates degree for Graphic Design. It felt like a step back and really I wasn't sold, like it wasn't good enough. But my guidance counselor pushed and he suggested that I just come meet the graphics instructor and hear what he has to say. That's when I met Professor Williams, I had never met someone so passionate about what they do and their students. He also told me something that will always stick with me, he told me I was selling myself short. Just because you get an Associates does not mean you don't have that skill to get a job in the field, and yes employers will as for a Bachelors all day but that's just a wish list item. If you have a strong portfolio and you are a great designer you will get where you want to be, and I really believe that.

A New Chapter

Fast forward to today, and while I may not be shooting photography as much, I’ve found a new outlet: graphic design. I no longer have my old living room photo studio, now I'm just in a room in my grandparents’ home, but I’ve learned that creativity thrives beyond the limits of the space you have. In my situation I've learned to reconnect with my passions, and the reason I went to the big city in the first place. Through my design studies, I’ve learned that there is nothing I can’t figure out, nothing I can’t learn.

I’ve built branding packages, marketing strategies, and even a full restaurant concept. My favorite project yet, Amore Amor, the restaurant concept we got to build the brand from the ground up. I got to connect my love for the hospitality and marketing. It  was a moment of realization that all of those years as a bartender or server were absolutely not a waste, and I can really do something with it. Then it all clicked, I could combine my love for hospitality with my design skills to create something truly special.

Pushing Forward

I still face struggles with time management, self-discipline, and the occasional bout of imposter syndrome. No one is perfect and we all have our moments. And I tend to be my biggest critic which can be bittersweet. But the difference now is that I push through. I give myself grace. I remind myself that I’ve already wasted too many years doubting myself, and I refuse to spend another decade in the same place.

The Road Ahead

Three years from now, I imagine myself working for a luxury brand’s marketing team. Maybe in hospitality, maybe in fashion. Creating campaigns for hotels, restaurants, or magazines like Vogue, Elle, or Bazaar. I see myself traveling, working on sets, collaborating with brands I admire, and finally publishing my own photo books and poetry projects. This time, I’m not stopping. I’m not shelving dreams because they seem too big or too far away.

"I’ve learned that the artist in me never left, she was just needed to get out of her own head and create something from it."