Danielle Wallis
Art Director / Stylist / Content Creator / Concept Designer
Brooklyn, NY
www.daniellewallis.com
instagram @daniellecwallis
pinterest
linkedin
Q What do you do?
“As an art director in social media, I brainstorm creative concepts (with a fabulous team) for content across multiple social platforms.”
I build concept & shot decks and provide visual and written direction for how images/videos/gifs should look and feel. I select props, backdrops, lighting, and colors to work with for photoshoots, and collaborate with talented stylists and photographers to bring these ideas to life! In addition, I work with freelance clients to provide visual direction and content for brands. Some clients simply need ideas of how their IG grid should look or feel, and I pull together images and plan it out for them. Other times, brands send me products to style, and I style and photograph them from home!
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I was raised in a creative family in Santa Cruz, California. From a young age, I was exposed to many forms of art and culture and was taught to be open-minded and curious. As a kid and teen, I trained in multiple forms of dance and loved dressing up and performing. This led me to begin playing more with my personal style and setting up photoshoots with friends in my backyard. After high school, I moved to San Francisco to study fashion and explore a more vast, creative hub. I earned my BFA in Visual Merchandising at The Academy of Art University. I had a few internships as well – fashion show production at Dizon Inc., visual display at Anthropologie, and working in the fashion closet at Teen Vogue magazine. After college, I moved to NYC – an easy move to make after having so much fun with my internships there. I felt my career could really expand in NY, yet I was very new and fresh out of college. I ended up staying for just a couple of years and focused on creating displays at Anthropologie and social content creation for Free People. I was back in California from 2014 to 2021. (A good seven-year cycle!) During that time, I became a professor at my alma mater, creative fashion editor for Bob Cut Mag, and a freelance prop & product stylist in Los Angeles. In 2020, I felt a call to move back to NY and re-establish myself in ways I never had before. I was offered the role of Art Director, Social Media at Walmart in 2021, and made the jump back East!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My eye is eclectic, and my resources are vast. I'm able to quickly and seamlessly pull together visual ideas and translate a brand's mission with ease. I'm known for how I combine references, include zeitgeist/cultural details, and the way I see and use color in my work. As a leader and collaborator, I lead by example, bringing positive energy and creative problem solving to the forefront. My goal is for everyone to feel included and valued, and have fun along the way!
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently working on a variety of really fun projects, including seasonal social content! On a personal level, I'm working on decorating my kitchen a bit more. Wall art, a new table cloth, fresh dining chairs - it's sooo fun to bring it all together!
Q What’s your style?
I was once dubbed a “mixologist”, as I mix and match the most peculiar items. In one outfit, you may see an oversized sequined top from the 80s, alongside a traditional Thai silk wrap skirt, with chunky wooden jewelry from Africa! Throughout my work, you’ll notice my love for color, textiles, and textures. In my product styling work, I enjoy playing with props in two totally different styles: natural vs. man-made. I love working with “raw ingredients” – flowers, leaves, food, etc. On the flip side, I also love working with plastics, metals, and synthetic materials. It’s an interesting duality that I believe I bring to the table!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I absolutely love spending time creating props from scratch, including backdrops! From plaster to painted on muslin, they're so much fun to create and save for photoshoots. I've also always been incredibly passionate about trend forecasting/concept design. I'd like to carve out time to create more boards that showcase my eye and how I see the world through trends.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Things that keep landing at the bottom of my to-do list are things like creating art just for fun. Or trying new things! Because I work from home right now, when the weekend hits, I like to be out and about, exploring/seeing new places. It's incredibly inspiring, but I also find hands-on creativity to be equally healing and fulfilling. I don't always get around to it though, for whatever reason!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Honestly, right now, I think everything's good!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
If I could go back to my early 20s, I would tell myself this: your variety of skills and interests is your STRENGTH. You will succeed and become valuable in your industry based on your "Jane of Trades" style of work. You've got this - don't think you have to fit into a box with what you do!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Ooh, so many things! Probably more insight into leveling up on networking, and working smarter - not harder.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm always open to fun collaborations on content or shoots! Would love to collab with a team on fun beauty or food projects. (Still life or with talent, or a combination.) In addition, I'm open to freelance opportunities where I can create stills/content, art direct campaigns, social media, or photo shoots in general.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Ideally, I love working with flexible, open-minded, positive people who love to create. An ideal concept would be something quirky, offbeat, or meaningful. Hopefully, it would be a project that includes a fantastic color palette, products that are interesting/have a unique design, and a fun story to tell! :-)
Q: What is your rate?
It really depends on the job, what it entails, etc. Feel free to reach out to me via email - I'd love to discuss in detail!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Feel free to send me an email anytime! Whether you have a solid idea or are still figuring it out, I’m always down to chat or meet up and help develop the concept!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Julia Stotz is an incredible photographer based outta LA. Love her style, from imagery to how she works on set. A solid human all around!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Explore, dance, travel, stay curious!
This member profile was originally published in August 2017, Updated April 2018 and January 2022.