Meet Daniella Athena Oatmeyer | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniella Athena Oatmeyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniella Athena, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
It was a lot of trial and error. I’ve worked for so many people the past couple years and there was a moment each time where I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t happy. Even working in creative fields, the passion or drive just wasn’t there, so I knew I needed to make a change. I was living in NYC for a little under a year and that is where I really realized I had been trapping myself due to lack of confidence and feeding into other people’s decisions. It’s a hard realization you make in that moment, you realize that you need to step back and push against everything you’ve ever been told and that within itself is the most rewarding but scary feeling. But I am a firm believer you need to make room in your life for the new. I started to pick up a lot of free lance jobs in the city where I was really my own boss, and the minute I had creative freedom I knew I finally found my place. Every job I had was a stepping stone and a lesson towards who I am now. Being able to let myself have full creative freedom and not have to report to anyone but myself helps me to bring my talent to its full potential. I hope everyone in whatever field they decide to pursue has that moment where you finally know exactly who you are and who you want to be; its one of the most freeing feelings.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would definitely say having no plan B is what pushes me to constantly stay busy. I alway knew I wanted to be in the creative field, so I never let myself have time for anything else. A huge motivation to keep going when things feel overwhelming or “too busy” was the movie a friend introduced to me named ‘Whiplash.’ That movie made me realize that in order to achieve greatness you need to dedicate your life and make sacrifices, so every minute is a minute working on your end goal. You might not always feel super motivated or confident, but you need to keep going and keep busy for the kid in you who started the dream. When you really want to pursue anything, you need to be so zoned in that you don’t have time to think about anything else. Everything you do in life is a stepping stone for whatever your end goal is, so I always make sure that anything I do It will benefit my future in one way or another.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Everyone you come across in your life, good or bad, is a huge asset in becoming who you are. The ones who have always stood by my side in the process would have to be my parents and siblings. My parents never once said that being an artist or creative wasn’t a good career choice. They pushed me in every way possible to further my love for photography and music and show it to the world because they were the first to see it in me. I have to include my teacher Mrs. Levy from my highschool photography class, who always reminded me that I was doing a good job even on the days where I felt defeated. It’s the little acknowledgments that always got me and pushed me in the beginning. And last but not least My faith. I was blessed enough to be gifted gifts by god and had the mental toughness to pursue them no matter what. I prayed ever since I was little for wisdom for my future self, and God left me with nothing short of that, and for that I am forever grateful.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
That’s a tough one. I would have to take them to the beach (basic, I know) but it’s Miami, it’s a must. Hitting up the Fairchild Tropical Garden flea market is a must for me. I have been going since I was little so it is such a nostalgic spot. A Heat game because it is such a huge part of the culture that it would have to be a must. I would discover new places because the one thing about Miami is that it is a melting pot and there is always something new and exciting regardless if you are a local or not. I would take them to Super Blue because it’s a tourist spot, but just such a cool and unique experience and the photo opportunities are really endless. Last but not least, I would take them to the Frost Museum. It is such a beautiful experience and you also learn so much you just can’t beat it.

Website: https://daniellaoatmeyer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellaoatmeyer/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPLXWzatRJ6D1f0LX-C7ecQ