“Growing up I always looked up to my father who owns his own business and has ventured out to have multiple incomes to support his family. That is what motivated me to start my own business as a freshman in college,” Dywon Wilson explains. The Little Rock, Arkansas native is a graphic designer and proud owner of both DW Graphics & Design and Treehouse Kreations, businesses that embody his love for art and design. Dywon’s advice to creatives: “Don’t underestimate yourself and your artwork.”
What about graphic design intrigues you?
Almost everything that is designed or created deals with some type of graphics in a way. What I really find interesting about it is that we can digitally design anything we want with a creative mindset.
For those who don’t know, what is graphic design and what are some of the things you do?
Graphic design is a type of visual representation whether it’s shown through type, illustration, photography, etc. I define it as graphic design if it’s made digitally with specific inserts. I create mainly with Photoshop, which is an application that lets you design and edit photos with the sense of your creativity.
What has been your experience as an undergrad, specifically as a Black male graphic design major at a predominantly white university?
It’s not easy to express your art to everyone’s understanding when it comes to specific stuff like shoes, different types of apparel, or even greek life. It’s a lot of stuff that I had to explain for my classmates and professors to have a better understanding of why it was created and what it was. I noticed that if it’s not preferably good to their liking then it’s not good. Those are a few things that I have experienced at a predominantly white university as a black male graphic designer.
Not only are you a college student, you’re also an artist and entrepreneur! Tell us more about your creative ventures, DW Graphics & Design and Treehouse Kreations.
Growing up, I always looked up to my father who owns his own business and had ventured out to have multiple incomes to support his family. That is what motivated me to start my own business as a freshman in college. I wasn’t really focused until the end of my sophomore year speaking with my dad and mentors on how to get started.
I came up with the name Treehouse Kreations in three months. It was named Treehouse Kreations because when I was young, I watched the Cartoon Network show called Codename: Kids Next Door and the kids’ home was a treehouse. So, I always told my dad I wanted a treehouse in the backyard. Adding Kreations was essential because I am the creator and I just like the K better than the C. Treehouse Kreations started off with me painting on wood and then it eventually expanded with canvases and other stuff that relates to wood.
DW Graphics and Design started at the beginning of the fall in 2018 when I started making flyers for campus RA’s, became AASA historian, and joined RHA (Residence Hall Association) as their Marketing and Technology Coordinator.
As I learned and progressed over time, I started to realize the love that I had for graphic design. I was always doubting my artwork even when people told me it was good. I was never confident, but someone told me that you’re not going be perfect at whatever you do overnight. From then on, I motivated myself to become a better person when it came to my work and networking with other artists helped and inspired me, which made me want to start it as a business.
How do you manage your time between school and design work?
I honestly like doing schoolwork in the morning and design throughout breaks and nighttime because at night I feel like I have a better creative flow with no distractions.
Let’s talk programs. What is your preferred Adobe program and why do you consider it your go-to?
I highly favor Adobe Photoshop as my go-to program. I prefer using it before any of the other programs because of how easy it is to design whatever you’re interested in such as photography, graphic design, typography, and more.
What keeps you on your toes when it comes to designing compelling work?
Music and the motivation that I have set for myself keeps me locked in when I am designing.
What advice do you have for creatives in the following areas: building a clientele and setting prices?
Don’t underestimate yourself and your artwork. If you think that’s what you should charge for your artwork—go for it. If you want to build clientele, it is always good to network with people and join/connect with local events in the area that you live in.
Stay connected with Dywon via Instagram.
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