We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniel Fowler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I broadly claim my work ethic from my family and upbringing. My parents started their business in 1995 as computer manufacturers and then diversified in 2000 as a multimedia branding firm.
As firm believers in legacy and generational wealth, all their children (including myself) were instilled with the entrepreneurial spirit and the character traits to match. I can recall as early as 14 shadowing my father as he worked at corporate events and galas. Much of our client base held business-builder workshops and seminars, discussing what a good entrepreneur entails. Imagine being a fly on the wall as icons like Andrew Young, C. T. Vivian, Kim Fields, Stedman Graham, and executives of global corporations like Coca-Cola, Google, SoundCloud, Walmart, Chik-fil-a and more discuss how to be good stewards of business communities.
Fast forward to over a decade later, I’ve started my own business, using the techniques and principles of the mentors before me. I still practice the same work ethic from years prior, but it’s evolved to be a core characteristic of the man I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a young professional, my passion is about capturing the world through my lens. I’ve been exposed to the world of media by working alongside his family’s company, American Technologies, Daniel developed a keen eye for aesthetics and an understanding of capturing the essence of a brand.
In 2019, armed with a wealth of experience and a burning desire to explore my creative vision, I branched out and started my photo studio, NK-Divisions. Through this, I have the remarkable ability and privilege to bring life to even the most ordinary of subjects. Whether I’m capturing the energy of a bustling cityscape or the intimacy of a portrait, my work reflects a deep understanding of light, color, and storytelling. With a combination of technical expertise and a passion for composition, I quickly made a name outside of the family umbrella.
However, I soon discovered that the need for additional branding services allowed me to spread my wings once more. I’ve added my experience with Graphic Design, Videography and post-production, and Website Design to further diversify my array of services. I work with business owners and creatives alike on their social media campaigns, brand redesigns, and content generation. My strength has always been creativity, and I’m blessed with the opportunity to share that as my business.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
If I had to name 3 things that generated the most impact as a young entrepreneur in the media space, it’d have to be: 1. The Ability to Learn – I also owe my parents this. I don’t necessarily mean reading comprehension or excellent test-taking skills, I’m focusing on intentionally keeping an open mind and becoming like a sponge, absorbing information from all directions. This is especially useful in a creative tech field, where limits are virtually nonexistent. I’ve continually taken this approach since the beginning of my career. I listen to and practice techniques from neighboring professionals, take the time to harness and develop my own, and research every detail about gear and software relevant to my business. We live in the age of easily accessible information and there is no barrier to entry to becoming a great photographer or design specialist or even director.
2. Dedicated Work Ethic- You can’t stand out by doing anything halfway. If there’s a direction I want to go, I jump in. You can test the waters by dipping your toe in, but you won’t move forward. There are always obstacles and the fear of failure, but I learned early that failing forward is a valid strategy for developing not only yourself but your business too.
3. Integrity- My friends lovingly refer to me as the “Lawful Good” of the group, someone who focuses on honesty, fair judgment, and maintaining their word. When you are entrusted with someone’s brand or image, it is imperative that you treat it with the care and respect you would for your fellow man. It’s normal for me to not only provide dedicated service to my clients but also invest in their mission.
How would you describe your ideal client?
No two projects are the same, but I have determined what makes the process the most efficient for creating.
An ideal client has a vision of what direction they want to pursue with their brand. Whether that’s just photography, graphic design, or full service, they’ve already established what exactly they want to do. I love working with creatives for this reason.
As we move into pre-production and first service, punctuality and communication become the foremost important characteristics. It allows for smooth transitioning into the next steps if we can meet on time, discuss any questions as soon as they arise, and navigate through our relationship with the mutual respect of professionals. If we can accurately communicate the needs early, it also cuts back on changes and re-edits on the latter end.
Lastly, I’d like a happy client. I aim to earn not only your business, but your trust enough to refer me to your colleagues.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nkdivisions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nkdivisionsphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069465565829
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-fowler-jr/
- Other: Feel free to contact me at : 404-599-4862, or [email protected]
