Meet Darin Triplett

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Darin Triplett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Darin, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I attribute my resilience to a combination of personal challenges and an innate drive to improve my circumstances. From birth, I faced significant health challenges, including a collapsible trachea and ongoing respiratory issues. My parents were informed that I might experience slow motor skills and potential developmental issues. Despite these predictions, I developed healthy and productive coping mechanisms that contributed to my happiness and growth.

Financial difficulties also played a role, adding another layer to my determination to seek a better and different life. My family and friends provided unwavering support, never pitying my struggles, which fueled my resolve to persevere and excel in all areas of my life. This persistence has been a constant, allowing me to improve continually over the years.

My first and most enduring coping mechanism has been my art. From the age of two, I was driven to depict the beauty I saw in the world. As my artistic skills evolved, so did my ability to heal and grow. This connection between art and healing has remained a core aspect of who I am.

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?

I’d be delighted to share more about myself and my professional focus. I am the founder of a nonprofit arts organization called Just That Creative. This organization is dedicated to supporting and showcasing emerging artists across various disciplines, including visual arts, performance, and multimedia. Our mission is to provide a platform where new and innovative voices can be heard and appreciated, fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community.

What makes Just That Creative particularly special is our commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for artists who are at the beginning of their careers. We believe in the power of creativity to inspire change and bring people together, and our programs are designed to reflect this ethos. From art exhibits to workshops and collaborative projects, we strive to create an environment where artists can grow, experiment, and share their work with a broader audience.

In addition to my work with Just That Creative, I am also a multidisciplinary artist. My artistic practice spans poetry, painting, and photography, and my work often explores themes of intimacy, self-expression, and identity. Through my art, I aim to create pieces that resonate on a deep emotional level, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions.

One of the most exciting projects we are currently working on at Just That Creative is an event series called “Stellar Creatives Unite.” This series brings together artists from different fields to collaborate and showcase their work in dynamic and immersive events. Our next event in this series is scheduled for September 7th at 7:00 PM at Just That Creative Art Space. This gathering will feature a diverse lineup of Texas artists, including dancers, painters, photographers, and videographers, all exploring the themes of intimacy, identity, and sensuality.

I am passionate about creating spaces where art can thrive and where artists can feel supported and inspired. Whether through my own artistic endeavors or through the initiatives of Just That Creative, my goal is to contribute to a richer, more connected artistic community. I am excited about the future and look forward to continuing to champion the incredible talent and creativity that exists within our community.

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?

Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful in my journey:

1. Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward has been crucial. Life and art both come with their fair share of challenges, and resilience has allowed me to face these head-on without losing sight of my goals.
– Advice: Cultivate resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Practice mindfulness and self-care to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage you to keep going, even when times are tough.

2. Creativity and Innovation: As an artist and founder of a nonprofit, creativity has been at the heart of everything I do. This quality has helped me to think outside the box, find unique solutions to problems, and create meaningful and impactful work.
– Advice: Foster your creativity by exploring different mediums and techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take risks in your work. Engage with other artists and creatives to gain new perspectives and ideas. Keep a journal or sketchbook to document your thoughts and inspirations.

3. Community Building: Establishing and nurturing a community has been essential for both my personal artistic growth and the success of Just That Creative. Building strong relationships with other artists, supporters, and the audience has created a network of mutual support and inspiration.
– Advice: Focus on building genuine connections with people who share your interests and values. Attend events, join groups, and participate in collaborative projects. Be generous with your time and resources, and always be open to learning from others. Remember, a strong community can provide invaluable support and opportunities.

For those early in their journey, I recommend staying curious and open-minded. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and insight, and never stop learning. Developing these qualities and skills takes time and effort, but they will serve you well throughout your career.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely, I am always looking for folks to partner and collaborate with, especially through Just That Creative. We are particularly interested in connecting with emerging artists, creatives, and organizations who share our vision of fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community.

We are open to collaborations with:

1. **Visual and Performing Artists**: Painters, photographers, dancers, videographers, and other creatives who are passionate about exploring themes of identity, intimacy, and self-expression.

2. **Art Educators and Workshop Facilitators**: Individuals who can offer workshops, seminars, or mentoring sessions to help nurture and develop the skills of emerging artists.

3. **Art Collectives and Nonprofits**: Organizations that align with our mission and are interested in co-hosting events, exhibitions, or other artistic projects.

4. **Community Leaders and Supporters**: People who are passionate about the arts and can help us expand our reach and impact through advocacy, funding, or other forms of support.

If you are interested in collaborating, you can connect with us through our website or social media channels. We welcome you to reach out with your ideas, projects, or proposals. Let’s work together to create something amazing!

Website: https//www.justthatcreative.com
Instagram: @justthatcreative and @darinleithart
Email: darin.triplett@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you and exploring the potential for exciting and impactful collaborations.

Contact Info:

• Website: HTTPS://justthatcreative.com
• Instagram: @justthatcreative and @darinleithart
• Facebook: Darin Triplett
• Linkedin: Darin Triplett, AIA
• Twitter: @darintriplett