Meet Donovan Purvey

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Donovan Purvey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Donovan, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome wasn’t quick or easy. It was something I really had to work through, especially early on in my creative journey. At the time, I found myself constantly comparing my work to what I saw online. I was emulating other designers’ styles, not out of admiration alone, but because I wasn’t sure where my own voice fit in. That comparison trap can be damaging and it makes you feel like you’re always behind, never original enough, or somehow not worthy of the space you’re in.

What helped me was slowing down and focusing on finding my own lane. I gave myself permission to experiment, to mess up, and to reflect on what actually felt like me. When I look back at some of my early work, I can clearly see that wasn’t my voice yet. It took trial and error, but I eventually started to trust my instincts more and create from a place of authenticity rather than insecurity.

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’m Donovan Purvey, Founder and Principal Designer of DKGrafx, a creative studio where I focus on brand identity, graphic design, and visual storytelling. My journey into design was unexpected. I started out in accounting, but my passion for art and creativity was always present. In 2012, I began exploring graphic design more seriously, creating flyers for a friend’s gospel group. From there, opportunities began to open up, and in 2015 I officially launched my design business, which has since evolved into DKGrafx.

What excites me most about what I do is helping people bring their ideas to life in a way that feels authentic and visually impactful. Whether I’m designing a full brand identity or a single social graphic, I approach every project with the mindset of telling a story , one that reflects the heart of the person or business behind it.

What I believe sets DKGrafx apart is the mix of personal connection and intentional creativity. I don’t just design. I listen, collaborate, and help clients discover how to show up confidently and consistently across every visual touchpoint.

Currently, I serve as Head of Branding for both the Blackwolf App and IMRSN Church, where I lead visual direction and help shape how these brands connect with their audiences. It’s been a rewarding experience to help build something meaningful from the ground up, especially in spaces that represent culture, faith, and community.

As for what’s next, I’m continuing to grow DKGrafx, take on new creative challenges, and expand into more brand strategy work , helping individuals and organizations not just look good, but communicate clearly and connect deeply with their audience.

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, the three qualities that shaped my journey most were resilience, curiosity, and openness to feedback.

Resilience helped me push through moments of doubt and trial-and-error. The creative path isn’t always clear, but staying consistent , even when I wasn’t confident I kept me moving forward.

My advice: don’t wait to feel ready. Start, stay steady, and let growth catch up.

Curiosity fueled everything. I studied designs, learned tools, and broke things down just to understand how they worked. That exploration helped me eventually find my own voice. For those starting out I say keep learning, but make sure you’re creating just as much as you consume.

Feedback was also huge. Whether from clients or self-reflection, being open to it helped me improve faster. It can be tough, but if you treat it as a tool instead of a judgment, it becomes one of your greatest assets.

Wherever you are in your journey, stay patient, stay teachable, and trust the process.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

This is actually something I just started to get a real handle on this year. In the past, when I felt overwhelmed, I would completely shut down. I’d miss deadlines, lose focus, and feel scatterbrained. It was frustrating and I knew something had to change.

Now, I approach it differently. First, I give myself permission to rest. Taking a day to unplug, be still, and spend intentional time with God and my thoughts has been a game-changer. It helps me reset, reflect, and get re-centered.

I’ve also learned to balance the pressure of client work by doing fun, personal projects that remind me why I started designing in the first place. That creative freedom helps me reconnect with my passion and keeps burnout at bay.

But the biggest shift has been getting organized. Using Notion has completely transformed my workflow. Having a clear system for prioritizing tasks, tracking projects, and structuring my days gives me peace of mind and helps me stay focused. Whether I’m tackling a big branding project or just managing everyday responsibilities.

My advice? Don’t ignore being overwhelmed. Address it early. Build routines that help you stay grounded, find tools that keep you organized, and always make time to reconnect with your “why.”

Contact Info:

• Website: IT IS COMING………
• Instagram: @DKGrafx
• Facebook: Donovan Purvey

Image Credits

Cliff Hamilton ( www.cliffhphoto.com)