Meet Daniel Villarreal | Photographer/Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Villarreal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Inspiration to me comes effortless at times. I get a lot of my ideas while driving, something about driving and playing music is relaxing to my mind. ideas also come in a form of a word. It can be initiated with a word I’ve had in my mind for some time. Recently I been thinking of the word conundrum. Then I ask myself…. How do I make this word come to life within my photography. I need a concept, location, and fashion then falls into place. To be honest inspiration can come from anything at times. From a simple flower on the floor or the vibrant hues of an old house that remind me something out of Edward’s Scissorhands. Yes, like everyone else I come across creative block, I simply take 15 min to let my mind rest. Then it’s back to creating.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe I set myself apart from others by having this euphoric vibe into what Im creating, an enigma at times. A reality thats not really a reality, a wonderland. I got here because I stuck with what I had a passion for. If you are not passionate on what you are doing. You will lose interest, especially when things aren’t going the way you envisioned. The journey of an artist is a big conundrum. Knowing that you’re taking huge chance in something that can not be easily reached. Doubting yourself as in artist, and thoughts that question if you should continue to pursue this career in which most people think of as a dream/unreal. Your drive will dim, I’ve been there plenty times, but the passion within always seems to shine over the dark. At the end of the day, I simply love creating. Photography/videography is an outlet in which my visions come to life. I don’t like to say I have given my life to art. I prefer to say art has given me my life. Frank Stella

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday, I would take my friend to Hermann Park. Picnic underneath the trees, viewing our surrounding as we eat in relaxation and in peace out in the fresh air. Tuesday, we will walk around and Downtown for spots to take photos or videos until we come across a place to eat that catches our appetite. Wednesday, lounge on a hammock at Axelrad and have a chill relaxing day. Thursday, head over to Buffalo Bayou Park and ride on bikes all around the area. Friday, go thrifting on Westheimer Rd and grabbing a bite from the food trucks near by. Saturday, We are going out to Montrose for some drinks because It’s an open minded place with no judgment that always fun. Sunday, we are doing brunch at Hamburger Marry’s to enjoy the show of the drag queens. Finally just enjoying the company of each other before our departure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Might sounds a bit cliché, but to me that would be Tim Burton. Before photographing my ideas, I would draw. My drawings all had a touch of his magic with a dash of mine. Besides him I would say my friends and family and random stranger who told me “You have something special in your art, don’t let it go to waste” Shoutout to that random stranger wherever you are.

Website: https://danielvillarreal.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: @danielmannequin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-villarreal-688a23205/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ7u4ihnAjJiiZW2w0SHwHQ