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

Hi Darrin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always carried a camera around from middle school through college. In high school, I was introduced to the course: Desktop Publishing. In addition, I also liked working on computers at a very young age. Combining both interest of computers and desktop publishing, later created the foundation for graphic design and photography for me. Two of my high school teachers, A. Lane and A. Stokes, allowed me to be as creative as possible. I started to create brochures, business cards, flyers, festive powerpoint presentations, and other artistic material. While working two jobs during the covid pandemic in 2020, I contracted the covid virus that would later allow me extra time to invest into myself. I did some research online and found a website called Udemy. I enrolled in various Adobe classes: Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign and a photography class. Enrolling in these courses would later be the foundation for the creation of my business. With the editing and photography courses finished, I decided to think of a business plan. My business name is hDPixelz LLC. DP stands for: “Desktop Publishing”, “Digital Printing”, and my name “Darrin Pryor”. The first installment of my business is based on Photography. As time goes by, I will be adding additional layers to my business ranging from graphic design, website creation, and etc.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I obtained my BBA in Business Information Systems in 2015 from Tennessee State University. I did not have a direct path on where I wanted to go once I graduated. I moved back to my hometown of Memphis, TN in 2016 with the plan to start over. I started working at Starbucks located in the Memphis International Airport. While working, I started studying various IT courses and started to research different avenues within Information Technology. My older sister wanted me to move to Houston to see if I could find myself a corporate IT job. I moved to Houston, TX in 2017 and started a new job in tech after being in the city for two months. I did not have any IT experience at the time; however, I was given a chance to work within a newly created position. My first IT position I held was called: Project Delivery Associate. Within year three, I became an Implementation Engineer. Currently, I am now a Partner Experience Manager. I am what you would call a person who has the best of both worlds. My technical background allows me to be technical while my manager side allows me to speak with customers & partners on the operational side of things. I have been with my IT company as of 5 in a half years.

While being an Implementation Engineer, I battled with staying within the tech field or finding a job where my passion is needed. The engineer position caused me much stress and I struggled with working within that position. Allowing myself to finish the graphic design & photography courses in my downtime while being an engineer, I actually realized that I am very skillful. Eventually, I found a new position in IT where I have the perfect life/work balance where I have extra time to invest into my business. My mental health is much better and I am no longer technical.

Once thing I have learned most through my journey is to keep going and enjoy the process. Consistency and patience builds greatness. Life is a marathon and not a race.

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.
I am a foodie. Most of the trip would consist of going to different restaurants to enjoy breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner. I would also show my friends the monumental attractions of the city. The beaches are nice to visit as well, San Padre Island.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize two high school teachers: Angela Lane & Amber Stokes I would like to also recognize my business fraternity brother: Gerald Green
Lastly, I would also recognize my fraternity brother: Joshua Sims

Website: https://hdpixelz.myportfolio.com

Instagram: hdpixelzbusiness

Twitter: hd_pixelz

Facebook: HDPixelz

Other: Email: hdpixelzbusiness@gmail.com

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