Today we’d like to introduce you to Darianne Tolbert
Hi Darianne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my journey in media over 10 years ago as a volunteer photographer and writer for my campus newspaper. If you would’ve told me that my love for storytelling and creative media would lead me to owning a local studio, I would have hardly believed you.
Back then, social media influencers did not exist. Content creation was relegated to blog writers. And the concept of a content studio was unheard of.
As the digital media landscape changed, I found myself in the perfect position to capitalize on the momentum and bring something to my local area that did not yet exist: 2D FilmWorks Content Studio — a home for creators.
Since college, I have traded in my camera to devote my efforts into cultivating a creative hub and community for emerging BIPOC creatives in the Central Alabama region.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to get here has been one full of uncertainty, surprises, and lots of bravery. Along the way, I’ve struggled immensely to believe that I could create a life as a creative. A decade ago, owning a camera and posting on social media was not a sustainable pathway. Most of my creative pursuits brought with them the idea of struggling as a “starving artist”. So on my journey, I’ve had to break through many limiting beliefs and fears.
My biggest struggle has always been unbelief — in myself, in my abilities, and in God. I had a hard time believing my creative work was good, even when I had a steady stream of clients. I struggled to believe I could build a business as a creative, even when I had the skills and educational background for it. I even struggled to believe that God would allow me to prosper, even when I knew it was Him giving me profitable ideas to execute.
But that all changed in 2023 when I embarked on a journey to open a studio. I knew limiting beliefs and a low-level mindset would hold me back. So I embarked on a journey to grow my faith and change the limiting beliefs I held. When I made the decision to think differently, and believe differently, I was certainly challenged and stretched in my thinking. But it fortified my mind and enriched my efforts because I now leave no room for doubt when I work. Whether it be creating an Instagram reel or adding to the studio, I now maintain a disposition of faith that says, “when I work it, it works for me”.
As you know, we’re big fans of 2D FilmWorks Content Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
In 2023 my husband and I launched a content studio in the Birmingham, Alabama metro area. 2D FilmWorks serves as a content creation studio and creative hub to the creator community of Central Alabama. The studio is known for being the most versatile, and affordable set studio in the area for rent to content creators. videographers, photographers, and podcasters.
While there are many photography and commercial studios in Birmingham, what truly sets us apart is the community that our space serves. We are proud to be a brand that serves the creative community by dismantling crab-in-a-bucket mindsets among local creatives. We know that opportunities are abundant, and we exist to elevate BIPOC creators in the area through networking meet-ups, workshops, and studio rentals!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The qualities that are most important to my success are unwavering faith matched with a persistent work ethic!
Pricing:
- Studio Rental $65/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.2dfilmworks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2dfilmworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2dfilmworks
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Darianne Tolbert | 2D Media Group
