We had the good fortune of connecting with Darin Triplett and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Darin, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business emerged from a deep longing for a space where creativity could flourish without constraints—a place where art could be celebrated in its purest form. I envisioned an environment where liberty and elegance coexisted, where individuals could express themselves freely, explore new ideas, and immerse themselves in transformative experiences. This longing to break free from traditional boundaries drove me to create something more than just a typical art studio or event venue.
I recognized the need for a cultural platform that not only showcased art but also nurtured creativity and encouraged uninhibited expression. Thus, my business was born out of a desire to offer more than just art and parties. I set out to develop a space where individuals could engage with art on a deeper level, where they could connect with their inner selves and with others in a meaningful way.
Through my business, I am working to create a community where artists and art lovers alike can come together to explore, learn, and grow. My goal is to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment, where everyone feels encouraged to share their unique perspectives and talents. By providing a platform for free expression, I hope to inspire creativity and spark meaningful connections that enrich lives and contribute to the cultural landscape.
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 am a painter, poet, architect, and photographer dedicated to improving the human condition. My work primarily focuses on capturing moments rather than long narratives, seeking to encapsulate the essence of fleeting emotions and experiences in a single frame or verse.
What sets my art apart is the emphasis on the immediacy of human experience. Through my paintings, I aim to distill complex emotions into a single, powerful image. My poetry captures the poignancy of a moment with brevity and depth, while my architectural designs strive to create spaces that inspire and uplift. My photography freezes time, allowing viewers to reflect on the beauty and significance of a single instant.
Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey filled with challenges. It was far from easy, but each obstacle taught me invaluable lessons. I faced skepticism and doubt, both from others and within myself. Overcoming these challenges required resilience, a strong support system, and an unwavering belief in my vision. I learned the importance of staying true to my artistic voice, even when it diverged from conventional paths. Embracing my unique perspective has been crucial to my growth and success.
I am most proud of the impact my work has on those who engage with it. Hearing that a painting moved someone to tears, that a poem resonated deeply, or that a space I designed brought comfort and inspiration—these are the moments that validate my efforts and fuel my passion.
To the world, I want to convey that my art is a celebration of the human experience in its rawest form. My brand and story are about embracing individuality, championing creativity, and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Through my diverse artistic practices, I strive to create a cultural platform where free expression is not only encouraged but celebrated.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Absolutely! Here’s a week-long itinerary for showing my best friend the best of inner-city Dallas:
**Day 1: Welcome to Dallas**
– Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast and mimosas at my place to kick off the trip.
– Visit the Dallas Museum of Art to explore some incredible exhibits.
– Lunch at Sweet Georgia Brown Bar-B-Que Buffet for some mouthwatering Southern comfort food.
– Spend the afternoon strolling through the Bishop Arts District, checking out local boutiques and art galleries.
– Dinner at Ellen’s Southern Kitchen for more Southern-inspired dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
**Day 2: Exploring Galleries**
– Brunch at Jonathon’s Oak Cliff for their famous chicken and waffles.
– Head to the Design District to visit Pencil on Paper Gallery, showcasing stunning pencil artistry.
– Afternoon coffee break at The Wild Detectives, a hip bookstore and café.
– and late-afternoon visit to Daisha Board Gallery in the Tin District, featuring contemporary art by Black artists.
– For dinner, head to Trinity Groves, located at the foot of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. This vibrant dining destination offers a diverse array of food options from multiple vendors, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.
**Day 3: Cultural Immersion**
– Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Rudy’s Chicken.
– Visit the African American Museum to learn about the rich history and contributions of African Americans.
– Lunch at Glazed Donut Works for some unique and delicious donut creations.
– Afternoon visit to the Dallas Heritage Village to experience life in Dallas during the 19th century.
– Dinner at Kessler Park Eating House for locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine.
**Day 4: Foodie Adventure**
– Brunch at Norma’s Cafe for classic diner fare and oversized cinnamon rolls.
– Explore the Dallas Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods.
– Lunch at Caribbean Cabana for flavorful Caribbean cuisine.
– Afternoon visit to the Deep Ellum Art Co. for live music and local artwork.
– Dinner at Alligator Cafe for Cajun and Creole dishes with a Texas twist.
**Day 5: Outdoor Fun**
– Breakfast tacos at Taco Stop for a Tex-Mex start to the day.
– Spend the morning at Klyde Warren Park, enjoying the green space and food trucks.
– Lunch at Off-Site Kitchen for gourmet burgers and fries.
– Afternoon visit to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden for beautiful gardens and scenic views.
– Dinner at Kessler Baking Studio for artisanal pizzas and craft cocktails.
**Day 6: Neighborhood Exploration**
– Brunch at Oddfellows for delicious brunch classics and specialty coffee.
– Explore the Deep Ellum neighborhood, checking out street art and vintage shops.
– Lunch at Twisted Root Burger Co. for creative burger combinations.
– Afternoon visit to Deep Vellum Books for a curated selection of indie books and literary events.
– Dinner at Texas Spice for a taste of upscale Texas cuisine.
**Day 7: Farewell to Dallas**
– Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast at my place to kick off the final day..
– Take a leisurely walk around White Rock Lake for some scenic views and fresh air.
– Lunch at Hattie’s for Southern-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
– Spend the afternoon relaxing at a local park or exploring any areas we may have missed.
– Finish the day with a farewell dinner at True Kitchen + Kocktails, a Black-owned restaurant offering soulful cuisine with a twist.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of others. I have a host of people who have been instrumental and continue to be in my journey.
First and foremost, my parents, Darwin Sr. and Ruby, have been two of the most loving and supportive people I have ever experienced. Their unwavering belief in me has been a cornerstone of my confidence and drive. My siblings—Shonda, Darwin Jr., Kyshana, Dena, and Derrick (Bubby)—have also been incredible sources of love and support. Being the “black sheep” brother, it feels amazing to have my uniqueness and creativity celebrated by them.
Special thanks go to so many others who have encouraged and uplifted me. Friends, mentors, and colleagues have all played crucial roles in celebrating my work and embracing my wild opinions. Their enthusiasm and appreciation for my creative expressions have been incredibly validating. They’ve provided platforms for me to showcase my art, offered feedback that has helped me grow, and continuously pushed me to explore new horizons.
I am thankful for everyone who has ever believed in my vision, celebrated my quirks, and supported my endeavors. Their recognition and encouragement have been the fuel that keeps my creative fire burning.
Website: https://justthatcreative.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darin-triplett-aia-1b42a716/x.com
Twitter: https://x.com/DarinTriplett
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085173131038
Image Credits
Darin Leith Triplett