Meet Toddraune Smith | Graphic designer/brand strategist

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

Hi Toddraune, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
For me, I think the most important thing that I have done as a parent is be transparent with my kids. I try my hardest to be an open book. For example I make sure they see the process and not just the finish product. They understand that things have a cost, and in order to get the things you want from life, business, ect. you have to do the work even when no one is watching. I feel that if I don’t show them this perspective I am setting them up for failure, especially in the day and age of sharing only your highlight reel.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Currently I do Graphic design, Illustrations, and brand strategy. I also have a brand called Dallas Fresh. Both brands can be seen on Instagram @wizarte (graphics) @Dallasfresh (t-shirt brand). I think I have made it to this current level by just drawing and sticking to it. I think it is easy only because I enjoy my craft.

It’s not work it is more of me just enjoying creating. I’ve overcame challenges simply by staying positive and being patient with my craft and myself. I’ve learned so many lesson. The most notable would have to be consistency is key and breaks are essential to my growth.

With my brand Wizarte I want the world to know visuals matter. I hope to help small business owners like myself apply simple design to allow their brand to stand out amongst the crowd.

With Dallas Fresh I want the world to know how dope Dallas is. I created Dallas fresh not to sell shirts or make a buck, but more to tell a story of how amazing Dallas is. I aim to highlight the greatness of Dallas through design and photography. I love the city greatly and I want to show that through my brand.

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.
If I had a friend visiting Dallas I would recommend staying somewhere like the Joule or the Magnolia not only because they are both great hotels in Dallas but they are both located in the heart of Downtown Dallas. For breakfast a trip to Normas the Davis location is a must. Great food, great staff and tons of history on the walls are some of the reasons to stop by. Next back downtown Dallas to walk around the city and make a stop at the DMA (Dallas Museum of Art). After grab a cup of coffee at the Flying Horse Cafe on Akard st. For Lunch I would recommend going to the Mitchell and having a burger and fries and cocktail In my opinion one of the best. At night for fun possibly hit up Red Bird Skateland for good music and good vibes. For dinner stop by Caribbean Cabana and get my favorite the jerk chicken sandwich. For the night life bar hopping in Deep Ellum would be the move or in the Bishop Arts area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves the credit. They are the constant that pushes me to keep going forward. They do this by wearing the shirts I design, offering there opinion, and overall just motivating me to give my all. My mother deserves a special thank you. She has done so much for me and has helped keep me on course. The thing that pushes me most are my kids also desrve a special thank you, because they definitely keep me motivated.

Website: www.Dallasfresh.shop www.thewizarte.com

Instagram: @wizarte @dallasfresh

Twitter: @dallasfresh

Facebook: facebook.com/dallasfresh facebook.com/wizarte