Meet Davaughn Nelson | Artist

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

Hi Davaughn, why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly this path pursued me it seems like at times, I was always an artist since a child with a wild imagination so as I got older and went thru high school I seen that there’s a way to make money out of art and to help to others make their vision come to life.

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.
What sets me apart from others from perspective? From my point of view what sets me apart from others is my perspective how see angles, how I see colors, I just see so many things in the real world and in my head (my imagination) and how I capture it or bring it things together to make it art or meaningful without me pointing out the meaning in whatever I’m capturing or creating. I’m most proud of how far I’ve came in this journey how I realize I manifested the things I’ve done or came across while watching YouTube videos in middle and high school so those been eye openers from god showing me that I’ve did it and CAN do it! I believe I got this far from believing in myself even thru self doubt or naysayers and to always have faith in god that god has your back and you’re being guided in the right direction you just have to pay attention and follow your instincts that’s why you have it! It was NOT an easy process so many downs, trials and tribulations I had to overcome from within and outwards but hey it builds character and helps you for future problems and growth. I’ve learned on the way to always trust yourself, believe in yourself and to always pray! Also talk to your friends or just talk to people you’ll be surprised how powerful your words could be to others and even yourself! I want the world to know that your mind is strong take care of it it can take you to worlds you never thought to imagine and to know even if you aren’t super poppin like these instagram influencers you’re still an inspiration and influence to your peers and shoot sometimes even the influencers see you and are inspired by you as well so you never know who’s watching you cheering you and just waiting for you to hit that pinnacle of your career…so keep going those opportunities will come! Like this I never imagined to be interviewed for me being me I thought all the cool people get gigs like these hahah! But ima always forever thankful and grateful!

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?
Ah man that’s tough haha! I’m an homebody I like stepping out when I step out to show off my outfit and to catch up with friends. Other than that I’d take them to the cool instagram spots first so they can get that out their system then I’ll let them take passenger seat in my life. First I’d figure out what food they’re into and go take them to my spots if I have any, to the park to kick it and reflect or go to movies to check out any thing that’s cool to see right now. If one of my homies have an even that week I’ll take them to that they’ll love that and end up out all night until the sun comes up and now I’m back in t house for a day or two haha.

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. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Haha there’s a long list of people to think! I would like to give a shoutout to my grandmother (my mom’s mom) she always knew that I would take my art to a global scale so that always stayed with me. The people who I give a shoutout to that put me on the right path that showed me you could really do it are Hidji, Yga and Ricky dula from the ASAP collective AWGE they a huge part in this journey, Zhamak and Raheem they taught and are teaching me the ropes to production, Gil on how to network. These are the people I’m most grateful for if I never met them idk how far in the journey I’d be at.

Instagram: @californiazomb

Image Credits
For my first photo with me in front of the Virgin Mary that was shot by Aria Murillo

The photo of the woman wearing tweety bird is my baby Juanita Toysehua

The black and white photo of the solider was from instagram

The panther from Pinterest

The rest I took the photos