Meet Dana Goldstein | Artist & Digital Marketing

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

Hi Dana, what are you inspired by?
Most of my inspiration is derived from music and paintings. Although my primary medium is photography, I’ve found that it can be detrimental to my art process to constantly look and compare my work to other photographers. It was something I did when I was a lot younger and it didn’t create a positive headspace for me. I try to make art from the purest form which is inspiration, so I am constantly looking to different forms of art. I find a lot of inspiration in the beauty of nature as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My background lies in fashion and entertainment photography. I earned my bachelor’s degree in photography from The Savannah College of Art & Design in the early 2000s. After graduating, I moved to New York City, where I interned under renowned photographer Kenneth Cappello in the high fashion and streetwear scene.
At the time, I was still quite young, and those years were pivotal in shaping my career. Working for Kenneth was an incredible learning opportunity and I got to experience everything from Vogue photoshoots. to meeting Erykah Badu, to assisting on early Supreme sets. This experience laid the foundation for my own practice, and by 2008, I began contributing to Vice, including shooting two magazine covers and various editorials.
I found myself immersed in the downtown New York art scene, where I documented the spontaneous moments of life with friends—from rooftop gatherings to the hottest parties during New York Fashion Week. Professionally, I was shooting for a number of magazines, exhibiting my art in galleries internationally, and photographing for various brands. In 2009, Grammy award winning singer M.I.A. hired me to document her music video sets, and later shot an album cover for Kanye West in 2010. At just 25 years old, the fast-paced lifestyle took a toll on me and I realized I wasn’t happy, so I decided to leave New York.

I spent some time traveling & living in Miami, where I rediscovered my identity as a photographer. This shift allowed me to transition from documentary-style work to focusing more on fashion, models, and swimwear—helping me grow & expand as an artist. Ultimately, I decided to moved to Los Angeles because that’s where my highest-paying clients were/are located. Living in this city has been a transformative experience. The amazing weather, stunning nature, privacy, and high quality of life have been wonderful.

I soon came to realize how unsustainable a career in photography is, in today’s rapidly changing industry. With the rise of affordable technology, it’s easier than ever for clients to hire someone with the latest I-Phone rather than pay a professional photographer’s day rate.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I fell into the cannabis scene—a passion I’ve always had. The financial opportunities were fantastic and the work was way less stressful. I began working with a lot of medicinal patients & got to witness firsthand the positive impact cannabis had on improving their lives, which became a very fulfilling experience for me.
This inspired me to merge my artistic pursuits with my newfound profession in cannabis, leading me to return to school at UC Berkeley to study Digital Marketing. Going back to school was an incredible experience that significantly elevated my thinking skills as a businesswoman & human.

Currently, I am balancing my own artistic endeavors while working at a cannabis digital marketing agency. It truly feels like the right path for me, blending my passions and professional growth seamlessly.
I have so many goals and dreams as both an artist and entrepreneur that I want to pursue in this lifetime. Right now, I feel like Im exactly where I need to be, but I want everyone know that this is just the beginning. I want to create a new pathway of integrating art and advertising. My vision spans photography, visual arts, fashion, cannabis, animal advocacy, marketing, and sports.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends were visiting LA, I’d definitely want to show them some hidden gems. Some of my favorite spots include The Arts District, downtown Hollywood, which feels reminiscent of New York’s Lower East Side these days, Little Tokyo Village for great food & shopping, as well as The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita, an animal sanctuary open to the public where you can connect with animals.

For beach days, my top pick is 1000 Steps Beach in Laguna. We could also explore Point Dume or El Matador in Malibu for breathtaking views. If we’re in the mood for great Mexican food, I’d definitely take them to El Coyote, a local favorite known for its warm hospitality. Ruen Pair in Thai Town and Ramen Nagi in Beverly Hills are also top recommendations.

And of course, I’d take them to a Dodgers game—nothing embodies the LA spirit quite like the energy of rowdy Dodgers fans. Other noteworthy spots include Mulholland Drive views, The Getty Center, and Hauser & Wirth, followed by a quick bite to eat at Manuela’s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to April Kae. She is not only my friend and favorite rockstar but also a mentor & boss who has profoundly impacted my life. Her belief in me, both as an individual and a friend—has opened doors that I might not have otherwise had. April has taught me an enormous amount of knowledge about business. She has built her brand on kindness & inclusivity, but also self love & advocacy which is so inspiring. Working alongside individuals like her, has reignited my passion for creating art.

Website: https://www.danalaurengoldstein.com

Instagram: danalaurengoldstein

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danalaurengoldstein/

Image Credits
All photos belong to me.