Meet Dauly Cuello

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

Hi Dauly, what is the most important factor behind your success?

My mother’s support has been the most crucial factor in my success. She never questioned my career choices; instead, she proudly showcased my artistic creations. She encouraged my creative pursuits, enrolling me in an art and architecture program, and buying me a sewing machine and countless art supplies.

Our journey began when she made the brave decision to leave the Dominican Republic with my two sisters and I, seeking a better education in NYC. Looking back, I am profoundly grateful that she never pressured me into a traditional blue-collar career, which is a path many immigrant parents might choose.

Today, I am happy to make her proud as a successful Graphic Designer. When we had little to nothing, she believed in my talent and nurtured it from day one. She is, without a doubt, the driving force behind my success, my number 1 fan, and my motivation to push forward.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am incredibly proud of my career growth. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d be creating trailer graphics and title designs for a major streaming network. Though the journey wasn’t easy, my patience and passion for my work made every step enjoyable. From working with non-profit organizations and small businesses to launching my brand, “Bits n Clay,” I have always been driven by my creativity and problem-solving skills because design is my true passion. My hobbies are always related to creative expression like photography, fashion design and painting.

My path hasn’t been straightforward. I left my job at the non-profit due to a work environment that affected my mental health, leading to nearly a year of unemployment. During that time, I started my Etsy shop for handmade earrings “Bits n Clay,” and began working at a small Photo Booth company taking photos at special events and handling graphic design needs. After securing my position at Warner Brothers Discovery, I moved on from Bits n Clay. It wasn’t my true calling, and I found greater fulfillment in my current role. Today, I balance out my time being a full time designer and running the Photo Booth on some weekends. I believe that my current status is a result of preparation meeting opportunity, so my advice to others is “don’t let an opportunity find you unprepared”.

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?
A few days in Manhattan to get the most touristy things out of the way… Day 1 – Take the train to 34th Street, allow you a quick glance at the Empire State Building and head to Hudson Yards from there passing by Madison Square Garden (Sports fan).
– Eat at Little Spain Market before going up to the edge observation deck.
– Walk to Chelsea market via the High line.
– Grab some tacos from Los Tacos No. 1 (the BEST) at Chelsea Market and eat them at Little Island.

Day 2 – Go to the Museum of Natural History
– Bike through Central Park – Too big to walk all of it
– grabs some eats and drinks at Vida Verde (I’m having the Mexican Cobb Salad)
– Ferry ride to enjoy views of the city

Brooklyn
Day 3 – Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park and Time Out Market
– Head to Williamsburg – Eat at Teddy’s
– Walk to West Light at William Vale for drinks, nice view and romantic vibe.

Brooklyn
Day 4 – Explore Coney Island Beach, go on some rides and maybe the aquarium
– Attend a “movie in the park” (free movies at select NYC parks)

Day 5 – Spend an evening in Bushwick – grab some eats from small business and find the best tres leches cake (Gatekeeping this one)
– End the night at a Bar

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother – based on my previous statement

Douglas Davis – The professor who impacted my career the most, Author of “Creative Strategy and the Business of Design”

College Now Summer Program – I attended while in High School

The Cooper Union Pre-College Programs – I attended while in High School

Katherine Jimenez – My very supportive creative friend

Website: https://www.daulycuello.com

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

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BitsnClay?ref=shop-header-name&listing_id=894818684