Meet Doune Clermont | Creative Director & Graphic Artist

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

Hi Doune, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Often, I hear people say things along the lines “A Hustler never sleeps or “Don’t go to sleep until the job is done”. I am a huge fan of ‘resting’ and I completely disagree with both statements. I truly believe sleep is an essential function that allows your mind, body, and soul to regenerate, leaving you refreshed and energized when you start a new day. Sleep is important for every part of my brain, especially important for my imagination. I can recall most of my dreams and those dream assist with my art creations. Plus, I’m nicer to folks without any coffee jk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What can I say, I LOVE AND ADMIRE ART! Most of my family members are artists and being creative and innovative is part of my family’s bloodline. I’m not surprised that I view the world differently from other people.

I recognized my artistic talent when I was in fifth grade. I won first place in an art competition. I was extremely excited about sharing this great news to my parents but that was short-lived. My parents assured me that they wanted me to focus on pursuing a career in the medical field. I abandoned my love for art and delved into Mathematics and Science. During high school, I revisited my interest in visual art, and this is where I figured out I could be a successful artist. In college, I pursued a degree in Fine Arts and took many Math and Science courses.

Fast forward, I’m now a professional Creative Director and Graphic Artist. My latest and most appreciated digital art collection I have created is called ‘Beauty Marks (Vitiligo). I was inspired by multiple colors, geometric shapes, LGBTQ+ Black people, the healthcare system and having vitiligo. A skin condition I developed three years ago. Beauty Marks (Vitiligo)” follows 12 people of their zodiac signs and embraces the beauty in gender fluidity, Blackness and Vitiligo.

I am Black, Haitian, masculine-presenting, trans, queer person and choosing to purse art as a career wasn’t easy but I needed to be an artist to feel alive!

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?
I would take them to all my favorite galleries, open mic events, the gym, and a few black queer Brooklyn parties ( especially Funky Reggae House Party ). And we would spend the last day of the week with relaxing and listening to music in my apartment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Debbie-Jean Lemonte, Lifestyle Portrait/Wedding Photographer. She’s one of my biggest supporters and recommended me to Shoutout. So… if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have been interviewed. Kemy, my sister, thank you for being my own personal lifetime cheerleader and business partner of Bea & Ket Brand LLC. My oldest sister, Johane, thank you for showing me how to always go for what you want and deserve, no matter your age, time, or life-conditions. And thanks for some cheat-codes to the art world. I am forever grateful to all my great friends/family for always creating a safe place for me to express my wacky and creative ideas without any judgments.

Website: https://www.jdounedesigns.com/

Instagram: @jay_doune_designs

Other: My other business, www.beaandketbrand.com, we have All Natural, Essential Oils & Non Toxic Product. Such as Scented Candles, Hair Oil Moisturizers, Body Butters, Rose & Lavender Facal Toners, Body Scrub (Brown + Cane Sugar), and Beard Oils.

Image Credits
DAG Images NYC