Today we’d like to introduce you to Damonte Manning.
Hi Damonte, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ive always had a love for art as young as grade school. I could never really draw or paint that well , so I gravitated towards fashion and photography. I took some classes though-out middle school and high school that focused on sewing and photography solely, which took my interest to another level. After high school I did photography for friends and family and got a lot of my referrals through word of mouth, and at that time it was more of a hobby than something I took seriously. Then as more people wanted photos, I taught myself more editing skills through hours of youtube videos. Eventually getting people coming to me through my social media about photos. With fashion I started my first brand in Los Angeles, where I spent a-lot of time growing up and studying the fashion/lifestyle scene because it was so different and advance than what I would see in KC. It was Spring of 2017 when I came up with my brand name Beau Monde Los Angeles, which was more of a street brand when I first launched, focusing on graphic t shirts and one off custom items. Over the years I have made attempts to do smaller collections which had some success but never to what I wanted. I wnet through a phase of artistic burnout, and prayed alot for a narrow vision so I took some time off. With me I get so caught up with designing, taking pictures, and being the creative mind of everything that it has turned in to procrastination or delays in my overall planning. With that being said , the last year and a half I have been focusing on rebranding both my photography and fashion into one entity, Beau Monde Los Angeles, and Beau Monde Studios being an affiliate under it. Now, the fashion side of it (Beau Monde Los Angeles) will be more of a lifestyle brand, that will have focused collections and limited drops on some items while still offering everyday comfort for the timeless pieces. As far as the photography side (Studios) will have focus on photography, graphic design, and custom art pieces. Im excited for the rebrand and relaunch as I have a more narrow focus on what I want to offer and cant wait to share it and see where it can go next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the struggles along the way personally were my personal life number one. Young and getting caught up in relationships and chasing love put me in positions I shouldn’t have been in and I put my personal goals second. Another thing I would say is just getting into a perfectionist mindset, thinking every design or photo had to be absolutely perfect to the point id look at it too much, over think and start all over. Also, I would say competition overall in the space can feel over saturated, and you’ll see a-lot of “copy cats” which can throw off yur creative process if you let it. Thats why its important to have a vision and stick to it, so no matter what you stand out and people like your brand for what it is.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My specialties are fashion design in street wear but have started to dive into high end fashion as well. I also specialize in photography rather its portraits or landscapes but have also done creative shoots. Most people know me for my pictures and videos Ive posted on social media over the years, and some for fashion that have followed me in that scene. I think what sets me apart is I dont focus a-lot on “fast fashion” or trends but try to stay true to myself and brand for longevity.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly for me, the book that has been most important is the Holy Bible, without that I wouldn’t have the confidence or be the man I am today. When it comes to photography or designing the best apps have been photoshop, and lightroom by far .
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsbymonte/
