Digital Art Entrepreneurs (DAE)

New York City-based community of working professionals across illustration, graphic design, animation, and the broader digital arts industry
About this Event

Digital Art Entrepreneurs (DAE) is a New York City-based community of working professionals across illustration, graphic design, animation, and the broader digital arts industry. We bring together creatives who are serious about their craft, their careers, and the business of what they do.

In an industry where our contributions are increasingly undervalued, our livelihoods are being challenged, and the future of creative work is being reshaped by AI and emerging technologies, navigating these changes alone is no longer enough.

DAE is built on the belief that we progress further when we progress together.

We're creating a space for digital artists to exchange ideas, share professional experiences, discuss industry challenges, and learn from one another's successes and setbacks. From building sustainable businesses and expanding professional networks to exploring new revenue streams, negotiating opportunities, and adapting to a rapidly changing marketplace, our focus is on the entrepreneurial side of being a creative.

It's about building stronger careers, creating new opportunities, understanding our value, and finding ways to thrive on our own terms.

By bringing experienced professionals and ambitious creatives together, DAE aims to foster a community where knowledge is shared, opportunities are created, and the people behind the work have a stronger voice in shaping the industry's future.

Most meets will have an “entrepreneurial roundtable” format. People can bring their creative materials (in this case, laptops, drawing tablets, etc), and we will go over a specific topic affecting either us as creators or our industry (topics like, pricing original illustration artwork, pitching animated projects, navigating AI related changes, protecting IPs, and finding clients). We’ll then allow people to share their thoughts and ideas on the matter. After, we’ll create together as a group, working on our respective projects and business endeavours.

Who should join?

Digital illustrators, graphic designers, animators, 3D modelers, fashion designers, motion graphic artists, independent studio owners, creative entrepreneurs, and other working professionals who use digital means as their main canvas and looking to expand their businesses or professional reach. DAE is for people invested in the business of creative work, not just the craft itself.