Hello, I’m Dominique Macklin—a multifaceted creative professional and the founder of Artfull Empire Designs LLC. My world is a vibrant tapestry where fashion, art, and literature intertwine to create something truly unique. I am a multi-talented digital and mixed-media artist, self-published author, and designer. I bring a unique blend of artistic vision and strategic thinking to every project.
My Mission: Art, Awareness, and Social Justice
In my work, I strive to go beyond just making things look aesthetically pleasing. I seek to infuse each piece with a deeper meaning, aiming to inspire and educate those who view it.
The main goal for creating my art is creating awareness. Awareness is crucial because it provides knowledge of what is happening, which benefits an individual’s quality of life and can even save lives. I want my art to have a lasting impact that goes beyond what meets the eye.
My unique artistic fingerprint lies in my dedication to teaching through art, creating pieces that convey knowledge and invite the audience to a deeper understanding.
The Tapestry of My Inspiration
My creativity is fueled by a profound connection to my faith, history, and culture.
- Spiritual Foundation: My deepest inspiration comes from my love for Allah. History and Islam profoundly influence my work. I am an active participant in the Dearborn Fine Arts Club. Among my most cherished projects are my calligraphic renderings of the names of Allah, complete with transliterations. These works are fulfilling because they aim to connect viewers to their creator while illuminating the profound meanings behind the names. My art serves as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual.
- Culture and Social Justice: My artwork is influenced by traditional African artforms, cultures, and aesthetics. I create pieces that explore issues of social justice for African American people. I want to inspire others by educating them on the past and current struggles of black peoples all over the world and showing how we can work together towards a just future where everyone has access to basic necessities like education, healthcare, food, shelter, and safety.
- Storytelling and History: A love of history and storytelling drives my work. My pieces often weave together narrative threads with colorful visual art. My creative process involves relentless exploration and research to ensure my ideas are both innovative and deeply informed.
My Creative Journey and Hands-On Ethos
Born in the vibrant city of Detroit, I grew up on the west side. My journey was shaped by early challenges; I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at age nine, which required me to spend significant time indoors. This period allowed me to cultivate artistic skills through reading, arts, and crafts provided by my mother. I started by designing clothes for dolls using fabric scraps from my mother’s seamstress work. This early experience shaped my determination and helped me find my voice as an artist.
After working in manufacturing and retail, I set aside the corporate world to fully embrace the artistic passions of my youth.
I am a very hands-on person, and I’ve applied this practicality to my business, Artfull Empire Designs. I taught myself how to build and maintain my own website. I realized that the more I learned how to do myself, the less cost it would be for me. I have earned certifications in digital marketing and web design, combining my creative skills with data-driven insights to help businesses and individuals thrive.
Artfull Empire Designs: Where Creativity, Technology, and Community Collide
Artfull Empire Designs serves as an umbrella company where you can find information about all my art and projects, as well as products that I design.
- Creative Output: I showcase my versatility through stunning digital art and thought-provoking mixed-media pieces. As a mixed-media artist, I experiment with various materials and techniques, combining traditional methods with modern digital tools. I design custom apparel, handbags, totes, and original artwork, all infused with inspiring messages and bold designs. I also enjoy creating videos of my work, including converting my digital artwork and planning to publish more AI videos.
- Authorship: As a self-published author, my poetry book reflects my artistic journey, offering insights into my creative process while encouraging readers to explore their own narratives.
- Community and Vision: Art is a family affair, as my husband is also an abstract artist. I envision establishing a dedicated art space to foster a connection between creativity and community. I plan to launch new collections inspired by my love for my birthplace, Detroit and Michigan.
I believe that art is the lifeblood of society, a testament to our shared humanity and a vital mode of self-expression. I invite you to explore my portfolio, engage with my stories, and discover the power of imagination!
