Today we’d like to introduce you to David Paulo.
Hi David, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is David Paulo, a native of Lauderhill, Florida who has cultivated a career as a digital creative by contributing my skills to showcasing South Florida Culture. With a background in graphic design I’ve successfully and organically constructed a strong online presence and loyal community following. Through the use of film photography, I display historical landmarks and the culture of not only in South Florida but across the United States on my platforms. My commitment to the community has earned my brand recognition from CBS News Miami, Channel 7 WSVN, and South Florida’s 99 Jamz radio station for community outreach and giveback initiatives. Through his art, I aim to bring happiness, nostalgia and unity to the world at large by continuing to inspire connection and collaboration to the unique places we call home.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a long bumpy ride during my journey of becoming a creative. I’ve been working hard and consistent for a decade now, and everything is finally aligning how I envisioned. Before I started my photography venture I was a graphic designer working with local musicians, venue owners, clothing brands, and party promoters. I was blessed to have built relationships with certain individuals, slowly working my way up the ladder. I quit my job around 21 years old and fully locked in to become a full-time creative. As we all know this world is expensive and bills come every first of the month, I was financially drained and some months I wasn’t able to meet certain goals. There was times where I almost gave up on myself, the process really took a toll on my mental health. Despite the lows I never quit and my work ethic improved over time, I now have successfully built an online community with over 150K followers on Instagram organically. Moral of the story is to trust your process but most importantly always believe in yourself!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to label myself a preservationist, someone who preserves history, art, and culture. Growing up in Broward County, I was surrounded by an abundance of culture that is truly rare. I specialize in capturing the world through my lens with photography, story telling, and cultural artistry. I recently picked up a new hobby of becoming a historian, researching local history of South Florida and presenting it to the online world. I also started a really fun digital easter egg hunt game called the “Stash & Grab” where I hide free money and merchandise for my community of South Florida. I’ve always been a helpful person to the ones around me, I figured I’d do it on a larger scale. I’m aware times are hard out here so I became a leader helping those in a financial crisis. I’m most proud of always retaining self identity and motivating peers around me. Often when I’m in public organic love is displayed and I receive positive feedback about the work I produce, South Florida’s Tri-County loves me and I love them back.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was always a level headed kid with a bight future on my shoulders. It’s easy to fall victim to the streets where I grew up in Lauderhill, Florida but I never let my environment determine who I truly am. Fashion, arts, music, and sports were some elements that motivated me into the man I am today. I also was heavily influenced by geography and architecture as a child. I have family in Los Angeles, California, every time I visited I was astonished by the landscape of California’s beautiful mountains and hills. I payed attention to different styles of architecture which always caught my eye, I am a sucker for an attractive structure. Overall, I was a great kid who stayed true to his inner-self and always went right when the crowds steered left.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://historyartculture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com//shotbyleather
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehub954
- Other: https://kreezeklub.com
Image Credits
Architecture and lifestyle photos captured by “ShotByLeather”
David Paulo portrait captured by “Insurgo Visuals”
