Life, as they say, is a tapestry woven with threads of joy and tribulation, of exploration and introspection. In the heart of bustling neighborhoods, amidst friends and street art, a young soul’s journey unfolds a journey marked by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering quest for success.
In a candid interview, artist – David – shares his insights into a life shaped by both the vibrant hues of artistic expression and the stark realities of urban existence. Growing up among friends, each day was an adventure, a canvas waiting to be painted with moments of skateboarding, graffiti, and the blossoming artistic talent. “I can sketch your essence,” David remarks with quiet confidence, a talent passed down through generations within their family.
However, life’s palette is not just filled with colors of creativity; it also carries the somber shades of violence that often accompany inner-city upbringing.
“ What were some of the challenges you faced growing up in a violent environment?”
“It never occurred to me that life was any different for anybody else,” reflects David, shedding light on the harsh reality that for many, the backdrop of life is etched with the shadows of conflict. Yet, within these challenges, a sense of resilience emerged – a resolve to succeed not just for oneself but for his community bound by shared experiences. “I stand with everyone who grew in a neighborhood like mine around the world”
“I thought the entire world was like this – and I was right. The majority of the world lives in a perpetual state of war.”
Drawing parallels to mythical strength embodied by figures like Atlas, David contemplates the weight of past struggles as a preparation for future endeavors. “God made us to be strong,”he remarked, hinting at a belief in divine purpose amidst life’s trials.
As the narrative unfolds, David paints a vision of the future – a future intertwined with the dreams and aspirations of his dedicated creative team. Through shared prayers and shared ambitions, success transcends individual achievements, becoming a collective triumph.
“I organized nightclub events and partook in charity in the city of Santa Ana and other cities. We had nights where it was a full house, like our Fashion show on August 18th, for example, which was a complete win. It was the best. Tons of people came, and our designers and musical talent worked hand in hand to create a really entertaining show. It was top-notch and way more entertaining than other shows I’ve been to. It took a lot of hard work, stress, and hustle to make it happen, but my business partner at the time and I did it. We had a designer showcase her woman’s line, and it was absolutely sexy. Another designer had a streetwear brand, and it was great. We connected rapper and R&B musicians with designers – the combination made for quite the show, with them performing while the models for the streetwear brand walked the runway. It’s one of the coolest things we organized.”
“What are some of the key lessons you learned on your journey to success?”
“Amidst personal growth and professional endeavors, education emerges as a guiding beacon. The right education is necessary. Im, reflecting on the transformative power of knowledge, particularly in realms of psychology, philosophy, and marketing. It’s a journey marked by continuous learning, a journey fueled by a thirst for understanding the intricacies of human behavior and societal dynamics.”
“Love, too, finds its place in this narrative – a love for beauty, for culture, and for the pursuit of romance reminiscent of cinematic tales. Through foreign films and personal reflections, I long and aspire, a desire to experience life’s drama in its fullest expression.”
Yet, amidst dreams and aspirations, a sobering truth emerges – a truth about the necessity of financial acumen, strategic moves, and a relentless pursuit of goals.
“Learn about money,” advises David, recognizing the practicalities that underpin dreams, urging readers to navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and foresight.
“Anyone reading this can message me directly on Instagram @only_excellence__
“What is your message to the world?”
In the tapestry of life, each lesson learned becomes a piece of a puzzle – a puzzle that, when deciphered, unveils a map to success.
“Also be careful of the advice you listen to” cautions David, acknowledging the impact of guidance and mentorship on life’s trajectory. “Observe the people who have the results you want”
“What do you hope people will take away from your story?”
Ultimately, the narrative transcends individual anecdotes, offering a reflection on life’s complexities and the enduring human spirit. “Commit yourself to living this as if it were your life philosophy,” concludes artist David Ortiz, a poignant reminder of the transformative power of perseverance, authenticity, and faith.
“Always remember God. In your path may God or Allah protect you. God gave us everything. And Karma exists. So treat everyone well.”
For those intrigued by this narrative and seeking further insights, David invites you to connect and continue the journey together. Directly on Instagram @only_excellence__
Andrea Pimpini is a student of Economics and Management at the University of Chieti-Pescara and, from September 2022 to February 2023, he is also an Erasmus+ student at the University of Split (Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism). Andrea has also taken three courses offered by the prestigious CERGE-EI Foundation and, being a Japanese language enthusiast, has taken two courses provided by the Japan-Abruzzo Association. In 2022, Andrea took the courses “Music Business Foundations,” “Copyright Law in the Music Business” and “Building your career in music: Developing a brand and financing your music” offered by Berklee Online on Coursera.org.
A big hobby of Andrea’s is music and, thanks to his college and web experiences, he manages everything on his own (print and radio promotion, digital marketing, etc.). Media success is not long in coming: in 2020, live streams are shared on national newspapers such as Sky TG24, alongside well-known names from the Italian music scene (Modà, Francesco Renga, Nek, etc.). In 2021, Billboard places Andrea at the top of a chart for 3 consecutive weeks. Finally, in 2022, Il Messaggero, one of the most popular and best-selling newspapers in Italy, interviews Andrea.