Today we’d like to introduce you to David Ayanbule.
David, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s crazy because I’ve actually been dealing with cameras since I was 12 years old. I would run the cameras at my church in my hometown in Dallas, Texas. At the time, I hated it because I was being forced to, but I’m thankful because that experience introduced me to skills that I would later on need. Fast forward to the spring semester of freshman year, I had a homeboy who was in a rap group called Lonely Boyz, and he sent me some footage to edit. After sending back what I did he realized that I was hard, they gave me a camera to use and was recording all they’re videos. At the time, editing these videos was just something fun to do. It wasn’t until Christmas of 2018 when I brought myself a camera that I started taking it seriously. Going under the name, SlimedByDave, I was mostly doing music videos, but when I got back to school, I started recording videos for literally anybody that needed a visual. I shot videos for multiple student organizations, promotional videos for small business, event recaps and plenty others. I was literally shooting whatever I could just so I could show not only myself, but everyone else that I was really cold with it.
By summer time was starting to get known in Dallas for my music videos, but realized I would be stuck in one lane if I didn’t rebrand myself. I wasn’t until after I changed my name to Dior Dave that my business started to takeoff. It’s been pretty smooth sailing since and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but even more excited about what I will accomplish in the future.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all. Just last summer I was doing free videos for artist around Dallas. It was tough at first, especially dealing with the fact that I hadn’t a car at the time. I used to wake up at 6 AM and drop my mother off at work, just to go to some shoots. I remember a couple bookings i had to leave early or even cancel so I could be on time to pick up my mother. It was frustrating because I just wanted to show people my talent and the only thing stopping me from it was transportation. I also had trouble investing in my business at first. I made sure to buy a stabilizer as my second investment, but i didn’t have any other equipment for a while so it caused me to get creative from time to time. I feel like everyone goes through a rough patch in any new venture they pursue, I just understood the phase I was in and just kept going.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Well I don’t like to call myself a videographer, but more so a content creator. Although I do specialize in music videos, I don’t want to be stuck in that lane which is why I try to have good mix of various content in my portfolio. I know one day I will eventually move on from music videos and into the film industry. I’m actually working on a short film right now that’s dropping end of July.
I’m most proud of my progression. It’s crazy looking back and seeing the growth of your own creation. Just last summer I was recording videos for free, pretty much begging to let me shoot they videos. One year later, I have people requesting me to shoot their videos exclusively. It sometimes feels surreal that this is the path I chose but I learned to fall in love the process.
First off, I have always thought I was the best at what I do, even when I first was starting out. I am very judgmental about my work and what I put out, so I try to give my best effort with every project. I literally will not release a body of work unless I myself am thoroughly impressed with it. I try to make my videos re-watchable. A lot of videographers/editors in this field like to go crazy with all these wild edits, which is cool and all, but if a video doesn’t make you want to rewatch it, what’s the purpose? Another thing that sets me apart is my drive. I have a burning desire to be great and I try to let it show through my work. This is only the beginning and it means a lot to me when people acknowledge my potential. That’s why I appreciate every single compliment about my work because I put my all in every single one.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Houston. I make jokes about how Dallas is better, but this city is full of opportunities for young people and I plan on taking full advantage while I’m here. I wouldn’t recommend any specific city, just the city you’re connected in the most. It was because of the people I knew growing up in Dallas that helped me to get a lot of the bookings starting out.
Only thing Houston can work on is supporting each other. Couple years ago, Dallas was known for having a crab in the bucket mentality, but the city as a whole has did a 180 and supports anybody who’s popping in the city. When Houston finally learned to come together, the city will be unstoppable.
Pricing:
- Music Videos – (packages range from $250-$500)
- Event Coverage – ($50 an hour) + $50 editing fee
- Video Treatments – $75
Contact Info:
- Website: diordave.com
- Phone: 4692458318
- Email: diordaveebookings2gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diordave_/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/diordave_
- Other: https://linktr.ee/diordave_
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