Daily Inspiration: Meet Samantha Hamilton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Hamilton

Hi Samantha, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was a little kid I was always creative and curious. I picked up my first camera in eighth grade and never put a camera down since. My first subjects were the scenes in my hometown of Pennsylvania or my family and friends. My love for art deepened in high school when I taught myself Photoshop and created a mixed-media art sketchbook. Recording and editing videos was also a passion and where I got the inspiration for my artist name, D0PE CINEMA. A lot of the artist I am today is rooted in these experiments of different creative mediums.

In 2018, I moved to Nashville, TN where I started my creative business photographing local musicians and models. I began to blend my photography with my mixed media collages and that is where my work transformed greatly.

In 2024, I have taken my creative career full-time, photographing across the country and partnering with brands to provide standout visuals that support strong brand identity. I have completely embraced my niche of mixed media art blended with my photography and love creating a special visual world of my own with every collection.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Anything worth having does not come without struggle, but I would not change a thing because it got me to where I am today. I worked multiple jobs while living in Nashville to support my education and had to take photography gigs at odd hours to be able to be able to fit my schedule. I always struggled with self-doubt that my art could not be a full-time job because it was not worthy of investment. Over the years, I realized that I can differentiate myself with all the skills I have and that is what eventually got me to believe in becoming a full-time creative this year.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My professional career comes with its twists and turns. I have always been creative, but I worked in hospitality when I lived in Nashville and always thought after graduation I would work in hospitality operations. I studied business analytics and supply chain management and found a love for logistics, despite having a marketing degree. After the pandemic, I decided I did not want to do hospitality and wanted to get into the industrial industry. I got my foot in the door at a generator company and quickly was promoted to different roles progressing more into the logistics. The job then took my to Raleigh, but after a year and a half in the role, I realized what I truly wanted to do was to focus on my photography and design business full-time.

Now I specialize in creative photography, mixed media art, and creative direction. I have taken my years of experience working with countless clients to provide my most streamlined and imaginative creative process to date. I am known for my photo transformations using mixed media methods. Each of my designs is one of a kind and made by hand. I have been published in 8 different magazines for my fashion photography and mixed media work.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I have learned in my journey is to stay true to yourself and your personal style. People will be drawn to your authenticity and it will shine through your work. Staying true to your personal style also differentiates you and helps you stand out in your industry. Do not be afraid to push yourself to try new things because it can totally elevate your skills and knowledge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://d0pecinema.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d0pecinema
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558848092351
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@d0pecinema