Today we’d like to introduce you to Sir. Richard Keith Javier Davis II.
Hi Sir. Richard, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have had the spirit for entrepreneurship and helping others from a young age. Throughout my childhood and young adulthood, I have shown a need to lead people in a positive direction. I started my leadership in a program called Collegiate 100. The Collegiate 100 is a campus-based student organization with programmatic initiatives that support the development of youth’s social, emotional, and educational needs who need positive role models in the communities in which they live. I increased membership and campus awareness by serving as a president of the Collegiate 100 of the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis for three years. Also, I helped implement several programs to enhance our youth that are still active today. A few of the programs are “Rock the Vote,” a Government Rally, which attracted over 1,600 students throughout the St. Louis region while informing them on voting rights, laws, bills, and other political issues while hosting local and national entertainment. “Let’s Talk Sex,” a Health Forum that reached over 800 students each year, and various Youth Summits that help our youth make better economic and social choices for a more opportune lifestyle.
As I was helping others, mostly young men, to understand the importance of community involvement and letting their voices be heard. I struggled with my own issue of paying for college and jumping from house to house, and living out of my car on many nights. Although it was a hardship, it is best said by Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” So I got creative; as a result, in 2008, I created Davis Project. Davis Project is a comprehensive company providing marketing, advertising, graphic design, and photography services. Since the inception of 2008, I have worked with major corporations such as (Anhueser Busch, Ameren, Urban League, and Wild Turkey) creating their ideal image for their companies and events.
Along with starting the Davis Project, I began working for the City of St. Louis for the License Collector, thanks to my mentor Darius M. Chapman. Through this position, I found myself not only doing graphic design, my passion but volunteering at many local events that served my community. One of the most significant events I helped create a brand for was the St. Louis Community Empowerment: Back to School Festival. That event attracted over 13,000 people in attendance. This event provided food, health screenings, school supplies, school registration and much more. It was an all-encompassing event to support and empower the St. Louis community in a positive direction.
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?
My Journey was up and down for the first few years, trying to find where I fit within this industry. One of my greatest mistakes was trying to take every job. Luckily I had the help of many mentors like my late grandfather Walter Dees who has always supported all my endeavors. Charlotte VM Ottley, Darius Chapman, Jason Ware, and many others became not only resources but great referrals. Learning from this helped me be more selective about what type of clients I wanted, not just for my success and my brand but for my work-life balance and peace of mind.
One of my mentors is Michael McMillan, now President of Urban League Metropolitan St. Louis. Mr. McMillan displays an unwavering commitment to the community and empowerment, which has stuck with me through my career experiences. He has continuously taught me professionalism, selflessness, and a hard work ethic throughout our mentoring process. He also taught me how to take corrective criticism and how to improve on my weaknesses to become a more well-rounded employee and person overall. Fortunately, my networking as a young adult has benefited me in my future, and I am now the Director of Marketing and Advertising at Urban League Metropolitan St. Louis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My company is a personalized studio with a hint of adventure and a passion for creativity; DavisProject aims to breathe purpose into any business. Our motto is “Capture your ideas into design”. Creative, vibrant, professional graphic designers will help your business or nonprofit be noticed and remembered.
I focus on the three “Be’s.”
Be Noticed: Energetic, impactful designs that get your brand noticed and you as well. Our objective is to deliver a service to engage your target audience and motivate them to action.
Be Memorable: Creative and cohesive branding solutions present consistent imagery across all marketing materials. Your company, business, product, or nonprofit organization will be recognized and remembered.
Be Unique: Whether your brand identity is corky, lively, simple, or needs a refresh. We will establish your brand or provide your start-up with materials to build a unique presence.
Through our photography, we capture dynamic moments. With a small team, you will get a personable yet professional session each and every time. Many who chose DavisProject, see our passion for creativity and exceeding our clients’ expectations while creating long-lasting and authentic relationships that deliver value to everyone involved.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I ask myself this question every year on my birthday as a reflection. Because the best thing about the future is that no one knows what will happen next; it is not something we enter. The future is something we create. There is no guideline or rulebook. However, I feel that I get closer and closer to my goal with each passing year. I’ve worked full-time and as a freelancer throughout my career, sometimes as a contractor. My goal for the future I hope to enhance and grow my business Davis Project to support my lifestyle full time. During this process, I would like to continue to enhance my skill as a graphic designer and marketing professional. Not “if” but “when” this goal is reached, I plan on still working part-time at the Urban League to support them and all the efforts in empowering African Americans and others throughout the region in securing economic self-reliance, social equality and civil rights.
Throughout my community service experiences, marketing, graphic design, and other artistic ventures, I have learned to adapt to any work situation I have been in and develop a unique brand for each of my customers. While working with the programs throughout college and my career, I found that it is essential to: ONE, do for others as you would do for yourself. TWO, continuously be learning and enhancing yourself as a person and in your career. THREE, set goals so you have a guide of where you are going. FOUR, Surround yourself with positive people that feed your spirit, creativity and focus. Lastly FIVE, to not forget your community along the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: design@davisproject.com
- Website: davisproject.com
- Instagram: @davisproject
- Facebook: @davisproject
- Twitter: @davisproject
Image Credits
DavisProject.com
