I, Derrick Smith was born in 1973 in the city of Decatur, Georgia. “Dizzy the Artist” is my persona, inspired by a great love for music. As a child my grandfather loved to work with his hands, which inspired the creativity within me. I used my talent to create a homemade telescope, which strengthen my childhood desires of being an inventor.

In 2002 I worked for a paint company, and due to cutbacks, unfortunately I lost my job. So, I prayed to the Lord God for inspiration and he told me to paint a picture. In following God’s instruction, I looked around my apartment for items to pain...

I, Derrick Smith was born in 1973 in the city of Decatur, Georgia. “Dizzy the Artist” is my persona, inspired by a great love for music. As a child my grandfather loved to work with his hands, which inspired the creativity within me. I used my talent to create a homemade telescope, which strengthen my childhood desires of being an inventor.

In 2002 I worked for a paint company, and due to cutbacks, unfortunately I lost my job. So, I prayed to the Lord God for inspiration and he told me to paint a picture. In following God’s instruction, I looked around my apartment for items to paint with, like a pen or pencil, to splash the paint. For an extraordinary reason I couldn’t find neither. I went to my patio, to search for a stick; instead I found a feather and did what God asked of me. I painted in my opinion an amazing canvas.

Still uncertain of my talent, I spoke with my best friend to ask his opinion about my painting. His reviews were that he loved the painting, then I inquired from local galleries and college art professors, and they encouraged me to purse my talent with a passion. I knew little about the art industry, therefore I made a choice to attend The Art Institute of Atlanta were I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration and Design. I continued on to earn my Master of Fine Arts online at the Academy of Art University – San Francisco.