Hi, I’m Davea Holmes, a Chicago-based artist and filmmaker who blends documentary storytelling with bold visual art. I specialize in creating branded content, portraits, and narrative work across film, photography, and comics, always grounded in inclusive collaboration and hands-on learning. I love mentoring young artists through critique-driven instruction and real-world industry practice, helping them discover their voice while refining craft. Beyond producing work, I’m committed to fostering supportive, collaborative learning environments. I mentor students and emerging creators, guiding them through directing, visual storytelling, and post-production workflows, and I strive to keep my teaching rooted in practical industry applications that empower the next generation of artists.

Davea Holmes

Hi, I’m Davea Holmes, a Chicago-based artist and filmmaker who blends documentary storytelling with bold visual art. I specialize in creating branded content, portraits, and narrative work across film, photography, and comics, always grounded in inclusive collaboration and hands-on learning. I love mentoring young artists through critique-driven instruction and real-world industry practice, helping them discover their voice while refining craft. Beyond producing work, I’m committed to fostering supportive, collaborative learning environments. I mentor students and emerging creators, guiding them through directing, visual storytelling, and post-production workflows, and I strive to keep my teaching rooted in practical industry applications that empower the next generation of artists.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Davea Holmes, a Chicago-based artist and filmmaker who blends documentary storytelling with bold visual art. I specialize in creating branded content, portraits, and narrative work across film, photography, and comics, always grounded in inclusive collaboration and hands-on learning. I love mentoring young artists through critique-driven instruction and real-world industry practice, helping them discover their voice while refining craft.

Beyond producing work, I’m committed to fostering supportive, collaborative learning environments. I mentor students and emerging creators, guiding them through directing, visual storytelling, and post-production workflows, and I strive to keep my teaching rooted in practical industry applications that empower the next generation of artists.

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Language

English
Advanced

Work Experience

Freelance Content Creator, Photographer & Videographer at Self-Employed
January 1, 2018 - Present
Created visual content for clients across digital platforms, including branded videos, portraits, interviews, and event coverage. Shot and edited videos using Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Final Cut Pro, tailoring formats for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Directed photo shoots and captured high-quality stills for personal branding, product marketing, and documentary projects. Collaborated with nonprofits, small businesses, and artists to tell impactful visual stories that elevated their brand identity. Managed all phases of production—from pre-production planning and scripting to post-production and final delivery. Delivered 50+ multimedia projects under tight deadlines while balancing creative vision and client needs.
Media Director at Soul Food
May 1, 2020 - Present
Lead creative direction, production, and post-production for digital media content including promotional videos, live events, and social campaigns. Manage a cross-functional media team, overseeing scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of multimedia projects. Develop brand-aligned storytelling strategies to engage diverse audiences across platforms and expand organizational reach.
Graduate Assistant at DePaul University, School of Cinematic Arts
March 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023
Supported faculty in undergraduate film and television directing courses through classroom assistance and technical instruction. Mentored students on directing techniques, visual storytelling, and scene analysis during production labs and workshops. Oversaw equipment use, promoted on-set safety, and guided students through post-production workflows.

Education

Master of Fine Arts at DePaul University
September 1, 2021 - June 1, 2025
Bachelor's Degree at University of Memphis
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2022

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services