We’re in constant communication with various musicians, songwriters and other types of creatives, and we love that because it helps us grow, personally. Talking to creative minds fuels our own creative engines, and never more so than this past week when we had the pleasure of speaking with poet, songwriter and author Darrell Herbert.
As the winner of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, as well as awards from the NY Literary Magazine and the OliverTree Review, Herbert has risen to prominence in recent years, garnering national attention for his work.
A very driven and devoted individual, Herbert says that his main aim is to “spread love” through his art. As an artist, he is constantly seeking to embellish his community, not only through the work he does, but also by helping others. Herbert frequently reaches out and mentors other upcoming poets on their journey, as well as provide a shoulder to cry on for people with mental health problems. He is also a dedicated humanitarian, having in the past donated to various charities, in order to grow his community, which is the only way for him to grow also, Herbert thinks.
It is this love of community and big-hearted nature that really shines through Darrell Herbert’s art and makes him stand out from the crowd of other creatives bustling for fame. His upbeat nature also shines an interesting new light on the creative industry.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about my industry is that it only holds a lot of pain, anger, and bitterness. If you really look into what I’m saying, you’d see where I’m coming from and why I had to take it there,” Herbert says. And it’s perhaps this very attitude that has helped him become a multi-award-winning artist.
That, of course, and his powerful social media presence, through which he’s constantly connecting with his fans and readers, as well as offering his moral support to artists and regular folks alike. In an effort to improve the world he lives in, Herbert is there for the people who need him, even if it’s people he’s never actually met. And in an effort for personal growth, he is constantly in contact with various like-minded creatives, since that’s the only way one can truly “get better”.
Herbert is also a lesson in character development, in trusting in yourself and your ability as a means to progression. When asked what he wishes he would’ve done different in the early stages of his career, the poet mentions he wished he’d trusted his ability more than he did, as that would’ve allowed him to grow at a quicker rate.
“Do what you have to do before it’s too late,” Herbert emphasizes, and it almost feels like he’s talking to one of the many young poets who come to him for guidance. In conversation, it’s easy to see why, as Darrell Herbert simply radiates positivity and drive. We’re not poets, but if we were, we can definitely see how his mentorship would’ve helped us go forward.
