Darian Crisp – Ceo of DC Creative Agency

By Staff

Darian, you’re juggling college life at Morehouse and running your own creative agency. How did your journey into entrepreneurship begin?

My journey into entrepreneurship began from a place of pain, purpose, and ultimately, divine redirection. In May 2023, I was playing for the Heartland Hawks—the NJCAA Juco World Series champions. Despite the success of the team, I was deeply unhappy. I felt overlooked, underutilized, and emotionally exhausted. When the season ended, I was already preparing myself to leave. But before I could make that decision, the coaching staff told me the program wasn’t a good fit for me and revoked my scholarship. That moment broke me. I had poured so much into becoming a better athlete—early mornings, intense training sessions—and it felt like it all amounted to nothing.

I transferred back home to St. Charles Community College, filled with frustration and unresolved hurt. My sense of identity had been tied so tightly to baseball, and suddenly, that identity was unraveling. One morning, on my way to train, my father’s pickup truck broke down. Neither of my parents could afford to repair it, and I suddenly found myself without reliable transportation, depending on my mom and grandmother for rides. I spent many weekends isolated in my room, wrestling with questions about my future. I’ll never forget when my mother said, “I don’t know what God is trying to tell you, but He must be trying to sit you down.”

One night, at my lowest, I broke down. Through tears, I noticed the Bible on my dresser—something I had never opened. In that moment, I surrendered. I opened the Word, and while I didn’t understand much, I knew I had to start somewhere. I’d lost some of my passion for baseball, so I began filming short vlogs to reconnect with the game in a lighter way. The response from my teammates was overwhelmingly positive. That spark became a flame.

I became fixated on a specific camera—a Sony A6100 at Best Buy. It was $700, and I had no money in my account. I told my mother I was going to buy it anyway. She looked at me in disbelief, but I said, “God will make a way.” And He did. A mix of leftover grant money, support from my uncle, and a final contribution from my mom—who said God had told her to help—made that purchase possible. That camera marked the beginning of a new purpose. As the holidays approached, I realized I had a gift—but I was hesitant to share it publicly. My mother reminded me, “If you want to build a business, you can’t be afraid to show your gift.” On January 1, 2024, I made a promise to myself: DM 15 businesses a day. That promise launched everything.

What inspired you to launch DC Creative Agency, and what does the name represent to you personally?
DC Creative Agency, Dcriptshots LLC, was born from my passion for storytelling and my desire to use my God-given gift to inspire others. It started as a way to build a production company that would allow me to collaborate with clients across the country. But more than that, it was a way to bring other young creatives with me—especially those trying to find their footing in filmmaking, photography, and digital content.

The name represents more than creativity. It stands for opportunity and legacy. If I could start with nothing, scale a business in under two years, and make real impact—then others can too. Age, background, or resources shouldn’t stop anyone from chasing their purpose. DC Creative is a living testament to what happens when faith meets discipline.

Tell us about the kind of creative content and films your company produces. What stories are you most passionate about telling?
Everything we produce is rooted in meaning and emotion. I believe storytelling should move people—make them feel something real. My creative process is deeply personal. I often create based on how I feel in a given moment. The camera has become a tool of expression and healing for me.

Whether fiction or nonfiction, I’m most passionate about stories that inspire and educate. If people can watch something we create and walk away feeling understood, empowered, or challenged, then we’ve done our job. For me, film is a bridge between human experience and personal transformation.

How has being a student at Morehouse shaped your approach to business and creativity?
Being at Morehouse has been a catalyst for growth in both business and artistry. I’m surrounded by intelligent, driven Black men from diverse disciplines—finance, marketing, psychology, media. Engaging with them has helped me think more critically, refine my creative lens, and build the infrastructure of my business. Collaboration and shared insight are a huge part of what makes the Morehouse experience so unique and enriching.

What have been some of the most exciting or defining moments for you as a young business owner?
Seeing my work featured on a billboard in St. Louis for United Way was surreal. Working with Wilson Contreras, catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, on a brand campaign reminded me how far I’d come. Another highlight was producing a short film for an artist who had collaborated with Ice Cube—who then saw and appreciated my work.

But honestly, one of the most defining moments was walking away from baseball to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. It required deep faith and trust in God’s plan for me, even when nothing made sense. Securing my first $2,000+ deal for an event recap was a financial and emotional breakthrough. And most fulfilling of all has been watching others—young creatives and even adults—draw inspiration from my journey. That’s the impact I cherish most.

In an industry that’s constantly evolving, how do you stay ahead creatively and continue to build a brand that stands out?
I stay grounded by staying true to God’s purpose for me. Authenticity is everything. The more I tap into who I am—how I feel, how I think, what I care about—the more my work resonates. My creative vision stems from lived experience, from raw emotion, and from a desire to uplift others. That’s what keeps DC Creative relevant and growing in a constantly shifting industry.

What role has mentorship, community, or family played in your journey as a young entrepreneur?
Everything. My family believed in me when I barely believed in myself. They sacrificed to get me that first camera. My community gave me opportunities to build my portfolio and trusted me with their stories and events. And mentors—like Jamar “ThatGuyChurch” Pinkston—have poured into me, offering wisdom that many others would gatekeep. He saw something in me I hadn’t yet seen in myself. I always remind mentees that your first support system is often the people closest to you. Don’t overlook that. Use it as your foundation.

Can you share a time when you had to overcome a major challenge with your company—and what it taught you about resilience?
One major test came during a client shoot in St. Louis that spanned two days—with Thanksgiving right in between. I was in Atlanta celebrating with my mom and had to drive nine hours to shoot, then immediately return to Atlanta for Thanksgiving, and drive right back the next morning for day two. That experience taught me that entrepreneurship often requires sacrifices—especially early on. It also taught me how to adapt, stay committed, and honor my word no matter the inconvenience.

What advice would you give to other young people who have a dream but feel intimidated by the idea of starting their own business?
Start with God. Ask Him for direction. Once you begin walking in your purpose, people will start to recognize the value you bring. Fear often keeps us stuck—but the truth is, if you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need faith, consistency, and the courage to begin.

How do you balance the academic demands of college while managing a growing business? What keeps you grounded?
One of the core principles Morehouse teaches is balance. I approach each day with intention, planning my schedule around both academic and business responsibilities. Is it hard? Absolutely. But I trust that God wouldn’t give me more than I can carry. I stay grounded by remembering that all of this is purpose-driven. Whether it’s school, sports, or entrepreneurship—I was built for this.

Where do you see DC Creative Agency in five years, and what kind of impact do you hope to make through your work?
In five years, I envision DC Creative as one of the most sought-after production companies in the country, with creative studios on both coasts. But more importantly, I see us as a hub for young creatives—videographers, editors, directors, and storytellers—who need that first opportunity to shine.

I want to be known not just for producing excellent content, but for nurturing talent, cultivating vision, and helping others turn their dreams into reality. Long-term, we’ll be global—creating stories that move hearts across cultures and borders.

If someone is just discovering your work for the first time, what project should they watch to understand your creative vision?
Two pieces stand out: my short film “Imposter Syndrome” and another piece on Instagram titled “Experiences.” Both were born from raw emotion and spontaneous creativity. They represent who I am at my core—a storyteller who isn’t afraid to feel, reflect, and create from a place of truth.

What legacy are you hoping to build—not just as an entrepreneur, but as a storyteller and leader in your generation?
I want my legacy to show that you don’t need a big budget or a massive crew to tell a story that matters. You just need a camera, a vision, and a heart for impact. My hope is that DC Creative becomes a gateway for aspiring creatives—filmmakers, writers, designers—to realize their potential. I want to prove that young, Black creators can lead, build, and innovate on a global stage. We’re not waiting for permission—we’re creating our own lane.