Ep.19 | When Psychology Meets Art — Danielle Lazala on Color, Emotion & Space

Summary 

In this episode of Decoding the Flow, host Drica Lobo sits down with Danielle Lazala, a multidisciplinary, self-taught Dominican artist and founder of DML Paintings.

Danielle shares her journey from working in the field of psychology to building a full-time art career, and how her deep understanding of human emotion informs her use of color, composition, and visual storytelling. Together, they explore the emotional and energetic impact of art, the healing power of color, and how murals can uplift communities and transform public spaces.

The conversation also dives into the realities of being an immigrant artist, the importance of support systems, and the balance between personal creative practice and client work. Danielle offers grounded insights on preparation, networking, collaboration, and staying true to your artistic values while navigating professional growth.

This episode is a powerful reflection on creativity as both a personal practice and a collective force — and a reminder that art doesn’t just decorate spaces, it shapes how we feel and experience the world.

 

Episode Takeaways

• A background in psychology can deeply inform artistic expression

• Color has the power to influence emotion and transform environments

• Art can be a therapeutic and grounding tool for mental health

• Murals require both physical and mental preparation

• Community and collaboration strengthen creative careers

• Being an immigrant artist builds resilience and perspective

• Support systems are essential for long-term sustainability

• Balancing personal projects with client work protects creativity

• Networking and outreach create opportunities

• Staying true to your values is key to artistic fulfillment

 

Sound Bites 

• “Art was always there for me.”

• “Practice, practice, practice.”

• “It takes a village sometimes.”

 

Chapters 

00:00 – Introduction to Danielle and Her Artistic Journey
03:41 – The Transition from Psychology to Art
06:24 – The Role of Color and Emotion in Art
09:12 – Finding a Unique Artistic Voice
12:08 – Physical and Mental Preparation for Mural Work
15:09 – The Importance of Community and Collaboration
17:50 – Navigating Identity as an Immigrant Artist
20:53 – Support Systems in the Artistic Journey
23:53 – Balancing Personal Projects and Client Work
26:31 – Future Projects and Goals
29:39 – Networking and Finding Opportunities
32:23 – Navigating Client Relationships and Boundaries
35:15 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

About the Guest

Danielle Lazala (also known as DML) is a multidisciplinary, self-taught Dominican artist based in Florida and the founder of DML Paintings, established in 2017.

With a background in psychology, Danielle creates vibrant, intentional artwork that explores emotion, color, and human experience. Her work spans murals, canvas, digital design, installations, and books, with a strong focus on uplifting communities and shaping how people feel within a space. Through bold color palettes, playful patterns, and thoughtful visual storytelling, she designs art that goes beyond decoration — creating emotional and energetic impact.

Website: https://www.dmlpaintings.com | INSTAGRAM: @dml.paintings

 

About the Host

Drica Lobo is a Brazilian-born, California-based artist, author, and the host of Decoding the Flow. She is the creator of Creative Consciousness as a way of life — a philosophy rooted in living from imagination rather than limitation.

Through her art, writing, and conversations with creative leaders, Drica explores the intersection of art, consciousness, and human experience, inspiring others to live with intention, embrace flow, and build meaningful creative lives.

Website: https://www.dricalobo.com
Instagram: @dricaloboart @decodingtheflow

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