DNA Creative Productions
Join us on our journey as creatives!
About Us
We are a creative team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. DNA stands for Dexter and Andaiye, the husband and wife duo that makes up this partnership. DNA also pays homage to the creative power and potential stored in all of us through the collective power of our ancestors - our actual DNA.
Life's Journey has Twists
In our logo you will see the Akan Adinkra symbol called "Nkyinkyim"- meaning " Life's journey is twisted." This symbol represents dynamism, versatility, and initiative, all qualities we feel we must have in order to be successful on our creative journey. These concepts are also embedded in the creative process itself. Just as life can take you to unexpected places through hills, valleys, twists, and turns so can our creative process. How we improvise and adapt in theses moments will determine our growth and fulfillment on this path.
City of Brotherly Love
"Nkyinkyim" is also meaningful to us because turned on its side it looks like the word "Love" written in cursive. DNA as a partnership, friendship, creative endeavor, and marriage was birthed in Philadelphia- the City of Brotherly Love.
Andaiye Qaasim (aka Dr. Q)
Andaiye is a Higher Education professional, cultural worker, and DEI specialist. Her background in the anthropology of music, international education, non-profits, and research interests in global hip-hop cultures, postcolonial theory, and Black Internationalism led her to the joys of all things Black speculative fiction. As an aspiring writer, she recognizes the need for more intersectional Black stories. In her spare time you will find her tasting new wines, reading a good book, writing, and dreaming of her next travel destination.
Dexter Bacchus (aka Anartist)
Dexter is a traditional artist who started in the mediums of pencil and ink. Slowly he began to venture into other mediums such as colored pencils, markers, acrylic paints, watercolors, and air brushing. He fell in love with watercolors and airbrushing in particular, and for a time air brushing and portrait art was his bread and butter. Building on his love for graphic novels and comics, he transitioned into digital mediums. He is passionate about merging the world of traditional art with digital tools.
