About
Who & What is ArmaniDae?
WHO
Armani (Armani Dae)
Pronouns: He/King
Founder/Creator of ArmaniDae LLC, "Artivist" (Activist via Art)
Armani Dae (b. Philadelphia, PA) is an award winning designer, photographer/artist/entrepreneur currently working between Los Angeles, California and New York City. His work is informed by his life experience, including his identity as a trans masculine individual. Armani prides himself in creating art and events that spark conversations that lead to growth and collective healing. His ultimate mission is to pour representation and positive energy into the LGBTQ+ community. Predominantly known as a photographer, his artwork also includes paintings, textiles, film, written materials, curating events, art directing and more. All projects are intended to shed light and bring awareness to self love, equality, body positivity, trans rights, wellness, nonconformity and the importance of unity within community.
Traveling through many of the United States and Canada, Armani has volunteered and partnered with many LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations. With his community involvement, Armani Dae utilizes his expertise to make a difference, and his experience to create motivating queer visibility. Armani is a self-titled “artivist”. He knows the importance of art activating thoughts that create positive social changes. Though Armani is fulfilled in creating, he is aware and purposeful in educating and exposing the majority to marginalized identities and intersectionality. His photographs have been featured and showcased on TV, album covers, websites, in newspapers and magazines. One place, one creation, one helping hand, and one smile at a time.
WHAT
ArmaniDae LLC founded in 2009, is an artist owned business specializing in photography, paintings, apparel, accessories, books and events. Art is used to aid in wellness, visibility, the importance of art and the affects it possesses
PHOTOGRAPHER
- In December 2010 shortly after obtaining his Associates Degree in Business & Accounting, Armani began his art journey in Photography. He founded his company ArmaniDae LLC formerly and more commonly known as ArmaniDae Photography. Armani's art and photography consisted of (but not limited to): Portraits, Boudoir, Head shots, Album Covers, Weddings, private and public events like Casting calls, Baby showers, Engagement Parties. etc.
Recently he stated that he is "only capturing portraits, weddings and specials projects unless otherwise specified", while also creating his other art forms.
AUTHOR
- Armani was contracted with Hope After 20 Publications as Co-owner/Author and Editor before the company dissolved in 2022. In 2017, he published his first book: Exposed Truth: Photo Book a narrated opinion of Armani's accompanied by his photography, testimonials & opinions of others. The book celebrates the beauty of Transgender, Gender Non-conforming, Gender Variant and alike bodies that identify outside of the gender binary. The book is also made to educate its readers and fight against the misconceptions of the bodies. Purchase your copy here Armani's Store. Pieces of the book are now being used in a Texas state university’s gender and sexuality curriculum.
In 2018, he published his second title WiLd series, a three part chapbook collection. Each book is named after a wild flower with double meaning as pertaining to his life. Hyacynth, Bachelor's Button and Touch Me Not are all available for purchase, get your copies here Armani's Store .
In 2021, Armani held a book signing at one of LA’s most famous book/adult stores ChiChi LaRue’s Circus of Books in West Hollywood (which also has a documentary on Netflix). His book Exposed Truth can be seen on display and purchased (if any copies are still available)
Recently, in 2022 Armani was a contributing artist to the published book Trans Bodies, Trans Selves a resource by and for transgender communities. Multiple photographs taken by him are featured.
PAINTER
- In 2017, after many visions and questions of how to put his chaotic yet beautiful and inspiring thoughts and experiences on paper mixed with a little paint/mixed media, Armani began painting.
Mostly using acrylic paint and marker, All of his paintings are one-of-a-kind, original paintings, ranging from sizes 4 x 6in and up. His paintings are his creative, colorful way of expressing not only the chaos and beauty in his life but what he see’s in the world too.
Armani not only paints on canvas and paper but he also custom painted puzzles, tumblers, and apparel. Check availability here.
ACTOR
- In 2010 Armani began acting. [Still in the beginning stages of his acting career] his few roles consist of: Photographer/Paparazzi in CMT’s Nashville, News Reporter in Will The World End or Evolve 2012 ? and Bully in Student Bullies/ Hidden Tears Part 2. His three background roles were played on Nashville.
In 2019, Armani was in SCARLET a short by TLK FILMS in New York City.
In 2020, he was cast to play “ERIC” in Philly’s own web series “Perceptions”
written by Alysha J and directed by Cashmere Harper with “ Ebony Lenses”. The show is currently airing Season 3 (as of January 2023, click the link to watch).
Recently in 2022, Armani was cast as a Prison Guard & Bar Patron in the up coming film “ Lowest Places: Lost Time” due out 2023. He also was credited for assisting with Sound operations.
Armani has also been featured in three documentaries that are still in production as well as his own projects to come. He hopes to book more speaking roles in the future.
Mentor / Volunteer
- Armani with ArmaniDae is always joining forces with organizations across the U.S. to help bring awareness to the LGBTQ+ community, their rights, equality and more. A few organizations/businesses that he has teamed up with to name a few are: Trans Liberation Collective, Brave Space Alliance, BI4J, TWOCC, HopeAfter20 Publications, CK Life and HBGC Boston. Yours could be next!
Armani effortlessly gives back to his communities in any way that he can. He is always giving advice to others and lending a hand or shoulder to lean on. He was asked to return to his former middle school in Philadelphia to speak to the youth there about his time attending, adulthood, owning a freelance business, life.
Armani has mentored youth ages 14-21 with JumpOutCity in Philadelphia, PA and its surrounding areas. He has volunteered with Philly Fight doing outreach, helping people get tested for STD's, STI's, AIDS/HIV in Philadelphia, PA. He also volunteered with GMHC in New York City for many years.
Currently and always, Armani uses his art and experience to motivate, educate and inspire all. He creates opportunities for others to profit in numerous ways that end up being lifelong memories and accomplished goals. He can be caught in different cities creating events and making space for others to shine. Keep watch for his next event.
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