The Art Biz Stop Waiting for Opportunities and Start Shaping Them with Ebony Iman Dallas (252)
Dec 18, 2025
Ebony Iman Dallas, a public artist based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, transforms Black history into vibrant murals and a graphic memoir. In this engaging conversation, she discusses her transition from advertising to art, where 90% of her income comes from public projects. Ebony reveals her struggles with marketing and the fear of rejection, advocating for proactive opportunities. She shares insights on building systems to track proposals and the importance of being visible through targeted marketing strategies. Her upcoming memoir aims to heal and empower through storytelling.
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From Advertising To Somaliland Gallery Founder
- Ebony described founding an arts organization and opening the first post-war gallery in Somaliland to run classes and ship supplies.
- She later moved back to Oklahoma and transitioned from teaching to a full-time public art and studio practice with a graphic memoir in progress.
Public Art Can Be The Main Income
- Ebony reports about 90% of her income comes from public art and 10% from studio sales and prints.
- This income split shows how public-facing commissions can sustain an artist financially more than gallery sales in some markets.
Graphic Memoir To Heal And Clear A Name
- Ebony has worked on a graphic memoir about her father, mixing paintings and poetry to process trauma and clear his name.
- She plans to show originals at book signings and use the book to inspire healing for others who faced trauma.
