ABOUT US

Substantial Art & Music, LLC (SAM) is a multimedia organization focused on providing consulting services to the visual and performing arts community. Stan “Substantial” Robinson and Rachelle Etienne-Robinson are the co-CEOs. The husband and wife duo founded SAM in 2017. Together they serve emerging and established independent artists, entrepreneurs, and organizations. SAM provides professional advice and guidance through consultations, workshops, and webinars to help their clients achieve organic growth and sustainable careers. SAM has facilitated workshops at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, Washington, the Hawaii State Art Museum, Pratt Institute, Arts Fairfax, Otakon, and more. In addition, Stan and Rachelle co-host and produce a podcast, ARTdustry, where art meets industry. SAM produced special events that were featured in several media outlets like WTOP, Washington Informer, and Fox 5 DC. In 2020, SAM was named Carib Biz Network Top 50 Influential Caribbean American Entrepreneurs & Freelancers.

CREATING. CONSULTING. CULTIVATING.

MISSION

To create, present and provide artistic opportunities, special programs, supports, and consulting services to youth and adults in the District of Columbia Metro area and beyond.

Rachelle Etienne-Robinson is a creative director, designer, producer, and arts administrator. Rachelle was born in Queens, NY, and raised in Fairfax, VA.  Her love for art, design, and crafts developed in middle school and led her to further her education, obtaining a BFA in Fashion Design from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY in 2001. Rachelle’s experience spans the fields of design, fashion, media, events, education, and arts administration.  She has worked for various organizations like Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Knot Inc., the District of Columbia Public Schools, the Arts Council of Fairfax County, and the Black Dress Exhibit. In 2013, Rachelle started her fashion and accessory line, ChezChelle Designs, a custom design clothing and accessory brand. Additionally, Rachelle is an aspiring screenwriter and producer. "As a new writer, my mission is to share the stories that have yet to be told." Her personal goal is to continue to write, produce, and direct feature films and documentaries.  As co-CEO of Substantial Art & Music, Rachelle brings her knowledge of arts administration, design, and business management to better support their clients in achieving their goals.

Stan "Substantial" Robinson is a Northern Virginia based International Hip-Hop Recording Artist, Educator, and Visual Artist from Prince George's County, Maryland. As a rapper and producer, he has traveled around the world and has worked with artists such as Nujabes, Oddisee, and the legendary Godfather of Hip-Hop, Kool Herc while also collaborating with major brands such as Amazon, Ford Motors, Uber and Bentley Motors. As an educator, he has served in both Prince George's County and Baltimore City Public Schools while developing and facilitating programs for TAG Labs, Covenant House Washington, and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. He also serves as an instructor at Omega Studios' School of Applied Recording Arts & Sciences. As a visual artist, Stan graduated from Suitland High School's Center of the Visual & Performing Arts and later attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY majoring in Graphic Design. He went on to design album art and develop branding for dozens of fellow creatives, small businesses, and institutions for over twenty years. In recent years, his work has been exhibited at the Prince George's African American Museum & Cultural Center. As founder and co-CEO of Substantial Art & Music,  Stan brings his 20+ years career as a performing artist, graphic artist, and arts educator to better support their clients in achieving their goals.

Although SAM is not a record label, they have released several collaborative albums/projects and solo works by co-CEO/co-Founder Substantial under their imprint.

Current and Past Clients