Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Destinee Lewis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Destinee, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When I was younger, I grew up an only child. My parents worked long hours and over time i experienced lots of loneliness. In my alone time I grew tendencies of self doubt, sought validation from others, developed anxiety, and ultimately felt like an outsider or could never fully fit in with anyone I connected with. Little did I know these things would affect my growth as an artist and how I present myself to the world. I have had such an on and off relationship with art. I’ve experienced creative block and even switched art styles for financial gain. Over time I started to feel disconnected from my work and question my potential. It wasn’t until I had a powerful Turing point in my artistic journey that reminded me why I create in the first place. I created a painting deeply meaningful to me and the world took notice. it went viral, sparked conversation, and reminded me of the impact my work can have when it’s truly authentic. After that I learned to trust in my abilities and put my all into my art even if it scares me. So whenever I feel imposter syndrome creeping in I return to that moment as motivation
I have grown to trust in my abilities and to simply put my all into what I know I love doing and accept that this world is filled with creatives and its my job to do what I can to stand out, and put myself out there even if it scares me
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I was always drawn to creative expression. I found comfort and joy in drawing from a young age. I use to be the kid that would leave little sketches on the corners of my papers in class. In and out of school I had an eagerness to draw something. I found my style in hyperrealism, drawing my favorite celebrities or free styling what ever came to mind. Over time, my passion expanded into photography and graphic design, each offering a unique way for me to express myself.
When I’m not creating art, you’ll often find me curating a good playlist. Music is just as much a part of my creative process as anything else. I grew up a fangirl, completely immersed in the world of live music, which led me to fall in love with concert photography. I started photography back in 2016, drawn to the idea of capturing people in a way that felt both natural and unique. My journey going into concert photography is to capture the raw energy of a moment, the emotion of a song, or the atmosphere of a show. Whether through visuals or sound, I’m always chasing a feeling and finding my style in a way that brings stories to life or sets the perfect vibe.
Music also led me to discover graphic design. I started out by creating a fan account for a singer who inspired me to draw. I began designing fun photo edits on my phone, experimenting with colors, textures, and compositions to bring my ideas to life. Eventually, I moved on to Photoshop, where I could refine my work and push my creativity further. That’s when I really found my love for design, leading me to create music video posters and cover art for local and upcoming artists. What started as a fan-driven passion became a real creative journey, blending my love for music and visual storytelling into something meaningful.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I needed to constantly push myself beyond what feels safe or familiar. Anytime I create, I learn a new technique. I’m never afraid to educate myself on things I may feel I’m already good at. I couldn’t find my style by sticking to what I know; it’s something I had to build by embracing change and taking risks.
If I could give advice to people early in their journey, I would say practice is everything! and to also explore new techniques, mediums, and perspectives. Staying in one place for too long can limit your potential. it’s okay to experiment and challenge yourself to see things differently. Don’t worry about what others are doing. seek inspiration, not comparison. Let your creativity be limitless, driven by curiosity rather than expectation.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
If there is anyone that will mentally push me beyond my limits, it would be my cousin Jonathan. over the years he has been like a brother to me, knowing me better than I know myself. In my moments of self doubt and over thinking, he does not hesitate to reassure me of things I need to do to overcome those thoughts. He’s never afraid to be stern when needed to keep me focused or remind me that I am capable of achieving my goals. We launched a clothing brand together, and through that experience, he’s shown a deep understanding of business, always guiding me with valuable insights and connections. Jonathan’s undeniable belief in me, along with his commitment to our teamwork, constantly reinforces that we’re in this journey together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddlewisart/
Image Credits
All artwork is original and created myself: Destinee D. Lewis
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
