We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deanna First a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Deanna , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I’ve been determined from a very young age when it comes to pursuing my love for art. I feel my journey as an artist is directly linked to my soul mission. My father also owned a business selling ice to local shops in Ohio with my Uncle and grandfather. Looking back, and seeing him work as a teacher during the day, and then building his business after work and on the weekends also inspired me from a young age.
When I moved to NYC from Cleveland after college in 2012, I only knew a small handful of people. I felt I had to work extra hard in order to build meaningful connections and make opportunities for myself since I did not have an existing strong support group in NYC
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’m Deanna First, a NYC based illustrator who specializes in creating custom artwork for brands, campaigns and merchandise – in addition to live illustrating guests at special events, movie premieres and capturing celebs at the Met gala in a matter of minutes. The most impactful part of my job is seeing the reactions of brands and guests when they view my artwork. When you see people light up from within, it is an indescribable and contagious feeling of pure joy. Since I’m reiki certified, I’ve always felt that I was a natural healer and witnessing the healing power of art in real time is so special. I love to surprise people and announce my upcoming events and collaborations once launched! What I can tell you, is that I am scaling my business and partnerships on a global level. In addition to NYC, Hamptons and CT, I’m expanding towards reaching a wider audience.
I recently returned from sailing in the Mediterranean, illustrating on The Ritz-Carlton newest super yacht, LUMINARA for the week! It’s truly a “pinch-me” moment in my career. This is my very first international booking in 10 years of dedicated hard work as being a full-time illustrator. I also just finished illustrating at Formula 1 Paddock in Miami and the F1: The Movie World Premiere in NYC not too long ago. I’m in the works of launching a limited edition merchandise collaboration for one of my favorite international bakeries (so stay tuned for more details on that)! I also just finished a collaboration with Bergdorfs X Chairish on the 7th floor of Bergdorf Goodman. My hand painted shopping bags and limited edition artwork was sold last month at their Flagship store on Fifth Avenue.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
– 1. I would say my knowledge in fashion design played a role in my journey. I know how to sew and construct an entire collection if needed myself by hand. Learning about different fabrics and how they drape has helped me tremendously when it comes to illustrating more heavily involved fashion and runway shows. I quickly can capture patterns, textures and fabrics by glancing at them and it has allowed me to sketch with ease and speed.
-2. I have an extreme eye for detail. Some might say it borders on being a bit of perfectionist. Some of my clientele caters towards luxury experiences in events and branding so my eye for detail really comes in handy when understanding the level of care and thought that goes into making an experience and brand truly legendary.
-3. Lastly, my determination has positively impacted my journey. Starting out as an artist in NYC was extremely difficult. After leaving the corporate world working for Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari and J.Crew, I got a side job 3 days a week as a graphic designer while I built up my business and saved. It never crossed my mind to quit, even when things got tough. There was never a back-up plan B in my mind – this was always the only option.
Everyone’s journey is completely unique. I think sometimes the best way to learn is to take risks, try and adapt quickly once you fail. I don’t always enjoy giving advice because deep down I feel we know the answers. What worked for me – might not work for someone else.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal collaboration involves brands that truly respect and value not only my talent, but me as a person. Clients that are open to hearing my ideas and suggestions and trust my input are extremely valuable to me.
Art is such a pivotal part in a brand’s identity. A collaboration that can develop into a long-term partnership, expand globally and continue to build overtime is always the end goal. The fact that my illustrations can be used on menu designs, illustrated clothing prints, wallpapers, buses and even store windows can draw prospective new customers in and turn an ordinary experience into a lasting memory. I want my sketches to be part of a company’s history for many decades to come. Whether I’m sketching live at a runway show, or creating illustrations for artists’ residencies at hotels, restaurants, iconic sporting events or fashion and beauty brands – I hope my work brings joy and a lasting impact for all.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Jason Riker is the image of Deanna in the yellow dress
Alison Su is the pic with Deanna at the desk with a dog
Allison Su is also the closeup of her hands
Everything else please credit Deanna First
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
