Meet Dez Bara

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dez Bara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dez below.

Dez, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

There’s a song lyric that has always stuck with me:

“Everyday, I wake up alone because I’m not like all the other boys…”

It’s from ‘As You Are’ by Travis, a band I was obsessed with in my teens. It sounds heavy at first, sad even, but to me it’s about resilience, self-acceptance, and owning your personal power.

In many ways, I’ve always been ‘The only one in the room that looked like me’. As a kid, a rare skin condition made me visibly different from the others around me. I was also often the only black boy in the room, in class, on the team, at the party…By my late teens, spaces became more diverse, but by then my sexuality added another layer to the mix. In many ways, this only skims the surface of a very long list…

For a long time, it felt isolating. With time, I’ve grown to realize that being ‘the only one’ isn’t a setback but rather an amazing superpower. I strongly believe it takes a deeper level of resilience and self-awareness to navigate spaces where there’s no blueprint for your success and I learned this lesson very early in life. Today, I celebrate my individuality, using it to amplify my voice, show empathy, and energize my creative work.

I now walk into every room embracing that I’m not the average Joe: I’m a proud bisexual, Afro-Caribbean, first generation Canadian, native French-speaker, living in the US, tattooed, pierced, and working in the arts, in the bustling streets of New York City. Truly a mouthful – but that’s my greatest strength: Who I am. I’m very proud to have reached this level of self-love. I no longer see ‘difference’ as an obstacle, but rather as proof that I’m meant to stand out. This is where I truly find my purpose and belonging.

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?

As a fashion-based art director, I specialize in concept design, brand image, and illustration, combining creativity with strategy. I’m based in New York City where I freelance and consult on design, marketing, and experiential branding, helping brands create compelling narratives for various projects.

Recently, I was selected as one of FIDA Worldwide’s TOP 100 Contemporary Fashion Portrait Artists of 2025, a distinction that places me among the world’s top fashion illustrators.

This recognition, showcasing my work at the International Fashion Illustration Week during London Fashion Week, is a major personal achievement. Fashion illustration has always been at the core of my artistic passions, and I am continuously seeking ways to expand its presence in my body of work.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with notable brands in creative and marketing roles, shaping large-scale brand initiatives and experiential productions. I balance artistic vision with analytical insights, ensuring every project is both visually impactful and strategically sound.

Rather than confining myself to a title, I see myself as a multidisciplinary fashion creative with an open approach: ‘How can I help?’ My goal is to develop rich visual stories – styling, moodboards, pitches, and design development – while exploring opportunities that merge artistry and strategy.

With the belief that creative possibilities are limitless, I remain active in my field and open to the unknown, trusting that the right work opportunities are seeking me and will continue to align.

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?

It’s easy to namedrop and list accolades but in my opinion, some of the most crucial qualities lie in Soft Skills – The things that don’t usually show up on a resume. Experience is valuable but this is what truly shows up when you’re not lugging around your manicured CV:

Resilience

• Developing the ability to face hardships without beating yourself down or questioning your talent is a big asset. You can be the best at your craft and still encounter objections, rejections, or false promises. Resilience allows you to make room for the emotional rollercoaster but also forces you to action on new opportunities that may yield better outcomes. Don’t give up, don’t take it personally, and keep it moving.

Communication

•  Having the ability to foster healthy, timely, and meaningful dialogue is a lost art. Regardless of the medium: email, chat, text, in-person… communication allows for clarity and alignment for all parties involved. Be polite, be concise, and always close the loop. Master the art of saying ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and remember that ghosting others is the enemy of relationship building.

Courage

• This is the toughest one – even for me. Take risks and fight for what you believe in. Put yourself out there and knock on all the doors you can. It’s not a question of being extroverted or introverted (…I’m both!) but rather a non-negotiable calling for you to break free from barriers and show the world what you have to offer. You must advocate for yourself – Remember that there’s plenty of people making a killing while you sit and mull it over for the thousandth time. Be brave and get out there.

There’s no shortage of quotes, books, and various outlets that preach these messages. My advice would be to find what works for you and don’t get stressed with ‘Toxic Positivity’ – You may never feel 100% your best but you must stay active, don’t overthink it, and show up as best you can. In the end, it all comes together and in the meantime, you’re not the only one on this earth trying to figure it out.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal clients are fashion brands and creative agencies seeking an artistic approach to marketing and storytelling – those who value bold ideas, individuality, and visual impact.

I love to connect with industry leaders who push boundaries and inject fresh energy into their work. In a business where it’s becoming increasingly hard to tell brands apart, it’s easy to spot the only ones in the room who are leading the pack. I’m an expert – I stand with those who truly seek to stand apart and be the TRUE leaders – not the followers nor the pretenders.

I also align with those who challenge creative industry norms leveraging diverse career backgrounds, technological innovations, and fearless creative direction. My approach is ‘elegantly disruptive’—a balance of refinement with just the right amount of rebellion. Ultimately, my ideal clients always seek to create work that doesn’t just fit in but also stands out.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dezbara.info
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbara1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dezbara1/