We recently connected with Adeana Berry and have shared our conversation below.

Adeana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As an only child, I spent a lot of time in my own world. While other kids were busy with Barbie dolls, I was all about drawing, playing with Play-Doh, and trying out different art ideas. I think I always had this natural pull to create, and my family totally supported it. They’d sign me up for art camps, classes, and proudly put my work up around the house.

The moment I knew I wanted to go pro with art actually came later, in high school. I remember visiting Savannah, GA with my family, and they casually asked if I’d thought about college. When they pointed out the Savannah College of Art and Design, something clicked. It was like, “Yes, this is it!” I suddenly knew art school was where I belonged. The idea that my creativity could be my career was a lightbulb moment, and it felt amazing. From that point on, I knew I was all in—art was my path.

Adeana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an artist and hold a BFA in Graphic Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and my career has taken me into exciting places within the art world. Along with graphic design and portrait artistry, I am also a muralist and a budding curator. My path as a professional artist really began in Atlanta, where I started painting portraits of musicians, combining my love for music with my passion for visual art. Living in such a vibrant, creative city pushed me to develop my own style and connect with people in new ways. I’ve had the opportunity to create work for the owner of God is Dope, the recently retired president of Chick-fil-A, Tim Tassopoulos, and even presented a portrait to hip-hop producer Zaytoven during Super Bowl weekend in Atlanta a few years back.

Today, I offer custom portrait work and murals in both private and public spaces, and I’m continually expanding my work to blend my experience in fine art and design with fresh, innovative ideas. My approach is moving toward presenting art as a luxury rather than a commodity, creating pieces that feel deeply personal and carry a sense of exclusivity. I believe this approach allows art to be experienced in a way that adds value beyond the visual—whether it’s capturing the unique essence of a person in a portrait or bringing life to a community space through a mural.

What sets me apart is that, while I work in the luxury space, I’m equally committed to giving back to the community. Art has opened so many doors for me, and it’s important to me to create opportunities for others, too. That’s why I’m involved with various boards and nonprofits focused on arts access and education. I believe that art should connect people from all walks of life, and I want my work and brand to reflect that commitment.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing my art resonate with others. When someone tells me they feel seen or understood through a piece I created, it’s incredibly rewarding. One of my fondest recent memories is painting a mural at a preschool and seeing the children walk through the halls, excitedly pointing out how the characters looked like them. That’s the biggest compliment; preschoolers are so full of honesty and pure excitement.

I want my clients, followers, and fans to know that my work isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the connection and story behind it. Whether it’s a custom portrait, a mural, or a curated collection, my goal is to create work that’s meaningful, intentional, and feels like an experience in itself.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In early 2020, just before COVID reshaped our world, the business I had worked at for six years closed its doors. It was a huge shock, especially since I was living on my own in Atlanta, but I’d made up my mind to rely on my art as my main source of financial stability. I went all-in, producing five to six custom commissions a month, pushing myself to create not just for passion but for survival.

As if that weren’t challenging enough, both of my parents were diagnosed with the same type of cancer by mid-year. Suddenly, my whole world shifted—I knew I’d soon need to leave Atlanta and return to South Carolina to support them through their treatments. The reality of balancing my art business with the weight of my family’s needs was overwhelming at times. But 2020 and 2021 became years of incredible resilience, as I learned to manage a flood of emotions, responsibilities, and changes I never anticipated.

Today, I’m grateful to say my parents responded well to their treatments, and we’re taking life one day at a time. Returning to my hometown revealed opportunities, support, and a sense of community I hadn’t realized I needed. While I continue to build my art career, this experience has taught me that resilience is often about finding strength where you least expect it. I’m embracing the opportunities in front of me here, while also staying open to the next adventure that may take me to a new city when the time is right.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep desire for true creative freedom and the fulfillment that comes from building a life on my own terms. Visiting museums, meeting other artists, and connecting with people who believe in my potential have all been incredibly powerful experiences that fuel my passion to keep pushing forward. I want to create a life that’s fully authentic to who I am, one that feels both fulfilling and autonomous.

There’s something incredibly powerful about marching to the beat of your own drum, and I want to be an example to others of the limitless possibilities that can come from pursuing your passions. My goal is to show that with determination and a willingness to embrace the unknown, we can each shape a path that aligns with our true selves. It’s about living creatively, yes, but it’s also about showing others that they can do the same.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://uhdeanuh.com
• Instagram: @adeahnuh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uhdeanuhAB

Image Credits

I have permission to post photos.