We were lucky to catch up with Dean Skinner recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dean, appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
Oh wow…I still remember it like it was yesterday. This beautiful couple saw my work hanging in a local coffee shop and commissioned me to paint their ADORABLE little girl who was around five or so and just a little “firecracker.” The entire time I painted her I kept thinking, “I can’t believe people are actually paying me to paint.” and must have said that to myself a hundred times or more. What an incredible feeling. What an incredible honor. What an incredible gift. Thank you, God!!!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Dean Skinner is an artist and an author of supernatural thrillers. His latest book, Faithful, was number one of four of Amazon’s best seller lists, while Healed (published in June of 2021) was number one on six of Amazon’s best seller lists and continues to remain within multiple best seller lists to this day. As an artist, Dean has been featured in galleries throughout the US and the UK, and has been commissioned by numerous NFL athletes, including All-Pro running back, Derrick Henry.
“I started painting again, something I always loved to do as a child, at the age of 46, and I wrote and published my first book at the age of 53. Hopefully, at the least, I can be an example that it’s never too late to use the gifts God gave you.”
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I feel closest to God when I create. I mean, why wouldn’t I…right? We are ALL made from His image and HE is the original creator. And I don’t know who said this, but the saying goes something like, “The best way to glorify our Great Creator is to create, ourselves.” So, not only do I feel so incredibly close to God when I create, but I also feel it is a very authentic way to glorify Him…with the gifts He’s given us!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I believe right now, at this very moment in my life, God has clearly told and shown me that he wants me to be a full-time artist and yes…that scares the heck out of me. But, if that’s His will, then it’s mine and of course, “His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine.” – Ephesians 3:20
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanskinner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dean.skinner.92
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-skinner-7827b11/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/deanskinner
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07VX5Y4R5