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

Alright, Deanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I’m currently working on my first art book—a collection of photographs, memories, thoughts, and feelings that reflect my six-year journey traveling through Africa and immersing myself in the wild. Creating this book has been a dream of mine for years: to design a large-format art book that feels like a work of art in itself. After a year in the making, it’s finally coming to life.

I chose the title ICON because it’s simple yet powerful, representing the extraordinary animals I’ve had the privilege to photograph—lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, and leopards. These iconic species, many of which are endangered, each carry stories I want to share with the world.

My vision for this book is not only to create something visually stunning but also to evoke emotion and inspire action. Through these images, I hope to spark a deeper connection to wildlife, to celebrate their beauty, and to awaken a sense of responsibility to protect them—as art so often has the power to do.

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.

At my core, I am an Earth lover. My mission in life is to honor the animals that share this planet and to contribute to the good—to save, help, and create awareness. I strive to help others and be of service wherever I can, believing that education is the key to protecting our planet.

Photography has become a new art form for me, though my roots have always been in design and art as an art major. Capturing images of majestic creatures like elephants and lions has given me a powerful new way to share their stories with the world. Through my lens, I hope to inspire beauty and courage—to remind us all that we must fight to protect the endangered, the vulnerable, the weak, and the afflicted. My art allows me to communicate the beauty of wild nature in a deeper way, to ignite change, and to walk alongside anyone who faces injustice. The more we widen our circle of care—to include those with four legs, wings, and fins—the better this world becomes.

My love for wild nature burns bright, fueling my mission to awaken the world to the silent crisis facing endangered species. I fear a future without them, but I believe people will fight to protect what they love. Every product I create and sell reflects this commitment—eco-friendly pieces designed with sustainable practices and minimal-impact packaging. When you buy my art, you take home a piece of the wild, carrying with it the hope that you, too, will join the fight to save them.

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

The mission of my creative journey is to inspire change through art and beauty. Art has the power to transform us—it shifts how we see the world and how we move within it. As an art major and someone who has spent a lifetime studying the masters like Monet and Rembrandt, I’ve come to understand just how deeply impactful art can be.

My work goes beyond photography. Each image is created with the intention, depth, and emotion of fine art—capturing not just what I see, but what I feel, and inviting others to connect with the story behind every frame.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding parts of being an artist is the freedom to evolve and adapt with the times. Over the years, I’ve explored many creative paths—from painting and interior design to writing, digital design, website creation, and brand marketing. Being an artist has given me a versatile skill set that allows me to create across almost any platform.

It also gives me the freedom to be different—to stand out, to express myself fully, and to embrace my individuality. In a world that often values conformity, being an artist allows me to be seen, accepted, and respected for who I am and what I create.

For me, creativity is limitless. I’m constantly imagining new projects, developing fresh ideas, and challenging myself to grow. I feel grateful to have been blessed with the ability to learn quickly and to express my vision in so many unique and meaningful ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deannadeshea.com
• Instagram: deannadeshea
• Facebook: deannadeshea
• Linkedin: deannadeshea
• Other: https://substack.com/@deannadeshea