by Alison Su

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deanna First. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I wanted to be an artist since pre-school! I actually have a drawing by my current desk in my studio with a picture drawn by me painting on a easel in high heels. I wrote “I want to be an artist when I grow up above it” give or take a few spelling errors. :) Art is linked to my soul purpose on earth and I am blessed to have known from such a young age.

by Alison Su

Deanna, 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 am a NYC based illustrator who travels to Hamptons, LA and world-wide for my craft. I create book covers, menu art, illustrations used for branding and websites, art for coffee sleeves, window art for brands to pull people in and grab their attention, limited edition art from brand partnerships and business, live illustrations of guests and so much more. Some of my noteworthy clients include Dior, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Condé Nast, Ralph Lauren, Casa Cipriani, Instagram and Christie’s.

I have also illustrated departure looks created live of guests and celebrities headed to the MET Gala in 2023-2025 with iconic NYC hotels. I also illustrated The Plaza Hotel’s Champagne Bar menu, have been Artist-in-Residence at Tiffany & Co. Flagship, illustrated at Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami (where my art of all of the drivers was also blown up on huge LED screens with Triton Productions).

It’s been roughly 10 years I have been working for myself full-time. I moved here from Ohio after college at Kent State University in 2012, where I studied Technical Fashion Design. My first assistant design jobs were at Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari and J.Crew before pivoting my career completely. I got a side job 3 days a week at a yoga company doing graphic design and illustrated flats on the computer before I built up my clientele and savings and was able to take the leap and work for myself. I feel empowered working for myself and could never see myself going back to having a corporate job.

It has taken a ton of dedication to get to this point and continuous resilience. Art is 1/3 of what I do – the majority is the business and marketing aspect that comes with working for yourself around the clock. What sets me apart from others is that I’m not trying to be like any other artist – I’ve developed my style organically (which changes and evolves year by year slightly). The main feedback I receive from others – especially while illustrating guests live is “Wow, you really captured my aura”. To me this is the highest compliment to capture their essence in a matter of minutes. My speed of my drawings also set my apart – I don’t think people realize most of the sketches I post on my Ig @deanna_first and TikTok were done in 4-5 minutes.

I want potential clients and people that appreciate my work to know just how passionate I am about what I do. Since I truly feel art is linked to my soul mission on earth – I give it 110%. It brings me so much joy to be living out my childhood dream and I’m extremely thankful for the opportunities I’ve been give and the ones that have yet to me revealed.

by Alison Su

by Alison Su

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Yes! My first ever art pop-up in NYC I had to sell tickets (I believe $400-$500 total – $20 a ticket) or I would need to pay the remainder back. Tickets were for an art and runway show with other emerging artists. This was way back in 2016 I recall. I invited all of my friends (my family is all out of the state). Long story short, no one showed up. A few people bought tickets but the day came and everyone was busy. My friend Jasmine was kind enough to help me set-up and sit with me for the first half of the event before she had to leave.

At the very end of the event, I made one $35 sale. That redeemed my spirits a bit, but overall was feeling defeated, since it took months to prepare. I printed, packaged and labeled everything late at night after my day job for months leading up to it, got a huge banner printed with “See Me Dee” (which was my brand name and blog at the time). When I was waiting for a cab back to Astoria I remember crying and feeling so down. At that moment I realized that this was going to be a a very lonely journey. It still is from time to time – but I do have much more support in NYC after living here since 2012 and building up my brand.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing people’s face light up when they see my illustration of them at my live events. It’s so much more than a quick sketch. I always focus on what I view people’s best features are. It’s not completely about capturing their physical appearance either – it’s about capturing their energy.

When a guest views my interpretation – it brings me so much joy! I have had comments like “Wow, I can’t believe you perceive me so beautifully”. When people look at my art, I wish to bring healing and peace to their hearts. Not everyone realizes how a simple sketch can affect someones confidence.

After the LA fires, I was approached to recreate artwork from one of my events for a mother and daughter that lost everything. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. The fact that they even remembered that illustration really made me take a step back to think about the ways in which art has the ability to leave such an impact on peoples lives. It truly is a cherished keepsake, capturing a moment in time and I am blessed to be even a small part of that special memory.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deannafirst.com (launching end of June)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanna_first
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistDeannaFirst/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannafirst/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deanna_first