We were lucky to catch up with Dejanaé Vasquez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dejanaé, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I used to help people organize their homes as a source of income before I started doing my craft full time, but on this one particular day… One of my clients asked me, “what do you like to do outside of work?” The question excited me because people rarely question my interest and I said, “I enjoy to paint… It makes me happy and it’s like therapy to me.”

Then my client asked if he could see some of my work… He asked if I was selling any of my art pieces and I thought to myself, “selling? I only do this for fun.” So I responded, “of course I am, which one do you like?”… He immediately chooses one of my favorite paintings I created in a time I needed to get an idea out of my head and I was just so surprised.

My client then proceeds to ask me how much and when could I bring the painting back to him… I was so nervous because this was the first time I’ve had such an upfront and direct client requesting for some of my artwork. So I quickly think of a number and he just nonchalantly says OK, is that it?

Lol… I was shocked. My client paid me up front without any complaints. He told me to keep up the good work and not to sell myself short! And the rest is history!

Dejanaé, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a jack of all trades really… A well around Artist from Dallas, TX. Art has always been apart of me from the beginning and I’ve just continued to work on my craft over the years. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design at the school of Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta.

I’ve had the pleasure to work with many great people inside and outside the professional art industry. I specialize in luxury abstract paintings, home décor sculptures, and wedding gifts/takeaways. I am a personal artist for private clients who fancy my style of modern abstract designs.

My goal as an artist is to work with my clients, in making sure they’re satisfied with their artwork throughout the entire creative process. The thing that sets me a part from others would be my authenticity and organic way of thinking. I’m most known for creating things out of nothing and turning the forgotten found recycled items into beautiful pieces of artwork.

My resiliency is what I am most proud of, because it takes a strong and faithful spirit to keep persevering even when the world around you, is yelling and telling you to quit. Keep going. I promise you will reap a harvest in good well doing.

How did you build your audience on social media?

To be honest I’m not too social media savvy or even computer savvy. I’ve always stayed true to myself as an artist and individual. Quite frankly I’ve never cared for the opinions of others because they are not my creator, God is. So, when I share anything on social media, I treat it as if it’s an open secret diary, because one… it is a blessing for anyone to have the confidence to share a piece of their daily lives with others on social platforms; and two… people are always going to judge you whether you’re doing good or bad.

Fans come and go but real followers who believe in you will support you… and want to see you grow, they stay. So I say, don’t find yourself comparing yourself to others, because comparison will robb you from your now. Stay focused and your village will grow organically.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I am blessed to say I am 27 years old. Society likes to push what an adult at a certain age should be doing and again I say follow your path and put your trust in God. No, I am no where near where I would like to be, but I am exactly where God needs me to be and I’ve learned to stay steadfast and keep my trust in him.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adejanaevasquez.com
• Instagram: dejanae_vasquez
• Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/dejanae-vasquez-atlanta-ga-2054382

Image Credits
Amira Dejanaé Vasquez – SCAD Alumna | B.F.A – Fashion Design