Life & Work with Deandre Richardson of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deandre Richardson.

Hi Deandre, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been creative, even before I realized art would become such a big part of my life. One of my earliest memories goes back to the fifth grade. My teacher called a parent conference because I kept turning in assignments without my name on them. Instead of writing my name on the line, I’d fill the space with doodles and little drawings. The funny thing is that she always knew exactly which assignments were mine because of those doodles. Looking back, it was one of the first signs that creating came naturally to me.

Growing up in Lincoln Heights taught me the importance of family, community, and looking out for one another. Lincoln Heights isn’t just where I was raised; it’s home on both sides of my family. Both my mother’s and father’s families were raised there, so the values, stories, and sense of community from that place have been passed down through generations.

I was also surrounded by creativity. I had family members who were contemporary artists, woodworkers, and craftsmen, so I learned early on that art can take many forms. Watching people create with their hands showed me that creativity isn’t limited to one medium. It’s a way of seeing and interacting with the world.

In college, I studied Social Work, but creativity never left me. Outside of class, I spent a lot of time drawing and creating clothing designs for a friend’s clothing line. That experience helped develop my eye for design, color, and visual storytelling.

In 2016, I picked up painting during a time when I felt like I needed something to ground me. I needed a positive outlet, something that would keep me focused and centered before making choices that could have taken my life in a different direction. Painting became that outlet, and what started as a way to stay grounded quickly became a passion.

Since then, that passion has opened doors I never imagined. I’ve participated in two gallery exhibitions, hosted my own solo show, and currently have artwork on display in downtown Cincinnati. Looking back, every step played a part in getting me here. No matter what season of life I was in, creativity was always the common thread. Painting just helped me fully embrace it.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles has been imposter syndrome. Even after gallery exhibitions, a solo show, and having my work displayed in downtown Cincinnati, there are still times when I question whether I belong in certain spaces or if I can really call myself an artist.

I’ve also spent a lot of time wrestling with what’s next. I’ve built a career in the parking industry, and there are moments when I wonder if I can truly make the leap to becoming a full-time artist. Pursuing your passion is exciting, but it can also be scary when you have responsibilities and people depending on you.

Beyond that, life has challenged me in ways that have shaped both my art and my character. Becoming a father, navigating difficult relationships, battling addiction, and having to start over more than once forced me to take an honest look at myself and the direction I wanted my life to go. COVID added another layer of uncertainty and reflection.

Through it all, art became my outlet. It gave me a way to process my emotions, mistakes, growth, and life experiences. Many of those moments found their way onto the canvas.

Another challenge has been learning how to create consistently while continuing to evolve. I’m still figuring out how to push my artistry to the next level, but that’s part of the journey. Looking back, the struggles have given me perspective, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose in my work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professionally, my journey has been somewhat unconventional. One of my first jobs was working for my grandfather at the University of Cincinnati. Later, while attending college, I picked up a valet job that eventually turned into a career. What started as a part-time position has grown into more than 13 years in the parking industry, and today I serve as a Facilities Manager overseeing parking operations and garages throughout Cincinnati.

As an artist, I work primarily as a painter. My work is inspired by personal experiences, growth, community, and the lessons that come from overcoming life’s challenges. I use art to tell stories, process emotions, and create connections.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific exhibition or accomplishment. It’s the fact that I kept going. There were times when the odds felt stacked against me, times when people doubted me, and times when I doubted myself. I’ve made mistakes, started over, and faced challenges that could have easily taken me down a different path. Through it all, I stayed committed to becoming a better man, a better father, and a better version of myself.

What sets me apart is my perspective. My art doesn’t come from a perfect story; it comes from real life. Every success, failure, lesson, and second chance has shaped the way I see the world and the way I create. I bring that authenticity into my work, and I think people connect with it because it’s honest.

My goal isn’t just to create something visually appealing. It’s to create something that people can feel and inspire others by showing that setbacks, mistakes, and difficult circumstances don’t have to determine where your story ends.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy these days is being an intentional father. Having a six-year-old daughter has given me a different perspective on life and what’s truly important. A lot of my happiness comes from being present and creating meaningful memories with her. More than anything, I try to be the father I needed and wanted when I was a child. That responsibility has challenged me, but it’s also been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

I’ve also found happiness in peace. For a long time, I was always moving, chasing the next thing, or trying to figure life out. During this season of my life, I’ve learned to appreciate solitude and reflection. What some people might see as isolation, I’ve come to see as an opportunity to reconnect with myself, grow, and focus on what truly matters.

Art plays a big part in that happiness too. I remember being a kid and being asked, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” My answer was simple: I wanted to sit in a room all day, draw whatever I wanted, and somehow get paid for it. Looking back, my life doesn’t look exactly like that, but in a lot of ways it’s become a better version of what I imagined.

I’ve always been a fairly closed-off person, and art has given me a way to express things that I don’t always put into words. It’s a way of letting people into my mind and sharing how I see the world. My work often reflects the surreal thoughts, emotions, and ideas that live in my head. When someone connects with a piece and finds their own meaning in it, that’s one of the most fulfilling parts of being an artist. It reminds me that even without saying much, I’ve still found a way to communicate, connect, and inspire.

Pricing:

• 5×7-$60
• 16×20-$200
• 18×24-$350

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drich3461.wixsite.com/enricheddesignstudio
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/da_vincidre