DeSean Lewis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
DeSean, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My inner confidence. It took me a while to be able to even step outside without being overly self-conscious of how I look and feel both inside and outside. I did alot of self-discovery and allowing myself to really be vulnerable and present in moments that were both positive and negative. I think that alone allowed me to no longer care what others think and just be me. Like, all the way me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m DeSean or Sean, whichever rolls off the tongue easier for you. Born and raised in your favorite city to visit, Atlanta. I’ve held many titles including that of a Fashion Designer which is where most people might know me from my brand, SEAN ANTONIE. However, as of right now, I’m working to build my name as an Art Director. I’ve worked with some cool brands and I’ve really fallen in love with the art of concepting and bringing creative campaigns to life.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My pops for sure. He’s one of those people that believes in having a good job, good benefits, a retirement plan, etc. I used to think he was crazy for staying at a job for 20 years but once he retired, I realized he wasn’t crazy, he was smart. I never wanted the “practical job” route so when I told him I wanted to be a Fashion Designer and Art Director, it all seemed so foreign to him. His belief of what having a job meant and mine were so different in a sense of me choosing a creative career but even with the succes I’ve had in this industry, I always go back to his idea of keeping a job because “the [bills] don’t stop they keep going!”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Plenty, whew. Moment of transparency here: As a suicide survivor, I know what it feels like to be at that point of feeling as if there is now way out of a situation. You get to a point where everything continues to pile up on your life. Nothing is working. Jobs aren’t hiring and the only option you see is to exit stage right. I’m telling you, that’s not the answer. We were all put here for a reason and once you find that reason, that purpose that God has given you, you become unstoppable. You become a person that even after a hard blow, you roll that shit up and smoke it back because you know that there’s more for you to do and accomplish that.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That you need x amount of years of experience to do a job. That is in fact a lie. I know people who have only had one internship become Senior Art Directors in under two years because its never about the years of experience but just the experience itself. You can accomplish so much in a year if you dedicate yourself to your skills and talent but not everyone can see that because they’re too busy looking at what’s on paper instead of the person as a individual.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
“He was number 1!” lol, but seriously, I want people to know that I created to inspire. To make people feel something and create conversation that carries on for years. I don’t create for money or recognition but moreso for myself. For that inner child that was told oh “you’re too much”, “too gay”, “too unorthodox”. I want the story to feel real, authentic and show my drive to remove those labels and allow myself to be seen through my work not only as an individual but a student of the work I created.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://seanantonie.xyz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sean.antonie?igsh=dmduNnhvY3MxaG96&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desean-lewis
