Conversations with Deandre Newsom

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

Deandre, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a creative person. Fashion, modeling, styling, and being able to express myself have always been things I’ve genuinely enjoyed. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I knew I wanted to do something in the creative industry. I just didn’t know exactly what that would look like or how I would get there.

I started taking modeling more seriously and eventually realized that I enjoyed the creative process just as much as being in front of the camera. I’ve always been someone who has a vision. Whether it’s putting outfits together, coming up with concepts, or planning an entire shoot, I love being able to take an idea and turn it into something real. That’s what eventually led me into styling and creative direction.

A lot of my journey has been about creating my own opportunities. I didn’t necessarily have people opening doors for me or reaching out with projects. I had to put myself out there, invest my own money, connect with photographers, videographers, and other creatives, and really believe in what I was building. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that sometimes you have to create the opportunities you wish someone would give you.

As time went on, I started producing my own visual campaigns and taking on more responsibility behind the scenes. From developing concepts and styling different looks to working with creative teams and bringing everything together, I’ve really grown to love the entire production process. One of the most rewarding feelings is watching something that started as an idea in my head become a finished project that I’m genuinely proud of.

I’ve also had moments where I felt overlooked, especially being surrounded by so many talented people in the Bay Area. But instead of letting that discourage me, I’ve tried to use it as motivation to keep improving and putting my work out there. I’ve learned that not everyone is going to see your vision right away, and that’s okay. You still have to believe in yourself.

Today, I’m continuing to grow as a model, stylist, and creative director while exploring new opportunities in acting and entertainment. I’m proud of the work I’ve created, the people I’ve collaborated with, and how much I’ve learned throughout the process.

I still have so much more I want to accomplish, and I genuinely feel like I’m just getting started. More than anything, I want to continue creating work that represents who I am and hopefully inspire other people to take their own dreams seriously, even when the opportunities aren’t being handed to them.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I definitely wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. I’ve experienced a lot of challenges, both personally and professionally, that have shaped who I am today.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced happened about six years ago when I was struck by a stray bullet. I went through major surgery and spent months recovering, including having to learn how to walk again. That was probably one of the most difficult periods of my life, both physically and mentally. It really changed my perspective on life and made me realize how quickly everything can change.

But I’ve never wanted that experience to define me. It’s part of my story, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but there’s so much more to who I am and what I want to accomplish.

When it comes to my creative journey, one of my biggest challenges has been getting my foot in the door and finding the right opportunities. I’ve had moments where I felt overlooked or questioned whether people were really seeing the work I was putting in. And I think that’s something a lot of creatives can relate to.

I’ve invested a lot of my own time, money, and energy into building my brand. From organizing photoshoots and working with creative teams to developing concepts and bringing my ideas to life, a lot of what I’ve accomplished has come from taking initiative and believing in myself.

It can be challenging when you have a vision that other people don’t necessarily see yet. But I’ve learned that not everyone is going to understand what you’re trying to build, and that’s okay. You have to keep going anyway.

I’ve also learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. There are going to be setbacks, disappointments, and moments where things don’t go as planned. What matters is how you respond to those moments.

Today, I try to look at every challenge as something I can learn from. I’m still growing, still figuring things out, and continuing to push myself creatively.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my journey, it’s that you can’t always wait for someone else to believe in you. Sometimes you have to be the first person to believe in yourself and let everything else follow.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is really a combination of modeling, fashion, and creative direction. I enjoy being in front of the camera, but what I love just as much is everything that happens before the camera even starts rolling.

I focus on creating fashion visuals that feel intentional, stylish, and a little cinematic. I’m very particular about details, whether it’s the wardrobe, lighting, location, or even how someone moves in front of the camera. I want everything to make sense visually and tell some kind of story.

One thing I’m really proud of is being able to take on different roles within my own projects. For example, I created a visual centered around me stepping into the role of a creative director, complete with a director’s chair, a production team, and multiple fashion looks. It was a fun way to show people that there’s more to me than just modeling.

Another project I’m proud of is a fashion campaign I created that opened with the line, “Let’s Go Style Dre.” I brought together a talented team, including a fashion stylist, photographer, and videographer, to create three different looks. I developed the concept and worked with the team to bring everything together, while our stylist handled the wardrobe styling. I wanted each look to have its own personality and for the final visuals to feel like something you could see in a fashion editorial. Seeing it all come together was one of my favorite moments.

I think what sets me apart is that I enjoy being involved in the entire creative process. I can be the person in front of the camera, but I can also be the one developing the concept, organizing the production, and working alongside other creatives to bring a vision to life. I believe in giving people room to bring their own ideas and talents to a project because that’s what makes a great collaboration.

My personal style is constantly evolving. Some days I lean toward clean, sophisticated fashion, and other days I want something bold, edgy, or completely unexpected. I don’t really like putting myself in one box because I enjoy experimenting and showing different sides of my creativity.

Ultimately, I want my work to be recognizable. Not necessarily because I’m in every picture, but because there’s a certain level of thought, style, and personality behind what I create. That’s what I’m continuing to develop as I grow in this industry.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely a character! I’ve always had a big personality, a lot of energy, and a love for entertaining people. Even as a little kid, I was convinced I was going to be famous one day. I didn’t know exactly what for, but in my mind, I was already a star. (Laughs)

I remember being around eight years old, putting together dress rehearsals with my siblings, organizing little dance classes, and making sure everybody knew their part. And if we weren’t doing that, I was probably in the living room putting on some kind of performance while everyone watched.

Looking back, it’s actually funny because I was already doing a little bit of creative directing without even knowing what creative direction was. I loved being the person coming up with the ideas, putting everything together, and then being right in the middle of the performance.

I’ve always been expressive, imaginative, and someone who wasn’t afraid to be himself. I loved making people laugh, entertaining, and just bringing a certain energy wherever I went.

Now that I’m older, I can look back at those moments and see how much of that little boy is still a part of who I am today. The only difference is that the living room performances have turned into actual creative productions, and the ideas have gotten a little bigger.

But that same excitement I had at eight years old? I still have it today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencedbydre/

Image Credits
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