Today we’d like to introduce you to Deandra Stokes.
Hi Deandra, 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?
As an undergraduate at Saint Xavier University, I majored in graphic design and gained hands-on experience in a few creative roles. I worked as the designer for the campus radio station, served as the assistant to a senior designer in the university’s marketing department, and worked part-time as a Graphic Design Specialist at Adroitt in Mokena. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation in design, branding, and creative problem-solving.
After I graduated and earned my bachelor’s, I began building my career as the creative lead for a non-profit organization where I managed graphic/brand design, photography, videography, and marketing campaigns for social media. One of my favorite parts of the role was traveling to document educational trips and capture the experiences of the first-generation students we served. It was there that I discovered how powerful and inspiring visual storytelling can be. It’s also why I love traveling so much now and being able to document my own life journey.
In 2025, my full-time position was cut due to government funding cuts, so I decided to take a leap of faith and turn my freelance work into a full-time creative business. What initially felt like a setback became one of the greatest opportunities for growth. Since August 2025, I’ve been working independently as a creative director, designer, and videographer, partnering with small businesses and entrepreneurs to bring their brands and stories to life.
That transition challenged me to grow beyond being just a creative. As a business owner, I’ve learned how to lead projects, build client relationships, think strategically, and create work that not only looks great but also helps clients achieve their goals. I look at it as a blessing in disguise.
While I’m still open to full-time opportunities that align with my experience and passion, I’ve genuinely enjoyed building my own business and the freedom it has given me to collaborate with a wide variety of clients. Looking back, what seemed like an unexpected career change ultimately became the shift I needed to build a career that feels even more aligned with who I am and the impact I want to make in this world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has not been a smooth road at all. To be transparent, it has been far from it. My journey started out smooth the first few months, but like any business, there’s been a few bumps in the road. One of the main struggles I’ve had was health complications. In the Fall I had gallbladder removal surgery and COVID, so it hindered me from working a few months. Those low bookings set back my finances; however, luckily, I had savings to fall back on and use as a cushion.
Sometimes I also experienced creative block, or unfortunately, imposter syndrome affected how I was working. But I started to realize that the seasons when I needed to slow down were just moments I needed to rest. Rest is crucial in entrepreneurship, and I am now learning to enjoy those moments and implement more rest days and create a healthy balance in my schedule BEFORE my body forces me to.
With all that being said, I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about this journey because it has done nothing but shaped me in ways I never thought it would.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear a lot of creative hats, but my main focus is creative direction, design, and filmmaking. At the heart of everything I create is storytelling. Whether I’m developing a brand or directing a video, I’m always thinking about how to tell a story that people will connect with.
One thing I’m most proud of is building a career that allows me to explore so many different creative disciplines while staying rooted in storytelling. Along the way, I’ve also learned how to navigate challenges in a field that isn’t always easy to grow in, especially as a woman in creative spaces where your voice and vision aren’t always immediately recognized. Those experiences have only strengthened my resolve and pushed me to keep building work that feels intentional, impactful, and true to me. Every step has made me a stronger creative director because I’ve learned how all the pieces work together and how to adapt when needed.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to blend different creative media into one cohesive vision. I’m always thinking beyond the final product and looking for ways to create something that’s meaningful, memorable, and visually compelling. I love asking questions, finding the heart of a story, and translating it into something people can see and feel.
As I continue to grow, I want to bring my love for design and filmmaking together even more. My dream is to direct narrative films, create visually driven documentaries, and explore motion design as another storytelling medium. That’s where I see my work evolving, and it’s the kind of creative work that excites me most.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To rest! Health is wealth, so without it, I can do nothing. I need to honor slow seasons and know that it’s okay to not always have a full plate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://damazingmedia.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellodstokes/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deandrastokes/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hellodstokes
- Other: https://contra.com/damazingmedia_533bz272/work?r=damazingmedia_533bz272
