Today we’d like to introduce you to Deante Howard.
Hi Deante , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sure. My story starts with sports. That was the dream—until it wasn’t. At 14, I had neck surgery that took me out of the game for good. That kind of loss hits deep, especially when you’ve built your identity around chasing greatness. But looking back, I see it as a redirection, not a defeat. God didn’t take my dream away—He gave me a new one.
Art became the voice I didn’t know I had. I was always drawing—ink pens, school paper, napkins, whatever I could get my hands on. We didn’t have money for art supplies, but that didn’t stop me. I kept creating. It wasn’t until years later that I finally picked up a paintbrush. And that’s when things took off.
Now, I get to tell powerful stories through my art. I paint athletes because they’re living proof that resilience, discipline, and purpose still matter. And I’ve built a business around that belief—creating original pieces, limited collections, and collaborations that move people. I don’t just make art. I make reminders of what’s possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road—and I wouldn’t want it to be. The struggle shaped the story. I came up with a single dad raising four of us, so resources were tight. Then we lost one, my older brother died and that really hit hard. I didn’t have canvases and paint growing up—I had pens and whatever they could write on, from napkins to envelopes to pizza boxes. But that limitation taught me how to see potential in everything.
Later, trying to build a business as an artist came with its own fight. No roadmap, no investors, just faith, consistency, and a whole lot of trial and error. I had to learn how to sell, how to market, how to get people to see the value in what I do. And sometimes, that meant being overlooked or underestimated—but I never let that stop me. I kept showing up.
Every closed door, every setback, every quiet season—it all added to the testimony. That’s why the work hits different now. Because it’s not just talent—it’s truth, it’s tested, and it’s tied to something bigger than me.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder and artist behind Deecor Art Studio, where art meets legacy. I create hand-painted portraits of athletes, legends, and dreamers—people who represent perseverance, purpose, and proof that the impossible is possible. Every piece I make is rooted in story, crafted by hand, and built to outlive trends.
What sets me apart is the intention behind the work. I’m not chasing virality—I’m capturing impact. My collectors aren’t just buying a painting; they’re collecting moments, movements, and meaning. Whether it’s a fine art print, a one-of-one original, or a collaboration with an athlete or brand, everything I create is designed to inspire, to connect, and to last.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built this from scratch—no shortcuts, no fluff. Just God-given vision, consistency, and work. I’ve sent art to some of the biggest names in sports, created campaigns that raised thousands for causes I believe in, and built a community of people who see my work and say, “That’s exactly how I feel.”
So whether you’re a serious collector, a passionate fan, or someone who just needs a reminder that your story matters—I’ve got something for you. This brand is for those who fight, rise, and dream loud.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is purpose—and making sure I’m walking in what God created me to do. I know I didn’t just survive the setbacks and detours in my life for nothing. Everything I’ve been through—losing my sports dream, growing up without much, building a business from scratch—was shaping me for this. For impact. For legacy.
My faith grounds me, but my family is what keeps me going. I’ve got five amazing kids watching me, and a wife who’s held it down through every season. I want my children to see what it looks like to chase God’s calling with boldness. To use your gift, give back, and stay humble in the process.
At the end of the day, the art I create, the people I serve, the moves I make—it all has to come back to purpose. I’m not here to just make noise. I’m here to make meaning!
Pricing:
- Custom pieces $2000 – $15,000
- Limited edition 24in x 36in canvas prints $500
- Limited edition 16in x 24in canvas prints $250
- Special Edition art cards $100- $250
- Murals $5000 – $40,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.deecor.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howard.d.artist/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/@Imajinayshun/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deante-howard
