Deanna Davoli shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Deanna, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am incredibly proud of the creative business I have built over the past 18 years selling my art. Although I don’t have formal education in business or marketing, I have learned firsthand how to manage my website, produce video content for social media, design booth layouts, craft my brand, and create nearly 99% of the products I sell. I’ve traveled extensively across the US to participate in art shows, and so much more. It’s astounding how much time and effort go into the business side of my art. I’ve come to realize that this aspect is just as vital as the act of creating itself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Deanna Davoli and I have been selling my Beautifully Dark Art to the public for the past 18 years. I typically sell my art at Renaissance Festivals and Comic Cons in the southeastern United States.
My artwork explores the beauty found in flaws and the raw emotions of the human condition, as well as imaginative interpretations of fairy tale characters, broken dolls, and anthropomorphic animals. I enjoy experimenting with a variety of mediums, including pencils, oil paints, watercolors, and Copic markers. This love for diverse materials has allowed me to develop a rich experience in creating mixed-media artwork over the past few years. I graduated from Buffalo State College in 1999 with a degree in Arts Education and Art History. Currently, I live on the edge of a forest in Florida with my husband, daughter, and cat.
My current project is the creation of an art book that encapsulates my artistic journey. Crafting this book has been a dream of mine since I began selling my work in the mid-2000s. Over the past year and a half, I have collaborated closely with my publisher, 4 Horsemen Publications, to bring this vision to life. The result is a curated collection of over 100 images, featuring commentary, inspiration, never-before-seen works, behind-the-scenes progress shots, and much more, offering my fans an intimate glimpse into my creative process.
This Special Edition Art Book is available for Pre-order now through November 20th, 2025, exclusively on my website: www.DeannaDavoli.com
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
The world never taught me how to be! Haha. I’ve always navigated life to the rhythm of my own drum. I believe many artists share this trait, which is why we create—to explore hidden facets of ourselves and express them through paper, music, dance, or other forms. I’ve always been drawn to nature and a darker aesthetic—qualities that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they have always resonated with me. I create art on my terms, knowing that it’s not for everyone’s taste. If everyone liked my work, I’d worry that I wasn’t truly being authentic as an artist.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are emotionally stronger than you realize. You are a badass. Keep kindness at the forefront, because you deserve all the good things and the wonderful people that come into your life because of it.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Some say art isn’t important and perpetuate the “starving artist” stereotype. While there are struggles, obstacles, and resistance, I believe anyone who starts and maintains their own business must overcome similar challenges. I am truly grateful for these obstacles, as they’ve strengthened me and pushed me to do even more.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
I genuinely fear that I will regret not creating more art. Although I dedicate a lot of time to managing various aspects of my business, attending shows and being a full time mom, these responsibilities can sometimes lead to burnout, making it difficult to stay creatively inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DeannaDavoli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannadavoli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbydeannadavoli
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deannadavoli
Image Credits
Chanel Fernandez Photography
(She provided the photo of me & her info is credited on the photo itself)
