Meet DeAndre Ross | The Engineer Gone Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with DeAndre Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DeAndre, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Without a doubt, the most difficult decision I’ve ever made was packing up my life in St. Louis and moving out to Cali to start fresh. Minimal to no friends or family. Absolutely no roadmap. Just honestly a gut feeling that there’s more waiting for me on the West Coast—something I needed to explore not just career-wise, but creatively and personally, if that makes sense.

I came out here starting my career in San Diego as an engineer in construction & project management which was solid and practical, but with that I also knew I had a creative side that hadn’t really had room to breathe yet. The thing is, I had no idea how or where to begin expressing that part of myself. It wasn’t until I moved to LA just a few years later that I seen how LA is full of incredibly talented, passionate people who are living out their artistic dreams—but it can be overwhelming when you’re new and trying to find your place in all of that.

Leaving St. Louis was a physical move, but it was also an emotional one in the same light. My whole life was there. My family, my closest friends… especially my mom. That home base, that safety net—it was all I knew. And being fresh out of college, coming to the West Coast, yet alone LA, where everything moves fast and nothing’s guaranteed—it felt like I was really taking on the world alone.

But here’s the thing: as tough as it was, I wouldn’t trade that decision for anything. That transition forced me to grow in ways I never expected. It pushed me out of my comfort zone. It helped me meet the right people, find a creative community, and slowly build something that feels aligned with who I really am. Today I’m still in an engineering based role, but I’ve developed an identity as an artist outside of the corporate world where I enjoy creating original and crossover character concepts.

Now, I can honestly say that I’ve built a life out here that reflects both my professional skills and my creative passions. It’s not perfect—and it wasn’t easy—but it’s mine. And I think there’s something really powerful about betting on yourself, especially when the odds aren’t clear.

Sometimes the scariest moves turn out to be the ones that bring you the most growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I’m most excited about when it comes to my art is the thought process behind it. As a character artist, I love creating unique crossovers—pairing characters that might come from completely different worlds but share something in common, whether it’s personality, aesthetic, or just a vibe that ties them together. I draw a lot from nostalgic references, especially from the ’90s and early 2000s. There’s something special about tapping into that memory lane—those moments when someone sees a piece and goes, “Dang, I haven’t seen that character in forever!” or “I would’ve never thought to put those two together, but it just works.” That kind of reaction makes it all worth it.

Even though I’m still navigating the professional side of things and currently working as an engineer, I always remind people that where you start isn’t where you have to end up. There’s always room to grow, to pivot, and to chase what actually lights you up. At some point, I just got tired of not feeling fulfilled—of knowing I had something more to give creatively. That feeling is what fuels me every day. It’s what keeps me drawing, learning, and pushing myself.

I’ve been lucky to build a sense of community around my work—people who really connect with it and support it—but I’m also aware that this space is competitive. Fan art has its lane, but it only takes you so far. That’s when your personal voice has to come through. That’s where you bring your own story, your own experiences/imagination, into the work. That’s what really makes it hit differently.

One thing I’ve noticed is how underrepresented certain perspectives still are in the animation and art world—especially Black voices and stories. So if there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about me and my work, it’s that I create art that’s meant to feel real and relatable. Not just for a certain audience, but for anyone who’s ever felt nostalgic, unseen, inspired, or in need of a little joy.

A big lesson I’ve learned is that art really is one of the most open forms of interpretation there is. Not everything will land with everyone—and that’s okay. That’s part of the beauty of it. You never know when something you made will stick with someone at just the right time. You can’t make everyone happy, but you can definitely have fun in the process. And if that fun and passion shines through, then you’re doing something right.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
LA really is a playground for any and everything. A few places/activities we’d check out would for sure be doing a few tours of studio lots in Burbank, going to a lakers game, hitting the broad/LACMA, walking melrose, and hitting venice or santa monica for a beach vibe. For food and drinks the definite go to’s are Everson Royce, Bacari, La Cha Cha Cha, Madre, Wolf and Crane, and Lock and Key… to name a few.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, shoutout to my mom. She’s truly the foundation of everything I am. The real definition of “without her, there is no me.” Watching her move through life with strength, grace, and resilience—especially as a Black single mother—has been one of the biggest sources of inspiration in my life. She showed me what it means to push forward no matter what, and that mindset has stuck with me through everything.

I also gotta give love to my professors and mentors—through college and beyond. The people who challenged how I think, who helped me look at the world differently, who gave me tools to problem-solve and grow. That kind of guidance sticks with you. Never thought I’d say this, but thank you Missouri S&T—you a real one.

And honestly… shoutout to life itself. The good, the bad, the confusing, the beautiful—it all plays a role. Every person, every experience shows up for a reason. Some you grow from, some you learn from, and some just give you thicker skin. But I embrace it all. It’s all part of the journey.

Website: https://dreillustrates.com/

Instagram: @dre.illustrates

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deandre-ross-30ab7a58/