Artist Feature: Dez
How long have you done art? What mediums have you tried?
When I was a child, I had an injury that would change my life.
Around the age of two, I fell on rocks and that ended up affecting my brain. I was sent to the Emergency room and the doctors told my mother that I was going to have a difficult time learning the English language, let alone the Spanish language. However, I started drawing to communicate to my family. Ever since I could hold a crayon, I drew, but it was especially important for me to draw around that time. I never stopped since.
Around 2014, I got my first drawing tablet and became bad at every other medium cause I only used my tablet! I dabble in other mediums, but I only focus on digital work now.
How would you describe your style?
My style falls heavily in that anime look but also a mixture of Rachel Smythe’s iconic coloring. I always try to experiment with art but I am loving where I’m at right now.
Tell us your Lore Olympus story.
I am obsessed with reading comics and manga. I always try to look for new works that inspire me to think of ideas and crossovers. In 2018, I came across an ad on YouTube “Lore Olympus, read it on Webtoons,” and the style was what really caught my attention. I quickly downloaded the app. At the time, there were only about 40-50 chapters. I read it all in one day!
What made me stay was how Rachel was so involved with her community. I made my first fan art and she posted it on her Instagram (image above-right). I was so thrilled and touched, that it made me stay to read the webcomic and continue to make art for the Lore Olympus community.
How has fan art changed your style or helped you grow?
It made me experiment a lot with my lineart, coloring, and anatomy! From the beginning, I had a very smooth style, but Rachel’s style made me change my way of drawing. I absolutely loved the textures she did, and I always wanted to tackle that style. I also loved the angles in her art, so I experimented with that as well.
Which Lore Olympus fan art are you most proud of and why?
I tend to not be very confident in my art, nor get proud of my works, however I really liked my fountain piece of Persephone and Hades! I fell in love with their affection toward each other, and the idea of them as statues really made me excited to draw it. I also challenged myself to make it in one layer, so I’m impressed that I actually completed it!
If you could body snatch one LO character for a day, who would it be?
Oh, for sure Persephone! In some ways, I feel like we are in the same position - paying back money and feeling guilty about it, not knowing what’s in store for my future, feeling like I’m alone sometimes, but also standing by my boundaries and trying to be a strong woman.
Also I want to go on a date with Hades.
Do you have any goals or aspirations for your fan art?
I’m always going to experiment, because I always see new things that I want for my art! I really hope to find my own style that screams Dez's art. Of course that’s going to be hard, however, if I continue what I’m doing, I’ll for sure get there.
Any advice for someone looking to build their art skills?
This word is very overused, but practice! Never stop experimenting! If you feel discouraged, always ask your fellow art friends for help. It’s okay to change your art style; it does not cost a thing!
In the span of two years, Lore Olympus changed my art style because I practiced using Rachel’s style. Was I nervous about it? Big time, but my art has changed for the better!
Just for fun: Who did you get on our Hades' dog character quiz?
I got Big John! I would definitely agree… I want to be in Hades' arms all day!
Dez currently works for Reading Partners as a Literacy Lead, helping elementary students who are behind in reading. She lives in Texas with her mom, dad, four sisters, and two dogs. When Dez isn't reading (or drawing) Lore Olympus, she watches horror films, plays games with her friends, and bakes sweets for her family! Follow Dez at: