I’m Dezman A. Thomas, born in Detroit, MI, in 1998. As a visual artist, I focus on telling stories through my work. My passion for art began in 2016 when my brother, Kolby Harris, handed me my first camera. Since then, I’ve channeled my creativity primarily through photography and graphic design.
In May of 2018, Kolby passed away. Still a student at Michigan State University at the time, I turned my pain into art, using it as a powerful means of expression.
Art has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. My journey began at the Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies, where I nurtured my passion for art. Inspired by watching my dad create album covers in Photoshop, I developed a fascination for digital art.
During my sophomore year of college, my friend Kolby and I decided to start a production company. I purchased my first camera, a Canon T3i, for $200 off Facebook, and we began capturing moments at campus events, conducting photoshoots with friends, and even photographing my grandmother’s wedding.
My venture into graphic design started somewhat by accident. Someone asked me to design a flyer, assuming I could since I took pictures. I gave it a try and instantly fell in love with the process. Word spread, and soon it became a service that Kolby and I could offer through our company.
After my brother passed away, art took on an even deeper meaning for me. It became my outlet, a way to express emotions that I struggled to put into words. Art is not just a hobby or a career for me; it’s a vital part of my identity and a powerful form of expression.
I promise to never stop.
#RIPKOLBY
