Made on Long Island: Meet artist Deanna First

With a background in fashion design and a degree in fine arts, Deanna's passion for art began long before her first sketchbook.

Jenn Seelig

Sep 23, 2025, 9:30 AM

Updated 2 hr ago

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Deanna First turned her passion for art and fashion into a business. She can sketch people and pets in under 5 minutes. Now she travels across Long Island and New York City, bringing her talent to live events, charity galas, and private parties.
"I always loved fashion. I always knew I was going to be an artist since I was in preschool," said Deanna. With a background in fashion design and a degree in fine arts, Deanna's passion for art began long before her first sketchbook.
Ten years ago, she launched her own business, 'Deanna first' sketching people, pets, and scenes at live events. "I do a lot of charity events in the Hamptons — I do Wags and Walks, I just did Arf Hamptons, for their charity gala," said Deanna. She has met celebrities on the East End. "Recently, this summer, I sketched Fern Mallis, the founder of Fashion Week, about six times at different Hamptons events," Deanna added.
For Deanna, it's about more than just the art; it's the reaction. "That's what makes it all worth it."
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