We had the good fortune of connecting with David De Anda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As a child, I never envisioned art as a potential career path. Growing up without a father, the one thing my mother mentioned about him was his talent for drawing. That small piece of information planted the seed of creativity in my mind.

My initial attempts at drawing were laughable—stick figures were my best work. However, my creative journey took a significant turn when I discovered other artistic tools, particularly Photoshop. From that point on, everything began to click, and my passion for art flourished.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
David De Anda: A Journey Through the Lens

David De Anda, a self-taught photographer from the enigmatic and ever-changing San Diego, California, channels his inner turmoil through his digital camera and the transformative power of Adobe Photoshop, turning everyday moments into hauntingly ethereal works of art. His photography delves deep into a shadowy, tormented realm, serving not just as a reflection of the world around him but as a visceral, personal narrative of his life’s relentless trials and tribulations, capturing the essence of his darkest struggles

David embarked on his photography journey as a vital outlet for self-expression, striving to encapsulate the ephemeral beauty and profound intricacies of his inner turmoil. Over time, his passion evolved into a distinctive artistic style that melds stark realism with ethereal digital artistry. Each photograph is a fragment of his soul, a story of struggle and resilience, inviting viewers to see the world through David’s tormented eyes.
David’s work exemplifies the transformative power of self-taught artistry and the boundless potential of creativity within a shadowy realm.

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.
For an electrifying day, my friend and I kick things off in Little Italy, the heart of San Diego’s vibrant scene, dining at the iconic Born and Raised restaurant. With appetites satisfied, we dive into the pulsating energy of a Padres game, soaking in every thrilling moment. After the final pitch, we head over to the Laugh Factory for some stand-up comedy, where laughter fills the air. If there is time, the adventure continues at Coin-Op, where we relive our childhoods with epic arcade games.

But wait, the night is far from over! We make our way to my favorite speakeasy, Noble Experiment, where the drinks are as secretive as the entrance. As the clock strikes 2 AM, we embark on a cross-border escapade to Tijuana, immersing ourselves in its electrifying nightlife until the first light of dawn. Finally, we return to San Diego, crashing into bed with memories of an unforgettable night. Though it sounds like a week’s itinerary, that’s just how one wild night unfolds to help spark creativity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Alejandro Robles
Instagram: @malejandro15

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdeanda/

Twitter: https://x.com/iamdeanda

Image Credits
Model: Caity Rose

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.