Life With Deon Hinton
Life With Deon Hinton
Deon Hinton is a model and photographer based in New York. As a multidisciplinary artist, he crafts visual stories through images, words, and creative direction. We caught up with him to learn how his first camera laid the foundation for his current work, why his family remains a constant muse, and the significance of morning stillness.
Text by Leon Hedgepeth, Photos by Dennis Stenild
Deon wears ANOTHER Shirt 4.0, Grey (You described a camera your friend gave you in seventh grade as the most powerful tool you ever held—can you share more about the impact it had on you?
When I first started to embrace the idea of being an artist, there was a lot of denial. I think much of it stemmed from the fact that I had never seen it done before—no one had modeled this path for me. Growing up in Arkansas, I had dreams, but at the time, I didn’t think Arkansas could nurture them. I don't blame the place or my family for that; it's like if I gave you a pair of my glasses and asked you to read something through my prescription, how could I be mad if you couldn't see it? That's how I see it—how could I fault them for not seeing or validating my dreams?
It's been a blessing to balance the truth of my dreams with the resilience to believe I’m capable, even when no one else can see it. Getting that camera was my first real sign that I could do this—that it was possible.
How were you able to translate selfies in your bedroom into the impressive client work you do today?
It’s funny to think those selfies, mostly taken in my room, trace back to when I was just learning photography—before content creation was even a thing. I joined Instagram in 2012, experimenting with an old Android propped on piles of clothes, playing with sepia and black-and-white filters like I was breaking new ground. It wasn’t about Instagram; it was about finding a creative outlet. Those early experiments grew into a love for self-portraiture—an intimate, fulfilling form of creativity. Today, I capture moments in real time, crafting images solo that others might need a team for. As a kid from Arkansas who’s always done it on my own, I’m grateful for the journey and excited for the endless possibilities ahead.
Deon wears ANOTHER Shirt 1.0, Ecru Brown Stripe (see more) & ANOTHER Jeans 3.0, Navy (see more).
How has your style evolved over the years? Did you always gravitate toward a minimal look?
When I first got into fashion, I was all about the '90s: white tees with rolled sleeves, high-waisted jeans, cuffed hems, sneakers, and even a bandana around my ankle. Funny, considering I was born in 1998, but there's a timeless appeal to that era's style that still resonates with me today—monochrome looks, bold textures, and clean structures. Living in New York refined my style, surrounded by diverse expressions of fashion. Plus, working in the industry has been transformative, giving me a behind-the-scenes look at brands I’ve admired since childhood and letting me incorporate their essence into my own wardrobe.
You’re originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas—how did you cultivate your taste level while growing up there?
The internet has shaped my style profoundly. Growing up during the rise of social media, Tumblr stood out to me—it was the underdog of fashion: niche yet occasionally high-end, and far more accessible than Instagram’s luxury focus. It resonated with young people into music, art, and poetry, offering a tangible connection to creativity.
Looking back, my style has evolved into a mix of masculine elegance with a Western twist. Growing up in Arkansas, I’ve always loved cowboy boots, flannels, and great jeans—timeless staples now embraced globally. Seeing cowboy boots paired with a chic YSL suit in Paris feels like a full-circle moment, tying my roots to my current style.
You have the rare talent of both shooting for brands and modeling for them. How do these roles coexist, and how do they inform one another when the roles are reversed?
For me, they coexist through the lens, rooted in intention. That intention is always clear when I take on a role, whether in front of or behind the camera. The most enjoyable part for me is creating worlds—that’s why I started photography in the first place. I never felt validated in how I saw the world, and it took realizing that I had to validate it. I had to appreciate my vision, regardless of who else saw it, applauded it, or resonated with it. If I didn’t see it first, it wouldn’t matter in the end.
It’s been a journey. Initially, my work focused on being in front of the camera—being the muse, emoting, and bringing ideas to life. Now, I feel I’ve entered a season of returning to my roots: capturing the world through the lens in the way I’ve trained and curated my eye to see it. Ultimately, they live together harmoniously because of intention, weaving a story where both sides complement each other.
What five things are inspiring you at the moment?
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on legacy—what I want mine to be and how I experience others. Seeing Alvin Ailey at the Whitney was profoundly moving, a vivid reminder of the enduring impact one person’s work can have. The love for Ailey’s contributions to Black culture, the queer community, and the dance world was deeply inspiring.
Legacy also ties me to the past. I love sifting through old family photos and archives, finding magic in how the beauty of the past connects to the present. It reminds me that everything echoes—almost nothing is entirely new.
What’s your most important morning routine to start the day off right?
Off the top of my head, I’d give you two answers: the polished, expected one and the honest truth. For me, the truth is about fully stepping into the day by starting with stillness.
Before the rush of productivity—gym, skincare, tasks—I need a moment to sit, exist, and reconnect. It’s my way of acknowledging I’m alive, feeling grateful for another day, and embracing the chance to make it meaningful. That quiet reintroduction to myself sets the tone for everything else.
How do you prefer to spend your evenings?
Evenings for me are all about setting the mood. There’s usually a dim light, some jazz playing, and I’ll light a candle or some incense. Honestly, I’m often at home, eating dinner, watching a YouTube video, and finding little things to do around my place.
I tend to redecorate and train my "interior eye" at night rather than in the morning. You’d think it’d be the other way around—like, “Oh, you can see better during the day”—but I don’t mind. At night, I’m all about figuring out how things feel in that specific lighting. What does my space look like after dark? That’s what I care about. So, yeah, I’d say my evenings are all about unwinding—intentional, warm, and cozy.
Your living space reflects your style—why is having a harmonious home so important to you?
This space is the foundation of who I am, reflecting how I feel in the moment. For instance, I just moved in, and my chaotic kitchen mirrors my current state—I’m deeply affected by my environment. When things are out of place, so am I, so I’m constantly adjusting details to restore harmony.
This space is my safe haven—a place to dream, work, nurture creativity, and grow. It’s a dialogue between me and my surroundings, where disruptions must be resolved. Ultimately, I believe creating harmony in our spaces is key to finding harmony within ourselves.
What new projects are you currently working on that you’re really excited about?
Since starting the business, I’ve been driven by growth and the desire to create meaningful experiences that inspire, spark conversations, and provoke thought. Now, I’m focused on tangible projects—photo books, shows, galleries—that connect with people in real-time and on their terms.
This chapter is about embracing my limitless potential, dreaming boldly, and living in full color. Here’s to creating moments that let people experience Deon in fresh, impactful ways.
