Artist, advocate and content creator Deanna Renee uses creativity and humour to make MS feel less lonely and has become a recognised voice in the global MS community.
Known for her ethereal MRI mandalas – circular, highly detailed digital collages created using MRI scans – and her witty videos about life with MS, her work blends representation, relatability, and creative storytelling in a way that resonates.
In this month’s edition of Meet the LEEP, Deanna shares how her platform began, takes us behind the scenes of her digital art process and reflects on the impact of connecting with people living with MS around the world.
MS on Social Media
Deanna established her social media presence in 2020 while receiving mental health treatment. She realised she needed to bring more positivity into the world, so she created an account as an outlet to share uplifting quotes and images.
At the time, Deanna noticed a lack of MS representation on social media, something she shares she would’ve appreciated in her teen years.
“When I create content, I try to make the kind of content I would have wanted to see myself, content that helps people feel seen and heard, learn more about the condition, and feel less alone.
I’m very passionate about creative storytelling and crafting content that is entertaining and authentic.”
Since launching her platforms, Deanna’s videos have garnered millions of views across TikTok and Instagram. Her social media presence has strengthened her role as an ambassador for the MS community underscoring the importance of representation online.
MRI artwork – Circular Blooms
In 2021, as Deanna’s mental health improved, her creativity was sparked, which inspired her to create art from more MRIs and optical scans.
Her digital collages incorporate floral mandalas and natural motifs, surrounding a scan to draw the viewers eye across the MRI. Deanna’s work underlines the importance of creating beauty out of a not-so-beautiful situation.
“So usually when I make one, I’ll put upwards of maybe 20 little hidden bits and pieces in the flowers, to show viewers ‘oh look, there’s a little butterfly’ or ‘oh look, there’s a little human over there’ and I say, don’t just look at the lesions.”
In creating this work, Deanna processes her grief through repetitive practice, incorporating the beauty of the world around her into her art. She takes photos of flowers in her neighbourhood to include in the collage and includes spacey themes to draw visual parallels between lesions and constellations.
“I channel a lot of the inner grief into artwork. MS is a hard thing to carry, but making something beautiful out of it gives some of that weight a place to go”
While Deanna primarily uses her own MRIs to create her ethereal work, she has made custom pieces for other people living with MS, has created cover work for MS Australia’s pre-budget submissions and has commissions open for members of the community using individuals’ MRI scans for a personalised piece of art. Email Deanna at circularblooms@gmail.com for more information.
Mental health and MS
Deanna is open on her social media about her struggles with mental health and the impact of MS on her life. When asked about strategies she uses to help her through difficult days, she shared her insights.
“A framework I find really helpful is opposite action. If I wake up and realise the fatigue and depression are a bit spicy and I don’t want to get out of bed, it helps to do the opposite. Just get up for a minute and see how you go.”
I think there’s real value in gently shifting your focus, recognising progress and small wins in its many forms, and creating environments that support growth without pressure.
When we do that, we feel safer, more capable, and more connected, and that’s often where meaningful change actually begins.”
Deanna has learned through her lived experience of MS that humour is helpful for processing the reality of living with chronic conditions.
“Humour has been incredibly helpful in my journey with MS. I’ve found a lot of relief in dark humour and in poking fun at some of the more frustrating MS symptoms. Sometimes, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry, and humour creates a shared sense of community around a very serious topic.”
Joining the LEEP
Deanna has been a LEEP member since its inception and is an active and enthusiastic participant. She offers insights into being diagnosed with MS at a young age and navigating employment as a person living with MS. She is a confident public speaker and is passionate about the power of MS representation in the media.
“Being part of a volunteer group that genuinely values lived experience is incredibly empowering… Turning my weird, wonderful, and wobbly moments into something useful for others feels pretty great too.” (Volunteer week article)
A terrible way to meet wonderful people
As an artist, content creator, and passionate advocate, Deanna Renee exemplifies the power of MS representation online. Her work sheds light on the realities of living with MS while bringing levity and beauty to what can be a confronting illness. She is passionate about the MS community and works hard to connect with people living with MS, both nationally and globally.
“I once had the privilege of meeting Damian Washington, an actor, comedian and fellow nerd living with MS in Paris, who often says, “Multiple sclerosis is a terrible way to meet wonderful people,” which deeply resonates with me. I’ve met so many incredible people through the MS community because of that shared understanding.”
