At first glance, DestinyBlue's art may only strike you as colourful, somewhat melancholy Anime-inspired portraits. If you look a little closer at the sad drawings, however, you'll notice hidden messages that tell the story of the British artist's harrowing struggle with signs of depression.
DestinyBlue, whose real name is Alice De Ste Croix, has been posting her work on DeviantArt since 2004. She's become massively popular due to the vivid characters she draws from imagination, and her ability to tell emotional stories with imagery. 'Blue,' as her fans affectionately call her, creates all of her art from scratch using Photoshop CS6 and is completely self-taught. Struggling with this mental illness, Blue finds her inspiration from her own experience, and that's probably why her deep pictures touch so many of her fans.
Take in some of DestinyBlue's most well-known depression art pieces below, as well as our interpretations of their deep meanings. Let us know your thoughts on each one of these depression drawings in the comments!
More info: DeviantArt, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr
This post may include affiliate links.
Depression
I have depression, too. I've learned that people truly want to hear what you are feeling, and that you are not burdening anyone. They want to know, because they care and they want to help you. It's not your fault, that you're upset. If you feel this way, you feel this way, and it's best to deal with it in a healthy way, such as talking about it, going for walks or whatever you still enjoy.
Forever Is Over
Grow Again
Oh I love this one. I haven't seen it before it's so beautiful and meaningful. That little bit of hope when we have been going through hell xxx
She's Broken
Friends Set You Free
Anxiety
Depth
Trust
It's difficult especially if one has had very bad memories of trusting someone who turned out not to be worth it.
I'm Fine
If Tears Left Scars...
Every heartbreak, rejection, pain --- you may forgive but will never forget.
I'm Complicated
Trapped By School
I can relate to this. I mean school is so boring with the lessons, and if there's bullying involved, it is even worse.
You need more votes. I like learning, just not school.
Load More Replies...
I love how this image contrasts with the image that's (currently) directly above, also about school. It's the people who are there with you that change the day, when you're unable to find the strength to change it yourself. I've been left isolated, and I've grown unimaginably, both due to my classmates and friends. People, care. Everyone, remember that people care.
Stuff that we will never need in our life but we are forced to learn
I was sexually harassed in school. I completely understand this. I mean I really didnt want to go to school after my experience
The learning is fine, but the homework paired with everyday life is really stressful. Even online learning, it's really stressful.
this one speaks to me, school is always referred to as a safe place, but it is the worst thing to happen to me
If you think you're trapped by school, just wait until you're trapped by ignorance and a low paying job.
Honestly school is what keeps me going at this point. I don't have friends so the monotoneness helps me to sleep.
NO! You are not "trapped" by school. You are trapped by convention. SCHOOL and education will set you FREE!!
It can be rather hard. It's tiring and break times are rare, some lessons are a bore, and you can be pressured by the hardest of the bores. Bullies do nothing to help the struggle. The people you wish to be can make you feel sad and pressure you to change. Education will set you free, don't get me wrong, but school, it traps you.
Load More Replies...
Bulletproof
One Of Us Can Be Free...
Warpaint
I have to say that this picture touches me, the most because as a woman makeup is like war paint.
Sew Closed My Soul
Love is made of glass, can be easily broken if weren't handled correctly
Not Alone
I love how the butterflys wings a torn and scathed, but it gives off the impression of joy and peace <3
All Wrong
Broken Window To The Soul
Last Piece
The missing piece is out there. Someone may put it there for you or you will have to put it by yourself.
Open My Heart To You
Paint Your Wings
Golden
What I've Seen
GIRL, KNOW THAT YOU ARE LOVED FOR YOUR SELF AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL ART WORK!
I struggle with depression and I have to say these have hit home for me. Luckily at the moment I'm ok and taking my medication as I should but I know how it feels when in depression I have to try and put a brave face on it soo as not to be a burden. I always say I'm ok even when I cry all day and don't sleep, don't shower or brush my teeth and don't really want to live. These beautiful illustrations show exactly the struggle that depression puts you through when u don't feel good enough and your brain is telling you how pathetic and how useless you are. Hopefully people will start to talk more about the struggles with mental health
You just put in words what I couldn't when I went into this post an hour ago. Suffering from depression - or any other mental illness - is not something I'd wish upon my worst enemy. It's a constant struggle inside your head you just can't escape.
Load More Replies...
I love your art, Blue! Keep up the great work, and keep your head high! Much love <3
Load More Replies...
This is what I feel every day. And the only reason I manage to stave off the daily plans to kill myself is to hopefully spread awareness that depression isn't just some exaggeration of casual sadness.
That's so true. Unfortunately a lot of people still think I can 'just be happy' or 'get over it'. Thank you for helping change that. Hoping you have some better days soon <3
Load More Replies...
Those are extremely beautiful. I love the lines and especially the colours. Beatuiful pieces, I hope you win with the depression, keeping my fingers crossed tight!
Thank you, it's a tough fight, but one which is worth the struggle 💙
Load More Replies...
Your artwork is inspired. It touched me on so many levels and in so many ways. I'm 70 now and have struggled with depressions since childhood. It's controlled with medication so life is doable. Everyone gets "the blues", but there is no way to explain the sheer helplessness and desperation that comes with true clinical depression. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Ms. Blue, thank you for your art and your insight. It was beautiful and brings hope.
Please know that there is always a way out. I've struggled with depression my whole life. However, despite my struggles, I am able to challenge my self-deprecating thoughts and suicidal ones, too. I am able to see past what I can't do, and I accept my losses (when i can't get up in the morning, for example), but I also am so proud of my victories (challenging self-deprecating thoughts). Just because you have depression does not mean that you can't live a good life. You've got this. It's so, so hard to get there, but you can do it. Yes, I mean you. If I, with depression/anxiety/social anxiety can make it through life this far, so can you.
These are so beautiful. Ive never dealt with depression, but its a prison in and of itself. Each illustration speaks volumes, and I hope that they see the same beauty in themselves <3
Everyone at one point goes through a depresional time in their life, I hope for all of you that yours will help you to become stronger and better. Love you and your art. KEEP GOING!
some of the headings hit home, but the fact that every person in them is a young female with an hour glass figure is a shame. We come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and colours, and we all have different pains, fears, heavy hearts from disonnects with "friends" who can't do chronic with you any more. I have to tell you I was thinking towards the end, some of those pictures were leaning more toward bondage than bandage. The dog collar on the woman in one, sure sometimes we're chained with our conditions overwhelming us, but we're all not a big bosomed woman with a - oh forget it. It was a nice idea, and the comments hit home is the short answer
Amazing work! You can feel the emotions. Your helping so many people with your work!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful art! Depression is a difficult mental illness to deal with and especially when you don't know who to talk to or who you can trust will not judge you. Because of my past I have been struggling with depression and honestly I don't see an end to it. It's so hard for others who do not suffer from it to realize the severity of the situation and realize that this person may actually kill themselves any day. Thank you for shedding light on the damage that leads to depression but also the damage that depression makes. I love how there are pictures of hope in there too, sometimes hope is just a word, not an actuality. It's important that people who have depression know they're not alone and the ones who don't have it need to know it's not an exaggeration of sadness, it's life threatening.
Wow, this really got to me, being the person I am because of my past, these images brought me comfort that I'm not alone but also sorrow of course that so many people go through depression without help. Thank you for shedding light on how difficult depression is, especially when one doesn't know who to talk to or who to trust will listen without judgement. It's important for everyone with or without the mental illness to realize the severity and stop treating it like an exaggeration of simply feeling sad. Thank you for your beautiful art!
DestinyBlue is an amazing Artist, she has a way of healing and inspiring others. Be gentle to yourself. You have blown me away with talent.
Sadly, only under the influence of a heavy hitting life, people can create something really powerful and wonderful. I wish that the artist will post worse art, as this is always a good indicator, that someone is getting better
These are very beautiful and a really creative way to describe what people who suffer from these illnesses are feeling. I have anxiety/depression and often don't know what it is I'm feeling or why I only know that I'm not supposed to feel that way
Lovely, inspiring, touching art. #6 and #7 really brought the chills. I know it's not easy, but to channel your pain, anguish and insecurity into such beautiful art speaks of a spine of steel and an amazing inner strength. Great work, DestinyBlue.
This brought a tear to my eye......because I feel these things, and just can't put them into words.
I think these are too cute for depression. I suffer from depression and anxiety and there is NOTHING cute about it. If I would want to illustrate it, those artworks would be really scary, ugly and dark.
Depression is far from cute, indeed, but it's just her preferred style, it's more about the meaning behind it.
Load More Replies...
Really beautiful and deep, but I don't understand, why it is important, that the artist has depression - (I hope she is fine, anyways) not that it is not okay or something, but sometimes I feel like.. as if they think the art lose its meaning (what it wouldn't) if this wouldn't mention. But, I really like the art especially the eyes in most of the pictures.
A lot of the artworks were inspired by her struggles with depression, so it makes perfect sense to mention this in the description. And also that drawings about this subject has more meaning if the artist actually experienced depression, rather than basing it off the experiences of other people.
Load More Replies...
Because " Artist Creates Illustrations With Deep Meanings To Illustrate Her Struggle With Depression " It's all in the title :)
Load More Replies...
I struggle with depression and I have to say these have hit home for me. Luckily at the moment I'm ok and taking my medication as I should but I know how it feels when in depression I have to try and put a brave face on it soo as not to be a burden. I always say I'm ok even when I cry all day and don't sleep, don't shower or brush my teeth and don't really want to live. These beautiful illustrations show exactly the struggle that depression puts you through when u don't feel good enough and your brain is telling you how pathetic and how useless you are. Hopefully people will start to talk more about the struggles with mental health
You just put in words what I couldn't when I went into this post an hour ago. Suffering from depression - or any other mental illness - is not something I'd wish upon my worst enemy. It's a constant struggle inside your head you just can't escape.
Load More Replies... I love your art, Blue! Keep up the great work, and keep your head high! Much love <3
Load More Replies... This is what I feel every day. And the only reason I manage to stave off the daily plans to kill myself is to hopefully spread awareness that depression isn't just some exaggeration of casual sadness.
That's so true. Unfortunately a lot of people still think I can 'just be happy' or 'get over it'. Thank you for helping change that. Hoping you have some better days soon <3
Load More Replies... Those are extremely beautiful. I love the lines and especially the colours. Beatuiful pieces, I hope you win with the depression, keeping my fingers crossed tight!
Thank you, it's a tough fight, but one which is worth the struggle 💙
Load More Replies... Your artwork is inspired. It touched me on so many levels and in so many ways. I'm 70 now and have struggled with depressions since childhood. It's controlled with medication so life is doable. Everyone gets "the blues", but there is no way to explain the sheer helplessness and desperation that comes with true clinical depression. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Ms. Blue, thank you for your art and your insight. It was beautiful and brings hope.
Please know that there is always a way out. I've struggled with depression my whole life. However, despite my struggles, I am able to challenge my self-deprecating thoughts and suicidal ones, too. I am able to see past what I can't do, and I accept my losses (when i can't get up in the morning, for example), but I also am so proud of my victories (challenging self-deprecating thoughts). Just because you have depression does not mean that you can't live a good life. You've got this. It's so, so hard to get there, but you can do it. Yes, I mean you. If I, with depression/anxiety/social anxiety can make it through life this far, so can you.
These are so beautiful. Ive never dealt with depression, but its a prison in and of itself. Each illustration speaks volumes, and I hope that they see the same beauty in themselves <3
Everyone at one point goes through a depresional time in their life, I hope for all of you that yours will help you to become stronger and better. Love you and your art. KEEP GOING!
some of the headings hit home, but the fact that every person in them is a young female with an hour glass figure is a shame. We come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and colours, and we all have different pains, fears, heavy hearts from disonnects with "friends" who can't do chronic with you any more. I have to tell you I was thinking towards the end, some of those pictures were leaning more toward bondage than bandage. The dog collar on the woman in one, sure sometimes we're chained with our conditions overwhelming us, but we're all not a big bosomed woman with a - oh forget it. It was a nice idea, and the comments hit home is the short answer
Amazing work! You can feel the emotions. Your helping so many people with your work!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful art! Depression is a difficult mental illness to deal with and especially when you don't know who to talk to or who you can trust will not judge you. Because of my past I have been struggling with depression and honestly I don't see an end to it. It's so hard for others who do not suffer from it to realize the severity of the situation and realize that this person may actually kill themselves any day. Thank you for shedding light on the damage that leads to depression but also the damage that depression makes. I love how there are pictures of hope in there too, sometimes hope is just a word, not an actuality. It's important that people who have depression know they're not alone and the ones who don't have it need to know it's not an exaggeration of sadness, it's life threatening.
Wow, this really got to me, being the person I am because of my past, these images brought me comfort that I'm not alone but also sorrow of course that so many people go through depression without help. Thank you for shedding light on how difficult depression is, especially when one doesn't know who to talk to or who to trust will listen without judgement. It's important for everyone with or without the mental illness to realize the severity and stop treating it like an exaggeration of simply feeling sad. Thank you for your beautiful art!
DestinyBlue is an amazing Artist, she has a way of healing and inspiring others. Be gentle to yourself. You have blown me away with talent.
Sadly, only under the influence of a heavy hitting life, people can create something really powerful and wonderful. I wish that the artist will post worse art, as this is always a good indicator, that someone is getting better
These are very beautiful and a really creative way to describe what people who suffer from these illnesses are feeling. I have anxiety/depression and often don't know what it is I'm feeling or why I only know that I'm not supposed to feel that way
Lovely, inspiring, touching art. #6 and #7 really brought the chills. I know it's not easy, but to channel your pain, anguish and insecurity into such beautiful art speaks of a spine of steel and an amazing inner strength. Great work, DestinyBlue.
This brought a tear to my eye......because I feel these things, and just can't put them into words.
I think these are too cute for depression. I suffer from depression and anxiety and there is NOTHING cute about it. If I would want to illustrate it, those artworks would be really scary, ugly and dark.
Depression is far from cute, indeed, but it's just her preferred style, it's more about the meaning behind it.
Load More Replies... Really beautiful and deep, but I don't understand, why it is important, that the artist has depression - (I hope she is fine, anyways) not that it is not okay or something, but sometimes I feel like.. as if they think the art lose its meaning (what it wouldn't) if this wouldn't mention. But, I really like the art especially the eyes in most of the pictures.
A lot of the artworks were inspired by her struggles with depression, so it makes perfect sense to mention this in the description. And also that drawings about this subject has more meaning if the artist actually experienced depression, rather than basing it off the experiences of other people.
Load More Replies... Because " Artist Creates Illustrations With Deep Meanings To Illustrate Her Struggle With Depression " It's all in the title :)
Load More Replies... 