Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Ruscher.
Hi Kristin, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have been painting and creating since I was a small child. Art was a constant source of comfort and calm for a quiet, shy kid who moved around a lot. However, I did not grow up with the belief that art was a feasible path to support yourself financially. I ended up pursuing Marketing and Finance in both undergrad and completing my MBA at Southern Methodist University here in Dallas. I chose roles in business that were as close creatively to art: brand, innovation, packaging design, etc. It wasn’t until 2023, when I was impacted by a round of layoffs a month before my 40th birthday, that provided the catalyst to pursue what had always been my passion. I immediately threw myself into creating art and building a website and social media presence, and I just haven’t been able to stop. I feel this renewed energy, excited to start the day each morning, and find it hard to hit pause in the evening and put my projects to sleep. It is never too late to change course, and although this new chapter has just begun, I feel incredibly hopeful and inspired that what is meant for you will always find you.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am only about 6 months into this new chapter, but it has been a labor of love. I have logged countless hours and have massive respect for small businesses who do all of this grind themselves. Having just come from the corporate world with cross-functional teams and access to resources, it has been a lot of learning and trial and error: two steps forward and one step back. I have learned more about social media, content creation, photography, website building, woodworking, testing & learning than I ever imagined. I’m taking it one day at a time and focusing more on the wins than the setbacks to keep up positive momentum. My family and friends have been incredibly supportive, and the biggest win for me is that despite hardships, the effort I have put forth really doesn’t feel like work. In the corporate world, I had always envisioned what life would be like in retirement. For once, I feel I could see myself not ever retiring from art since it truly brings me so much joy and meaning.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love painting with acrylics and mixed media. Lately, I have been really into resin, which provides this gorgeous, smooth, professional liquid glass look to the top of your artwork. My latest artwork series is a collection of Island Art Maps highlighting some of the places that have the most meaning to me. Each map is made with mixed media sand and modeling paste (as land), acrylic paint, and resin with gorgeous mica powder (as ocean) on canvas. Some of my favorite art maps from the collection are Hawaii, where my family and I celebrate the holidays, the Outer Banks, NC, where I spent every summer as a child, and Japan, which has been one of the most sensorially and culturally magnificent places I have visited. I think what sets me apart from others is my love for intense hues of bold color, my passion for travel, and storytelling behind the pieces I create.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Own your passion and treat any encounter as a possibility to learn something from someone. For me, I have a lot of business contacts, but not so much in the art space. However, you may be surprised where each contact could lead, so don’t be too quick to count anyone out. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people for fear of rejection; there are only opportunities to learn and grow. Most people are willing to help and be supportive. The biggest obstacle I’ve found is really my own internal criticism that I manage by continuing to practice self-compassion and patience with myself. Also, keep your head on straight and trust your gut; there are a lot of scams out there, especially on social media, targeting small businesses and artists. If something feels off trust that instinct too to protect yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kruschart.shop
- Instagram: @kruschart
- Facebook: @kruschart
