We recently had the chance to connect with Brenna Rusk and have shared our conversation below.
Brenna, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Since entering college, I’ve found myself chasing after my younger self’s youthful viewpoint on art. Looking back, I found myself being led into the arts by pure curiosity and an aspiration to create. Picking up a crayon or color pencil never felt like a chore; it felt like a portal into a whole new world. The older I got, the more picking up my pencil felt like a challenge. My creativity was no longer just a means to create but a source of income. It felt as though every second I spent on drawing had some control over my future. There was no more “drawing for fun.” It became integral to me that every sketch had to have some kind of greater purpose for the future. For a time, I truly believed this mentality and didn’t really see another method to growing myself as an artist. It wasn’t until the second quarter of college that I felt a shift in my artistic outlook. I became such a future-focused person that I lost the joy that I held in the moment. Instead of focusing on the childlike happiness that got me to where I am, I was solely focused on the monetary value of my craft. Though nothing is ever a consistent climb in the right direction, I truly feel that I am on track to finding the balance between managing creative freedom and selling who I am as an artist. I don’t think this is something that I’ll ever stop chasing after because I believe it’s truly the thing that fuels me to create!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Brenna Rusk, and I am an aspiring visual developer and narrative storyteller. My goal is to share my artistic passion with others and inspire them to create. We currently live in a world where artists are constantly overlooked and underappreciated. I feel as though the torch is being passed to the next generation of artists to motivate the younger generation. Throughout my career, I will do my best to share stories that feature diverse characters, heart-throbbing plot lines, and eye-grabbing visuals. I hope to carry the legacy of all the great storytellers that came before me. I am currently entering my second year at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, where I am majoring in Illustration, concentration in Visual Development, with a Minor in Sequential Arts. It is here that I find myself cultivating my artistic style while navigating this modern-day industry. I find myself wanting to remind everyone of the power of our imagination. I am grateful to have been raised in a household that honors creatives, with us all pushing each other to achieve our most artistic selves. With what I have learned, I hope to inspire others through storytelling, taking their minds on what seems like unimaginable adventures through different cultures, fantasies, and tales of friendship.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Growing up in a creative household, I spent most of my time watching my mom complete projects for companies. I was often pushed to incorporate my artistic skills into everything I did. Every homework assignment flourished from just being something to complete into a creative venture. My mom taught me the art of hustling and staying focused on honing my artistic skills. Her business expertise also gave me insight into the creative industry and its internal operations. Without her, I would not have access to half of the information I have today. Her creative wisdom keeps me motivated.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could have a day to sit down with my younger self, I would take her out to coffee and tell her that she’s doing a good job. I remember often looking at my art and thinking it was inadequate. I very rarely encouraged myself to keep on the path I was taking. Younger me often looked for encouragement within the likes or replies I would get on social media. It wasn’t until recently that I started to get internally motivated by my art. The willingness to improve is now rooted in me wanting to better my art for myself instead of being fueled by others’ expectations. Nothing is steady progress, but I feel like I’m paving a new pathway in this new mindset.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to making the world a more inclusive place. The creative world has been so focused on certain narratives for a long time. Because we rarely get the chance to see POC characters at the forefront of creative stories, it has the negative side effect of discouraging younger artists. No matter what creative path life takes me on, I will do what I can to bring minorities to the forefront of storytelling.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by my friends. No amount of growth is linear, but I feel that I have truly never grown steadier than when I’m surrounded by my friends. Without a doubt, I find my most creative ideas through my friends both in college and at home. There is no greater feeling for me than sitting down and concepting interesting stories with my friends. Working on a team with creatively driven artists has been the highlight of my life thus far. It is my dream to see us all collaborate, grow, and change the world together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brennarusk.com/
- Instagram: br00sk_doodles
- Twitter: broosk_doodles
