We were lucky to catch up with Jen Ruse BAD recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Being an artist full time is full of many ups and downs. Whether it’s not feeling inspired to create, feeling a financial crunch, or anything in between, it’s something most full time artists deal with and can relate to. Several times as a creative, the thought of having a “normal job” has definitely come to mind more than once.
When I decided I wanted to be a full time artist 6 years ago, I knew that there would be times that were good and bad financially.
However, there has been times when I coupled that with a lack of creativity, and wondered if I would be better off if I went back to working a regular day job. Usually when these thoughts occur, Im in a creative block, or I’m unhappy with what I’m currently working on.
These feelings can come and go at any time, and I’ve been slowly learning how to get out of these mindsets.
When these moments of uncertainty pop up, first off I remind myself of what being in a “normal job” setting was like, how I felt to work for someone else, how I wasn’t able to express myself freely, and most importantly, how UNHAPPY the normal job setting was!
Secondly, I take a creative break. I do some cooking, get out into nature, enjoy some self care…anything to give my creative mind the break it needs to do what it does best, and that’s to create beautiful, one if a kind empowering artworks for the world to enjoy.
The creative mind needs care just as the rest of your body does. Nourish it and the returns will be immeasurable. I am more happy as a creative, even with its many ups and downs, than I could ever be in any other profession.
Jen, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Jen, but most people in my field know me as Ruse BAD. I am an urban/graffiti/ pop artist. I have been a professional artist for 6 years, but have been creative since I was a child.
About 20 years ago, I was introduced to graffiti by a friend. I was so inspired by the thrill first off. I loved the idea of going “incognito” and making your mark in public places. I was instantly hooked, and I immersed myself in the graffiti lifestyle. At this period in time, I was mostly interested in making my mark, and not necessarily becoming a professional artist.
Fast forward to 2015, when I relocated to NYC. It was at this time I really got serious about my artwork, and I started learning new techniques and art styles. I started transforming my work from urban art into my own “pop art” style. Currently, my work focuses on empowering and inspiring women, but I do occasionally return to my graffiti roots.
My artwork is vivid, powerful and one of s kind..
I create a variety of mixed media artworks,
including canvas paintings, and wearable art of all kinds.
I also do commission paintings, where I recreate the client in a pop art style, surrounded with empowering words and phrases.
These paintings are usually commissioned to commemorate an important life event. I feel very honored to create these one of a kind pieces that will last a lifetime.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My ultimate goal has always been to have my work seen worldwide. I am getting closer to this goal as time goes on. I continue to sell more work to countries outside the US, mainly France. I have traveled internationally and created artworks while abroad, which has widened my audience exponentially, and more international travel is planned for this year. My next goal is to have a solo artshow, either in the states or abroad.
Ultimately, I want to be able to continue to live comfortably. I don’t necessarily need to be rich, but I definitely don’t want to be the epitome of a “starving artist” either.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
There’s many rewards to being an artist or creative, and I’m sure the benefits vary from person to person, depending on your circumstances. For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is when a client receives their artwork. The comments and praise I get back makes my creative soul overflow with not only pride, but a firm affirmation that I’m doing EXACTLY what I’m supposed to to be doing in this lifetime. Its also in these most exciting times that my doubts and worries as a creative are washed away, and I feel so content, if only for a short time, with where I am.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Ruse_bad
- Other: My email is always available. Feel free to contact me for purchase or commission inquiries. Missruseghosts@gmail.com
Image Credits
@sonicbadnyc took the action photos of me.