Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brenda Mak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brenda, 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?

I’m definitely happier as an artist. Being an artist can be pretty tough. It’s a pretty competitive environment depending on which path you choose but there is definitely more helpful resources now for the arts than there used to be. It can be demanding and I think as an artist, there can be a lot of self doubt. I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do for years. During that time when I didn’t/wasn’t able to find an art-related job, I definitely did question whether or not I made the right decision in investing all my time in the arts.

I used to think about how, just maybe, this isn’t the best path for me because I didn’t know where to go or who to talk to. Even having known friends in the field, there isn’t a specific how-to book when you’re carving your path, because processes can change and what companies may be looking for can be very specific….which can make job hunting or even getting in the door difficult. But despite all this, being in the creative process and making art has always been what’s made me happiest. As much as that can be hard to deal with sometimes, I’ve never been able to picture myself with a “normal” job. It’s never brought me as much joy and it’s just not for me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a visual and digital artist with a background in illustration, character design and graphic design. From teaching art to students of various ages at an art studio, to owning an Etsy shop, working on commissions, and even having worked as a caricature artist at the Disneyland Park, I’ve definitely pursued a wide range of creative activities. I can’t say I know exactly what made me want a career in the arts, but I definitely had a love for it starting as a very young kid who at the time just loved watching her Saturday or after-school cartoons, Who didn’t love watching the 90’s animated series Batman?

I would say I’m pretty versatile as an artist and my style really can change depending on what someone is looking to have created. I personally tend to love creating colorful, happy art that can make my clients smile but if you’re looking for a different mood, I can do that too! What I’m most proud of is that I AM knowledgeable and capable of so many art styles and mediums. I love that I have more than one feather in my cap and when a client reaches out about a project they maybe aren’t so sure or knowledgeable about I can say hey, I got you!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Learning to take chances artistically and that sometimes mistakes are OK. It can be easy to overthink and just slam on the breaks mentally when it comes to making any progress, even with something as simple as creating a pose…but I’ve learned that I needed to slowly work through that. I think continuing education is also important when possible because I think learning never stops…you can always learn more and that’s something that can help you in these cases.

You can always explore more or better techniques. Whether it’s taking an extra class, watching educational videos and tutorials, or talking to fellow artists…actively taking the steps to teach myself more has helped me move past old habits. Being a perfectionist or being afraid to make mistakes in art and art related experiences can hold you back from learning moments that can benefit you.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think people need to understand that having a creative career or doing something creative has worth and that should be recognized. Art is also great therapy and you don’t always need a reason to create. I think sometimes art can be viewed as the “cute” or “easy” career path or not having much value in society when that’s definitely not the case. It’s not an easy path and it takes a lot of determination and drive. I feel like art is viewed by some as just doodling and its all just fun when in fact many of us have spent countless sleepless nights on projects, gone to school for years or even spent hundreds of hours of personal time to hone our technical skills and craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bmakart.wixsite.com/brendamak
• Instagram: @bmak_art