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

Alright, Brooks thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?

One of the biggest decisions I made was to go back to college. I wanted to gain more skills and knowledge and I applied to SCAD – Savannah College of Art and Design. I did not tell anyone until I was accepted and it came as quite a chock to my family and friends. I wanted to make a career out of my art and creativity.
This was my first time away from home. I was living on my own. I had to handle everything for the first time and that along with not knowing anyone at the school was daunting. SCAD is a beautiful one of a kind art school filled with wonders, possibilities and most importantly artists with dreams coming true. For the first semester I became a chameleon. I blended in. I observed. I stayed in the shadows and watched all the artists in my classes and it created self doubt and I wondered if I was good enough to even be here.
Every so often working up the courage to say hello or chime in once or twice. I just didn’t believe I was one of those amazing artists that I had classes with. I was dealing with anxieties and so many racing thoughts and I wondered what I am supposed to be.

Something clicked and I realized these thoughts are just that… thoughts. I create my future, I choose to be what I want to be. So I practiced meditation and other Zen related mind work and I prepared for my next semester at SCAD. I knew I wanted more out of this wonderful school.

The next semester begins and I was taking the best class for a fresh start, Digital Communication. Digital communication is essential for creative professionals. In this course, students explore a range of digital tools and methods to communicate their ideas and identity. Through research, ideation, and production, I develop key skills for confidently navigating the digital landscape and finding my persona. This was a great start for me to start coming out of my shell and finding myself. The first few weeks go by and I start talking more and bringing myself outside that comfort zone I made for years unknowingly. Eventually some of the students ask me to join them to grab lunch after class and I find myself reflecting on that moment and understanding the power of being yourself and showing vulnerability.

That really is the most important lesson I learned. You do not grow if you do not step out of your comfort zone. Your first attempt at this is very scary. For me it was going back to college and living and handling everything on my own. I learned as much in school as I did managing my life outside of school. But it is not enough to leave that zone once. Always look to improve and grow and once you start feeling a little cautious or afraid of the next step, push yourself and take that leap. It feels nice being comfortable, I get it. But it feels even better when you accomplish things you never dreamed of. Do not be silent. Do not be still. Move out of your comfort zone to find yourself and your purpose.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Brooks Kashella, born in Tampa Florida, 1999. I received my BFA at Savannah College of Art and Design in Illustration. Drawing has been a constant in my life whether it is in my sketchbook or with other mediums. Expression through art has shown me courage, positive mental growth, and a sense of stability in my life. I am currently experimenting with textures I see around me and then also working with the fundamentals of halftones and crosshatching. I am always looking for that rush with art seeing what inspires me to do more.

I currently do graphic design for Integrity design. In my personal time I am always sketching and experimenting with new mediums and creating t shirt and sticker design as well creating a brand and digital presence for clients in professional wrestling and the music industry

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

While creating designs for my clients band, I made several designs and mock ups for them. Of course, we discuss what they want and the colors and anything significant that they need in their designs.

I then create a full set of mock-ups and with several color palettes that I absolutely loved . I think these are excellent and I am very proud of my work.

When the day came to reveal these to my client, they liked them but there was not the enthusiasm that I had for my work. I had to come out and ask them about this. Well I unlearned that what I knew was a great design with all the right elements and colors based on my studies and prior experience, the client is always right.

So I made some changes that I would not have ever started with and they loved it. That did make me happy.

At the end of the day, we make art for ourselves and for the sake of art, but in business, you are making art and design for your client.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing for me is the unlimited nature if being an artist or creative. There are no restraints. I can draw one day and paint the next or do digital design. For me, it helps my mind and lets me understand how I fit into the world I am in.

Yes, I can draw a standard still life or portrait, but the fun part is making that look surreal. Or adding elements to my creation that only I know why I added them. Or honestly, nit knowing why I added something to my art but knowing I wanted it in there.

There is freedom in my art. There is love in my art. There is anxiety in my art. I can go on. The bottom line is my art is me. It is who I am, and for someone not really knowing that when I was younger, my art is my salvation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kashellart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kashella_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookskash
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooks-kashella-2938b2263