We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hanna Pendergrass. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hanna below.

Hanna, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I always wanted to be a writer. Growing up, I dreamed of creating romantic historical fiction and fantasy novels, constantly spinning stories in my head. As a quiet girl, I often felt I couldn’t express myself the way I wanted. Writing seemed like the perfect outlet—a way to give my voice life.

But oddly enough, I never wrote anything down. Instead, I drew. My stories came to life through sketches rather than sentences. I started to notice people were drawn to my art. In school, I’d sketch on sticky notes and leave them out, hoping someone would stop to talk to me—and they did. Art became my bridge to connection.

Even though I wanted to pursue writing, my family and friends encouraged me to embrace my artistic side. “Hanna, you’re an artist, not a writer!” they’d say. So, I gave art a serious try. I enrolled in my first art class and found immediate success, quickly advancing to AP Art. By my senior year, my schedule was packed entirely with art classes.

One defining moment came during a college scouting event. I was the last person to see the scout that day, and when I showed my portfolio, her reaction was unforgettable. She praised my work, saying it was a perfect end to her day. I was accepted on the spot to the College for Creative Studies. In that moment, I knew I was meant to walk the artist’s road.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am multidisciplinary artist and dreamer, passionate about bringing imagination to life through immersive art. I graduated from the College for Creative Studies with a major in illustration. While illustration was recommended because of my talent in drawing—particularly with colored pencils—I was determined to explore other media to find my creative calling.

During my studies, I immersed myself in various disciplines, from film and 3D modeling to interior design, painting, and even weaving. Each medium offered a new perspective and skill set, but I knew I was searching for something specific—that “creative tingle” that felt like home. I loved painting and drawing, but I longed to make my art more dynamic and alive.

Toward the end of my academic journey, I began shaping a vision for my future: creating immersive art installations. I imagined worlds where my paintings come to life—vivid, sparkly, and otherworldly environments where people can step inside, escape their daily realities, and experience a sense of wonder. These installations would be interactive, allowing people to walk through, touch, and even hear the art.

However, my final year in college collided with the global pandemic. Classes shifted online, many were canceled, and the uncertainty and stress of the time impacted everyone. I felt I missed crucial hands-on experiences and lessons that would have helped me hit the ground running in my career.

Now, I’m on a self-guided quest to make my dream a reality. My art is colorful, illuminated, and filled with a sense of magic. I want to create spaces that offer an escape from the mundane—a reprieve from the concrete and brick of the everyday. Whether it’s designing an installation, crafting a painting, or experimenting with new technologies, I’m always focused on creating an experience, not just an image.

I currently utilize my illustration skillset as an illustrator at a printing and publishing company in Detroit. I’ve illustrated comic books, children’s books, posters, and more. While I enjoy the work I do, I see my career soon shifting into the dream realm I’ve always envisioned. My goal is to bring my immersive art to life and continue to evolve my craft.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is having the ability to see the world not only as it is but also as it could be. A central theme in my art explores the delicate balance between reality and dreams—transforming fear and ugliness into symbols of beauty and resilience. It’s about reframing what’s frightening and showing that even in darkness, there’s always light. Drawing from my sadness and fears, then transforming them into something beautiful, allows me to reclaim my power and find strength in creation.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Everyone sees, thinks, visualizes, and dreams differently. I believe non-creatives often struggle to see the world for what it could be. Yet, everything around us—every product, piece of furniture, book, and movie—was brought to life by creatives. Behind every creation are countless artists from various crafts, working together to turn an idea into reality.

Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma attached to being a creative. Many of us grow up hearing that pursuing art will lead to a life of struggle. But the truth is, the creative industry is the heartbeat of nearly every outlet. It shapes the way we experience the world, fuels innovation, and connects us through shared stories and ideas. Being a creative isn’t just a career; it’s a vital force that touches every aspect of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hannapendergrass.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannapendergrass/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Hanna Pendergrass