We recently connected with May Ruzicka and have shared our conversation below.

May, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

I grew up in Japan, where the education system is a bit different from that in the U.S. There wasn’t much focus on fostering creative thinking. Most classes and exams emphasized memorization, with questions typically having only one correct answer. As a result, I became used to answering questions in a very structured way. Whenever I encountered a more creative question, I felt anxious and wouldn’t write down my answer unless I was sure it was correct.

Now that I’m pursuing a career in a creative field, I’ve had to get comfortable sharing ideas, knowing there isn’t always a “right” answer. At first, this terrified me, and I hesitated to speak up because I wasn’t used to offering ideas I wasn’t completely certain about. I believe if the education system encouraged students to embrace creativity and be comfortable with making mistakes, it would help build confidence in their abilities and decision-making skills, ultimately pushing them to think more creatively and take risks.

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?

My name is May Ruzicka, and I’m an Art Director based in New York, originally from a small town in Japan, where I grew up in a bicultural household. I’ve always been interested in understanding people, which initially led me to study psychology. However, I eventually discovered my true passion in art direction. Growing up without a TV, I spent a lot of time daydreaming and coming up with creative ways to pass the time.

When I studied abroad in Toronto, Canada, I was exposed to North American advertising for the first time, and I was deeply inspired by how a simple ad could resonate with so many people. That’s when I realized that my true passion was to make a positive impact on people’s lives through creativity.

As an Art Director, I’m involved in developing the big ideas behind campaigns, as well as shaping the visual direction of their executions. I also do design work and branding. What sets me apart is my unique background and perspective, combining an interest in human behavior with a passion for creativity. I take pride in crafting work that not only engages but also connects with people on a deeper level.

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

Creating work for brands is really fun for me. I love thinking of innovative ways to solve problems that brands or people face. It’s exciting to look at the world from different perspectives and find unique solutions that can improve what’s around us. I find it especially rewarding when an idea connects with people on a deeper level and makes a positive impact on their lives.
For example, I think Dove does an incredible job of creating work that changes how we view ourselves and the world. That’s the kind of work I strive to create—something that resonates with people and has a lasting impact beyond the campaign itself.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

What truly drives my creative journey is the desire to create work that makes a positive impact on the world. I believe advertising has the power to shape culture because it influences what people pay attention to. My goal is to create campaigns that promote greener initiatives, help foster equal opportunities, and ultimately improve our lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://morethanamonth.me
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/may-ruzicka

Image Credits

May Ruzicka