We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meranda Brodowski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Meranda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have been interested in art for as long as I can remember. I started drawing more intensely when I was 12 and I became the kid that carried around a sketchbook everywhere I went throughout junior high and high school. At the time I was mostly drawing the juvenile things I was interested in: lots of cartoons and fan-art. I wanted to go into the animation industry, so I spent a lot of time learning to draw digitally and developing my skills in drawing anatomy. When I got to college I applied to the animation program, and I was accepted past the first level of applying, but it didn’t feel right.

By the time I got to college I had served a mission for my church and my interests had drastically changed since I was in high school. I had put so much effort into developing my artistic skills throughout my life, but I felt that I was meant to do something different with them than what I had originally planned. I spent a lot of time praying about what direction I should go with my art, and I felt inspired to leave the animation program and go into the traditional art program with an emphasis in technology. After that decision, it seemed like opportunities that suited my needs and desires as an artist started to randomly open up. I’m still at the beginning of my journey, and I haven’t even finished school yet, but I strongly believe that God has a plan for everyone and He will guide us according to what is best for us.

Meranda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a digital illustrator and graphic designer. I’m also a young college student still finishing school, but in the last two years I’ve started to build up my creative career. Much of the work I do is focused on my faith in Jesus Christ. I look for any opportunity to share and sell my work personally through social media and other outlets in hopes of spreading the love I have for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As a day job I’m a graphic designer for the Neal A. Maxwell Institute of Religious Scholarship. That job has allowed me to use my creative skills for something I’m passionate about, while also giving me connections to people and organizations who are interested in the artwork I do personally. It’s given me the opportunity to share my work with the audience I’m trying to reach. I believe it’s been a very divinely guided journey, and I’m continuing to work towards personal milestones as a developing artist.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

As an artist, my work is primarily focused on my faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Not everyone shares the same faith as me, but I believe that anyone can relate to the hopefulness of my art regardless of their religious affiliation. Everything I create is centered on the purpose of strengthening faith in others.

A few months ago I was able to witness the affects of my work in action. I was selling some of my work at a local farmers market, and I saw a girl stop and stare at my booth from across the way. She walked over with tears in her eyes and picked up a piece that depicted Christ. She expressed to me how much she loved the artwork and the joy she felt from seeing it.

It made me so happy to know how my work had affected her so personally! That’s all I can hope for as an artist! If my work can uplift just one person, then I feel like my calling has been fulfilled.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One of my favorite talks about creativity is “Happiness, Your Heritage,” by Dieter F. Uchtdorf from the October 2006 General Conference. His words helped me to understand the importance of creativity and gave me more confidence in my decision to pursue art.

Contact Info:

• Website: merandaart.com
• Instagram: @merand.art
• Other: https://merandart.etsy.com