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

Todd, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In 2012, I created an art installation called Gallery 206—a phone booth transformed into a fully immersive gallery space. I stripped it down and reimagined it as an exhibition site, where each of the plexiglass windows was handed over to a different artist to create their own work directly on the panels. The overhead light was converted into a striking illuminated installation, adding another dimension to the experience.

When visitors picked up the phone’s receiver, they were met with a piece of music by a local artist, played through the earpiece. Even the phone book became part of the exhibit—each page featuring an original work of art by a different Seattle-based creator.

The name Gallery 206 was inspired by Seattle’s area code, and within the compact space of that phone booth, we showcased the work of 206 local artists. Initially installed in downtown Seattle, the gallery remained in place for several months before becoming part of a guerrilla installation on Christmas Eve outside the Seattle Art Museum, where it stayed for two weeks.

I have so many fond memories of that project. More than anything, it made me realize the depth and strength of the creative community I was a part of. It was incredibly rewarding to shine a light on so many artists whose work I admired and respected.

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

My name is Todd Jannausch, and I am an artist, maker, and builder based in Tacoma, Washington. My background is rooted in craftsmanship—I began my career as a shipwright, completing an apprenticeship and spending over a decade repairing and building wooden boats in the Pacific Northwest. While I loved the work, I eventually felt the pull to explore life more creatively. I took the same skills I had honed in the boatyard—working with materials, problem-solving, and hands-on making—and shifted my focus toward art.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in many different roles within the arts. I’ve been a program manager, a studio manager, and a gallery manager, working in both nonprofit and commercial sectors. Each of these experiences has shaped my perspective and expanded my approach to creative work.

At the core of everything I do is creative problem-solving—it’s what ties all of my work together. Whether I’m making art, building furniture, or helping an artist figure out how to install their work, the process of solving challenges through creativity is what brings me the most joy.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my artistic path has continued to evolve. My focus has shifted over the years, but what excites me most now is the practice itself—the act of making, building, and solving problems creatively. Viewing my work through this lens has allowed me to engage with art not just as a profession, but as a daily practice that brings joy, activates my life, and keeps the world an interesting place for me.

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

I’ve always thought of art as a language—a way to express the things for which there are no words. When I think about what drives me or what my mission is in the arts, it all comes back to that: the pursuit of honest expression.

For me, the creative practice is about more than just making—it’s about showing up daily, not denying my experiences, but instead trying to define them. It’s not about achieving a specific objective; rather, it’s about fostering connection. If my work resonates with someone—if it gives them a sense of recognition or even a small piece of language to better describe their own emotions—then that, to me, is meaningful.

More than anything, I see my practice as a way of taking care of myself—a way of engaging with the world creatively, staying present, and keeping life full of curiosity and exploration. The connection it creates with others is a beautiful byproduct of that process.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’m not sure if this directly answers your question, but at some point along the way, I came to believe that resilience is the journey—everything else is just there to play a supporting role.

The most memorable and meaningful moments in my life have always been the ones that, in some way or another, required resilience. Those moments taught me the most, shaped me the most, and, in the end, are the ones I’m most grateful for. I don’t believe life is meant to be easy or without struggle. The appreciation, the beauty, the growth, and the wisdom—all of it comes from resilience. Learning to appreciate the struggle and the joy is the journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @make_making_made

Image Credits

Image credit; Todd Jannausch