Have you always wanted to be an artist?

Yes! That was the dream. Art has always been a part of who I am.

Tell us a bit about your background, and how you got to where you are now

I grew up with the goal of landing some sort of creative career. As a kid and into high school, I was mainly creating art with paint and pastels. By the end of high school, I was getting a grip on graphic design and photography, but I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do. So, after graduating, I took a year off to figure it out. I came across a career as an Art Director, and totally fell in love with the idea of being one.

I’ve been an Art Director for over 4 years now, and I’m totally in love with it. The sky can be the limit with creative ideas. I have had opportunities to work with clients from around the world, it’s allowed me to travel, and I’ve worked with countless amounts of inspiring creatives. My passion for creative storytelling has only grown stronger, and I still make time to illustrate and create art for myself. I’m so happy I took that year off to explore all my options!

What type of work do you do for your clients?

I tell stories for clients. I do this through creative campaigns, branding, design, video, illustration, art… anything really.

Which of those do you enjoy most right now?

I love it all! But mostly I love designing and creating campaigns.

What type of work do you do for your own enjoyment?

When I’m not working on a client brief or spec work, I’m usually drawing on my iPad or doodling in a sketchbook. It’s a meditative thing for me, and it’s an opportunity to reflect on how I’m feeling and what I want to put out into the world.

What work of yours would you like to be remembered for? Or is it something you are working on?

Probably a series of creative projects that make a positive impact in some way.

What is your creative process?

Become inspired, and then sketch and write down my thoughts. I then sketch out a more detailed prototype and take a step back from the work. I then revisit, and edit, edit, edit. A lot of the time I actually go back to the drawing board! I work hard to get every detail perfect and make the work meaningful.

What are you planning to create next?

I plan to create some Illustrations as Christmas gifts.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Travelling.

Where do you find inspiration?

My work is often inspired by metaphysics and human insight. Colour palettes also spark inspiration, as well as trips to art galleries and museums. I go on a lot of design blogs as well.

How do you feel about being involved with Wrappr?

I’m so grateful to be involved with Wrappr, I think the concept of furoshiki is beautiful, and it’s such a brilliant way to help people be sustainable. We need more ideas like this! Also, how awesome is it that Wrappr is supporting local artists? Thank you!

What are your thoughts on the climate crisis, zero-waste products, things you’re doing to be environmentally friendly, etc.

I’m very conscious about being environmentally friendly. I think everyone should be. Thinking about the amount of waste that goes into our landfills every day is incomprehensible. I try to be very careful to only use what I need, making those things reusable, and educating myself on new ways to live sustainably.

Website: http://brena-johnson.squarespace.com

Instagram: @beejillu