An Introduction
Hello, all! It's Brittany!
After a year of cold feet and busyness, I’ve finally decided it’s time: I am starting a blog.
EEEk! Even writing it down feels weird. I am the person who rarely shares my views on social media. And, when I do, I feel like I usually express broad, idealistic reflections that I don’t really expect anyone to pay attention to.
But, here we are. This is my first blog post. It’s almost like a first date. And, I’ve decided that, instead of really sharing a whole lot of my thoughts about the issues of the day, I think I’ll simply share a little about my life, and a little about my intentions ;)
I’d like this blog to be a place where I can give a peak into the things I am working on and the things I enjoy. Perhaps one day that looks like a collage of photos from a Monday adventure, and the next day an overview of a cool project I recently completed. Basically, my goal is to, once in a while, create a space for visual fun and inspiration.
ABOUT ME
I am a professional illustrator and designer from outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan! I am a wife to an incredible husband. Sheesh, I am blessed. We own the coolest dog around, Roo, who knows lots of tricks and is an amazing swimmer. My husband and I are avid adventurers, traveling nearly every Monday to a new town to hike a trail, or try a new coffee shop. Recently, these adventures have taken the form of a Michigan coffee tour, where we've visited cafes up to three hours away from home just to try a new brew! We adventure as a way to prioritize our relationship, reflect, and appreciate creation (oh, and enjoy amazing coffee and food).
My background is in science. I earned my B.S. in Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Michigan. I also earned an M.A. in psychology from the University of Toledo, continued to pursue higher education at Michigan State University, and worked in research for several years before realizing (initially against my will, but that’s another story) my dream of being an entrepreneur and artist. Aside from being mad for science, I love to sing, run, travel, cook, eat great food, explore the outdoors, and serve my husband and church.
I know what you're thinking, and yes, I went to school for like 29387423847 years and am not technically using my degree. But, I am cool with it. I am usually cool with it.
I am the kind of person who loves to think about the complex relationships between concepts, and to link ideas together to observe organic relationships and create stories. It’s so much fun for me to ponder how a potential client will respond as they experience navigating a website design, or what they will feel as they observe an illustrated narrative. It's exciting to me to watch an entrepreneur begin to develop their business philosophy and see their goals coming to fruition. I love seeing the world as complex and full of wonder.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I am also one of those people who thinks everything is fascinating! So, it’s no surprise that I dabble in several different creative areas for my job. But, everything I do pretty much fits into two categories: illustration and design. I adore illustration because it allows me to create something aesthetically captivating and (hopefully) real pretty. I love design because it provides opportunities for me to connect with people, and to help people connect with each other. Sitting down with an entrepreneur and working through all of the complex thoughts that need to be expressed related to the “why’s” and “how’s” of their business is an absolute joy for me!
Aside from that, I have a few statements that highlight the heart behind what I do:
"LIVE BEAUTIFULLY"
I work because giving back is my life mission, and because I love to help my clients find their life mission, too.
"CREATE INSPIRATIONALLY"
I aim to make beautiful and functional art that inspires, and to seek out inspiration through exploration and adventure.
"GROW GRATEFULLY"
Growth as an individual and an artist is everything, but it is my goal to foster and maintain a posture of gratefulness.
My plan is for each of my blog posts to speak to one of these goals. For more info on the heart behind Mash Illustration and Design, click here.
MY HOPE
So, I would absolutely love if you would follow along on my adventures, and share your own with me! I am always excited to hear about new places to visit and coffee shops to try (feel free to tag @mashillustrationanddesign on your Instagram adventures)! Thank you so much for your grace as I share my heart and life with you, and completely overuse the exclamation point!
I hope we can find ourselves living beautifully, creating inspirationally, and growing gratefully together!
