Meet Bre Russell

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

Hi Bre, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Ha! I feel like this is kinda a hard question to answer, because I don’t think we overcome imposter syndrome just one time. I see it as more of a consistent choice to challenge it as it comes up.
I can actually pinpoint the very first time I experienced imposter syndrome… in Kindergarten. I am Native Hawaiian, you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at me because my father’s white genes really pulled through! I had native blood… but fairer skin, blue eyes, and blonde hair. While attending school in Hawai’i, even at 5 years old, I was told that I wasn’t “Hawaiian enough”. To the point that I started to believe them. I remember telling my Aunty that I must be adopted because I don’t look like my culture. She told me something that I actually continue to use today to combat imposter syndrome.
She said: “Who are they to decide who you are?”
Today, running my own business and trying to make my own mark in the world… I encounter imposter syndrome a little differently. I’ve felt like I’m undeserving of this lifestyle, like my art isn’t good enough, or that it won’t make an impact on people. All because a couple people have told me I don’t have what it takes to “make it” in the creative industry. “Who are they to decide who you are?”
I run into that internal voice of doubt at some point in almost every single project I take on. “You’re not good enough” but you know what, “who are they to decide who you are?”
It’s not a “fix all” I still struggle with it, but there’s this sense of confidence and peace that I find in knowing that the thoughts and comments of others & even my own thoughts and doubts don’t define me… cause who are they to decide who I am?

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My job title is technically “Graphic Designer”, it’s what my degree says, but I find that a little confusing. I realized everyone has their own definition of what a “Graphic Designer” does. So I introduce myself as a “visual problem solver”. This means: every logo, poster, color palette, typography choice, etc… is done with so much purpose in order to best solve a problem. If you have a logo that isn’t accurately representing your business… your problem isn’t “I have a bad logo”… your problem is “I don’t have accurate branding, therefore people don’t trust my business”. I am passionate about doing more than drawing an icon to slap on a business card. I come alongside businesses to create visual branding that evokes emotion and inspires trust.
I have been running my business full-time for 2 Years now! It’s been a challenge and a blast! I love how versatile my job can be. Branding is so broad it means different things for different businesses depending on their needs. I have the opportunity to design logos, but also paint large scale murals, to design websites, and also stickers for water bottles! Everyday looks different for me, and I find that really fun!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Oh shoot I could write a whole book!
3 qualities or skills… resilience, constant learning, & authenticity.

Resilience is definitely one of those areas that every creative needs to be stretched in. It’s not exactly a good time, I know. However, it’s necessary in order to be able to bounce back from brutal feedback, hard financial seasons, rejections, difficult clients, etc. Without strong resilience, I would’ve probably given up during my first client project. The Oxford Dictionary defines “Resilient” as: “able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions”. This definition is what I see in the creative community as a whole, and individually.

Constant Learning. Some of the best advice I received was to always learn more. As a Designer, I am always educating myself on design trends, new Adobe features, generational biases, etc. There’s truly no reason to graduate school and then just stop learning about your field… especially if it’s a creative field. The world is constantly changing and growing. It’s our job to learn about that growth and adapt to the changes. If you’re not actively learning more… you’re regressing.

Authenticity. I feel like every college syllabus when I say “Plagiarism isn’t worth it”. Not only is that actually illegal and you can be taken to court and sued… it’s also a denial of self. If you are not creating art that is YOURS… then there’s something special lacking from the world. If your art isn’t authentic to you, your emotions, your experiences, etc… then it’s obsolete. In a time of AI… the one thing creatives have that AI cannot replicate is individuality and authenticity. Be you & create art that is true to you!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

If I had to choose just one book, I’d say: “Take the Stairs” By Rory Vaden.
I was encouraged to read this book my senior year of High School, and I’ve re-read it several times since. This book has helped me throughout a couple different pursued careers, and it’s all about achieving success.

As someone who struggles with anxiety around small decisions, I love this quote! “We need to stop spending so much of our time trying to make the right decisions and instead start spending our time making decisions and then making them right.” (pg. 55).

“The irony of this crippling fear of making mistakes is that mistakes can be our greatest teachers. No one has all the answers before they start.” (pg. 186) I also love this quote right here because it’s both validating to the entrepreneurs who feel like they don’t know what they’re doing… and also encouraging because win or fail… you’re still growing and learning!

Anyway! This book has helped me see business and leadership from a practical viewpoint instead of a “quick fix” kind of way. Success isn’t something given to you, but rather something you pursue one step at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brerussell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brerusselldesign/?next=%2F
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bre-russell-499072251/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brerusselldesign

Image Credits

Hannah Birdwell Photography