We were lucky to catch up with Serenity Dennis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Serenity, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I saw a saying before; that said, “My happiness comes from the kindness of those around me.” and I’d say the same goes for my generosity. My mom has always taught my brother and I to treat others with kindness; she always tells us, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Growing up, I sometimes struggled with this, I can’t lie, but as I got older, it has become so easy. Life isn’t as simple as I thought it was when I was a child, and I’ve learned that everyone is trying to figure things out and find their own ways of how to live and what works for them. This makes being generous so easy, knowing that, like me, everyone is human. I want to be the love, kindness, and happiness the people around me show me every day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi, readers. I am a 20-year-old undergraduate student at Towson University majoring in Graphic Design and pursuing my passion for traditional art and photography on the side.
My artistic journey began when I was in elementary school. I was always fascinated with taking photos from a very young age. I loved capturing moments and especially the fun and giggling that would happen before taking photos with friends and family. It made me really happy, and in fifth grade I got my first Polaroid camera. I didn’t know it then, but those pictures ended up meaning a lot to me especially when I look at them now.
Alongside photography, I would scrapbook and edit videos, and then around high school, I started to become interested in drawing, thanks to a friend of mine who is amazing at it and encouraged me. I struggled a LOT with drawing, I wanted to give up so, so many times. I would always complain dramatically to my friend about how bad I was, and she would always lift my spirits to keep going.
In the midst of all this, learning how to draw, taking a photography class, and then taking an art class online during junior year because of COVID. I received a National Art Honor Society certificate! so that was cool.
Eventually, I concluded that I wanted to major in something that had to do with art. It was art or nothing for me.
Of course, I had the typical worries like, “what if I don’t get myself out there? I’m super introverted!!!” or “what if I’m going to be a broke artist?” But I’m the type of person who, if I don’t do what makes me even a little happy, I can’t function. That outweighed everything, and during my journey of choosing what to major in. I landed with graphic design (after briefly considering art education—shoutout to art teachers though! you guys are the best!) Shoutout to my parents as well, for giving the school your moneys, so I can pursue something I enjoy… I recognize that I’m fortunate and not everyone can do that.
Now, pushing my story aside, I’d say the most exciting thing about graphic design and being an artist in general are the surprises. My artistic path has just been a lengthy process of amazement at my own abilities and capabilities. Being unfamiliar with so many aspects of the art world used to make me feel very nervous, but these days I embrace it as it allows me to explore and try so many different things, which I think is really special.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Trust the process. As an art major, I am told this all the time, so much it used to annoy me… especially when I clearly saw my process looked terrible!! Haha. But no, it’s such valuable advice, and once you really embrace it, life is so much easier. This can apply to art processes and life in general. Trust the process! Yeah, it looks funky right now, but that’s okay! keep going! You’ll get there.
2. Try not to compare (if possible, I’d recommend not doing it at all, but as humans, we naturally tend to). I was told by a professor in my painting class, “Comparison is the thief of joy, Serenity.” When I was downhearted seeing my art next to other artists’ art, I thought theirs was so much better than mine. Comparing tends to shut down a lot of artists’ light when everyone has qualities in their art that make them unique. Take what you like in someone else’s work and try incorporating it into your own; you can learn from those you think are better than you!
3. Go ahead and do it. This was the biggest impact on my path. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t persisted in creating art despite my belief that I was bad at it. Do that thing you’ve been wanting to, even if you think you’d be bad at it! Do it. Do it. Do it.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’d love to collaborate or partner with anyone who’s inspired by the same things I am or enjoy my work. I have a special fondness for Shoujo anime and enjoy drawing cute things inspired by it and other influences such as Fruits magazine, Aya Takano, Nara Yoshitomo, Sanrio, San-x, Strawberry Shortcake. and more. If you share this passion and enjoy creating similar content. I’d love to work with you. Additionally, I’m open to working with those who are into fashion, scrapbooking, making stickers, photography, videography, jewelry-making, crochet, etc. Anything creative 🙂
All in all, I’m excited to collaborate with anyone wanting to create something awesome together, whether it’s icons or just a fun project to collaborate on! You can contact me through DM on my art account on Instagram @catcake__0 (two underscores).
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @catcake__0 & @sserenitea
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iheartmacarons458
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