Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittanny Escobar Banda.
Hi Brittanny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating. From the moment I could pick up a pencil I began to draw and create, and this was around the age of two. I grew up in a small household with two very supportive parents who urged me to always do what made me happy. From an early age, I showed real talent for drawing cartoons and I felt I wanted to make that a career though I struggled to figure out how. I began studying architecture but that felt too restrictive. Then graphic design didn’t feel quite right either. But luckily, I found animation. I’d always found joy in storytelling and movies. Stories like Pixar’s “The Incredibles” or Dreamwork’s “Shrek” became my obsessions and I was enamored with animated movies. I was lucky enough to get accepted into UCF’s character animation program and graduated in 2020. Though the world seemed to hold still, and me with it, I’m returning to my passions. Slowly but surely, I’m creating once again seeking the one thing I’ve always loved doing — bringing smiles to those around me. Whether it be a crochet gift for a friend or a short film about a witch, I want to inspire and make others happy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve always seen myself as very fortunate. My parents supported my talents and joys, though my dad, wanting what was best for me, was against me leaving the architecture degree halfway through. But I was burnt out, failing classes, and struggling to find a passion for buildings. It was a tough decision but one I don’t regret.
However, even before that, I remember having a teacher in high school who did not like my art. I understand criticism to work and helpful advice, but she did not like the ‘anime’ style which is what I would always draw. I’ve always loved Japanese culture and cartoons. She did not. She was my AP Art teacher, and halfway through the school year, I changed my entire portfolio for her. I pushed back my cartoons and focused on still-life pieces. All for a portfolio review that would come at the end of the year. I got a 1 out of 5 and I felt betrayed. She wasn’t the one grading it, but I felt she’d led me astray and suddenly I felt I couldn’t draw again. And so, I didn’t. For a year after I didn’t create, I was just lost. But I realized it didn’t matter. I still loved creating and drawing and eventually, I picked up a pencil once more and carried on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am sort of an enigma where I dress very bright and colorful but I love dark and creepy things. Recently people have told me that I look like Enid with Wednesday’s personality from Netflix’s Wednesday show. I have to agree. I adore the darker and creepier side of life and media, but I love putting my own twist to it. My art is very cheerful but I’ll often depict creepy things such as horror movie icons or bunnies holding sharp objects. I’ve been told it’s a talent and I proudly proclaim I can make anything cute — even the most gruesome creatures. I like to think I find a balance between pastel colors and spooky ideas. I suppose in that sense I am like an Addams; I find joy in even the darkest places.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success has many faces. To me, success is capturing the essence of true joy. Of creating a silly little sticker and seeing someone’s face light up when they see it. Drawing an old cartoon for someone and bringing them happy tears from nostalgia perhaps. Success is creating something that goes beyond physical matter. To connect and to bond and to smile with another person through my art — that is success to me. The warm feeling of joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: BunniiDraws.art
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bunniidraws
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bunniidraws
- Other: https://linktr.ee/bunniidraws
Image Credits
@jbauerart
