Meet Abby Brembs | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Brembs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Hi! Thank you for welcoming me to the platform, it’s truly an honor to share my story! My name is Abby Brembs, I grew up in northern New Jersey in Roxbury Township. There, I was mainly in nature, drawing with chalk, catching butterflies, or doing fun arts and crafts. I have always been close with my family, being the oldest out of 3 siblings I very much have a maternal side looking after them. From the earliest days of my childhood, I naturally became interested in art, creative thinking and the world around me. I was a sensible child with a big imagination who was drawn to creative activities so much so that I would doodle on the white board and test papers in school. Early in my life though, I was diagnosed with ADD and I’ve always struggled to keep pace with traditional classroom learning which led to prolonged feelings of insecurity and self-doubt for a very long time. Still, I often struggle with remembering names, trouble with math, misplacing my tools, dealing with a short attention span for things that don’t pique my interest and sometimes by accident I’ll be dipping my paintbrush in my coffee. These challenges sometimes lead people to perceive me as disengaged or careless, which couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, I’m deeply invested and attentive in the things I love to do. Having ADD has forced me to find alternative ways to showcase my strengths. I participated in numerous extracurricular activities and made hobbies such as cheerleading, ceramics, spring track, theater, photography, painting, drawing, and choir where I flourished with honors. In high school, I would bounce back from the art room to the auditorium for choir practices with paint still splattered on me, then to the football field for either track or cheerleading games and practices. I found creativity in most things, when I was one of the Captains in cheerleading, coached junior cheerleaders, and babysat for years I realized I became a role model to those younger, and it definitely made me happiest that my efforts made a difference and even better, helping others! I found influence in the world around me as I learned that there are many ways art can be translated. It became clear to pursue a career within the arts once I left high school. I went to County College of Morris with a great art program, and graduated with an Associate’s degree in Visual Arts. There, I learned the principles and histories of art, got my hands on all art materials such as clay, paint, charcoal, pastel while taking preliminary classes. I found myself drawn to creating art with raw materials, blending and layering them to craft captivating pieces. This process wasn’t just therapeutic but also demanded my focus on the details. Exploring art with a heartfelt approach, I admired landscape artists like Claude Monet for their use of color and started experimenting with impasto techniques and favored landscape paintings during this time. My preferred mediums were pen, pastel, charcoal, and acrylic paint. I drew much of my inspiration from observing and studying nature, particularly from places I’ve visited and cherished such as the beaches and lakes near me.
During my time at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah Georgia, I had the fantastic opportunity to dive into a diverse and inspiring creative environment. Right from the start, SCAD encouraged innovation and teamwork, which fueled my passion for making art but making it for the world and with purpose. When I first entered SCAD, I brought with me traditional skills across various mediums. However, I quickly recognized the importance of adapting to the digital world for broader opportunities and started dedicating myself to digital painting. I had to familiarize myself with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and InDesign, which were essential for expanding my artistic capabilities. When I returned to New Jersey during breaks, I worked for LiveTheLakeNJ, a company situated on Lake Hopatcong that owns several other establishments in the area, including mini golf, restaurants, markets, and a cruise line. As a marketing design intern, I played a key role in content development, including the successful launch of their TikTok account, driving significant customer engagement following the challenges posed by COVID-19. Additionally, I used Adobe almost everyday to help curate menus for their cruises, completed various commissions, and captured photos and videos for their content needs. Following the completion of my internship, I transitioned into an assistant role in the summer with LiveTheLakeNJ, continuing to contribute to their marketing and design efforts. During this time adapting to digital platforms was pivotal in refining my own personal style and technique.
SCAD provided me with the chance to explore various branches of illustration such as book publication, editorial illustration in magazines, spot illustrations, 2D animations, and even roles as a visual designer for infographics, presentations, and prototyping ideas in a business-oriented setting. These experiences, coupled with the support of my amazing and incredibly experienced professors and peers I met along the way reassured me and my art in classes, contributed significantly to my growth. One of the most rewarding parts of my SCAD experience was discovering my digital illustration style. Drawing inspiration from what flows into my mind, with a twist of my own experiences, I strive to capture visual stories that evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. My illustration style involves vibrant colors, playful characters, and engaging compositions, making it particularly well-suited for projects such as children’s book illustration. Transitioning from semi-realism to cartoon-like drawings was an enjoyable experience for me. It allowed me to explore and push the boundaries of my characters’ features, creating dynamic and dramatic expressions. It also reminds me of how I used to doodle when I am the most ‘me,’ mindlessly expressing myself through art. As someone who was an imaginative child and has retained that sense of wonder into adulthood, I find joy in appreciating life through an adolescent lens when I’m creating. Their boundless imagination and drive for stories of adventure resonate with my own values, driving me to create illustrations that spark curiosity and imagination in young minds.
Graduating Summa Cum Laude from SCAD was a testament to the dedication and hard work I invested in my studies and my personal growth. Despite the late nights and busy schedule, my time at school was innovative, equipping me with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to pursue my creative dreams with confidence.
After returning home to New Jersey from Georgia, I reconnected with my acrylic paints and have been pursuing commission projects. The transition back home initially stirred up some anxieties, especially considering the perceived lack of creative opportunities. However, the pull of family and the realization of their need for support, particularly my 96-year-old grandfather who fought in the Korean War and WWII, ultimately brought clarity to my decision. Despite being home at the moment and my current job as a marketing and office coordinator, my creative spirit remains hungry. In my spare time, I’ve been experimenting with creating illustrations on greeting cards and developing two-page spread illustrations to enhance my portfolio. I’m always willing to put in the extra effort to nurture my artistic side, even if it means doubling my workload. The encouragement I’ve received from others, who eagerly anticipate my success in the art and design field, has been incredibly motivating. I’m actively seeking out illustration opportunities, whether it’s through conventions, private commissions, or job hunting for illustrating for children’s books. The idea of signing with an illustration agency down the road is certainly appealing—it would represent a significant milestone in my career journey.
Ultimately, my dream is to create art that inspires and resonates with others, whether as a source of learning or simply admiration. My portfolio professor, Mohamad Danawi, a professional business owner and successful art director himself, helped me a lot with what I could pursue after college, and insisted on art directing which sounds like something I’d really love to do after some experience in the field first. My passions currently lie working in-house to craft art for young readers or for any platform where my art finds a home. While school provided access to technology, I’m currently investing in my own art supplies and I’m hoping to save up for a Wacom tablet and a new computer to enhance my digital painting skills, while also regularly practicing with watercolor studies to keep my traditional skills sharp. Additionally, I’m committed to building my online presence through social media to showcase my work and connect with potential clients and collaborators.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The path to discovering oneself, purpose, career, and happiness amidst the chaos of the world is not easy. Like many artists, I often encounter something known as an artist’s block—those moments when the desire to create is there, but the mental fatigue causes challenges. It became clear that maintaining regulated sleep, making meals with enough nutrients, and taking breaks were crucial. I often found myself stuck at my desk or in the lab for hours, neglecting my own basic needs. I learned the importance of self-discipline, more sleep, meal prepping, note-taking, and minimizing distractions during this time. Self-doubt has also been a significant hurdle. As artists, we lay our passions bare for the world to see, opening ourselves to instant perceptions and judgments. It’s essential to remember that in the vastness of the world, there’s a place and a home for everyone. One of my most thrilling accomplishments is completing my first book, “Sophie’s Little Monster,” crafted during my book illustration class at SCAD. This heartwarming tale delves into the struggles young children face, particularly on the daunting first day of school, addressing themes of anxiety, depression, and shyness. Through the endearing characters of Sophie and Malakai the monster, the book offers a beacon of hope and empowerment to young readers navigating similar challenges. As I poured my heart into writing and illustrating this story, I couldn’t wait to see the end result. I did not complete all pages in color, but plan to one day hopefully publish it.. The children I babysat were the first children to read it, and as they excitedly and repeatedly immersed themselves in Sophie’s journey it filled me with immense joy and validation, affirming the importance of storytelling and its ability to connect with readers on a personal level.
One of my significant accomplishments was gaining acceptance into the SCADpro program. SCADpro is a program at Savannah College of Art and Design, where students collaborate with industry partners to tackle real-world challenges. Following the interview process, I secured a spot in a group in a cross-functional collaboration with Deloitte, working on a non-disclosure project with significant impact. Taking on the role of UI lead, I led the design of our prototype, creating everything from 2D sketches to storyboards and opinion in design finishes. Additionally, I served as the visual communications member, responsible for contributing in crafting any visuals and delivering a presentation to Deloitte stakeholders. This experience offered valuable insights into the collaborative dynamics of the creative industry and honed my skills in communication, problem-solving, and meeting tight deadlines. Collaborating with a diverse group of creatives, including my professor Nick Dine, was thrilling and nerve-wracking as I had never worked in such an environment before. Fortunately, he formed a cohesive team that worked seamlessly together, and I genuinely miss our dynamic collaboration. Our project received excellent feedback, and our prototype was the most successful among the other teams. Engaging with professionals from Deloitte and my peers at SCAD provided me with valuable expertise and insights into working in a business environment. This experience has fueled my passion to excel in my future endeavors as an artist and designer.
To describe my illustration style, it’s vibrant and narrative-driven, blurring the lines between traditional and digital techniques. I’m passionate about creative direction, children’s illustration, animation, and editorials, but I’m also eager to explore new artistic paths, from nature to characters and children’s tales. I dream of collaborating with creative companies and fellow artists, weaving their ideas with my own style. I love collaboration and support with coworkers. With every stroke, I promise hard work will not only meet but exceed expectations!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve never been to Atlanta regrettably due to originally living in the north so I only know Savannah Georgia from living there for 2 years. In Savannah, I love museums such as the SCAD Museum or JW Marriott with their 24 hour fossil and crystal museum. Walking on River Street during the day and going on ghost and history tours are a common interest but my relaxing hideouts are Gallery Espresso–the oldest cafe in Savannah, SuperBloom, Java Burrito, Collins Quarter, and simply eating sushi or sketching in the grass and soaking up the sun at Forsyth. When it’s hot and sunny, I can’t help but take a trip to Tybee Island. The water is just so refreshing, and my favorite places there are Tybee Coffee and Huc-a-poos for their pizza.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Central to my artistic journey has been the unwavering support of my family. I’ve always been encouraged to explore and nurture my creative instincts by my family, due to the appreciation of our deep roots of my artistic ancestors whose paintings adorn the walls of my relatives’ homes. It served as a constant source of inspiration for both me and my family, particularly when I visited my family’s norwegian relatives’ murals and paintings in Oslo’s city hall and also scattered around in the heart of Oslo, Norway. My Nana, with whom I shared a special bond, played a significant role in introducing me to theater, arts, and crafts. Her spirit continues to guide me as I navigate life and pursue a creative career without her. Additionally, my aunt, a teacher, always kept my mind engaged with creative games and activities since I was a young. My younger siblings are my greatest sources of inspiration. The close bond with my younger brother, Cole, and little sister, Ashley, has been present throughout my nostalgic years. Reflecting on my childhood, I fondly recall leading them in creative and imaginative games, fostering their own creativity along the way. In my children’s illustration portfolio, you’ll notice a recurring theme of three characters. My siblings have always understood my creative nature, and they probably expect to see more characters inspired by them until I have children of my own.
The close friends I’ve had, and those I made while living in Savannah, have significantly contributed to my personal health and growth. Initially, finding like-minded friends in Savannah presented some challenges, but I eventually connected with classmates who share my interests and values. It’s invaluable to have friends who can empathize with the ups and downs of our shared artistic journey and without them I’d probably be really sad.

Website: https://abbybrembs.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsyabbyb/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbigailbrembs/