32. Brett Stenson — Finding Balance in Art and Life

Author: David Leutert and Viktoria Cichoń
Published: Tue 19 Aug 2025
Episode Link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/paid2draw/episodes/32--Brett-Stenson--Finding-Balance-in-Art-and-Life-e371hga

By popular demand, we finally talked to Brett Stenson from Portland, Oregon. Brett is a multi-disciplinary artist, illustrator and Senior Art Director at Young Jerks. Heavily influenced by forgotten ephemera from bygone eras, Brett’s work reflects a deep connection to the natural world and explores the delicate balance between nature and human existence.

In this episode, Brett tells us how the ability to get lost in creating something can feel like an advantage during difficult times. He shares insights into his creative journey — from his early days in Wisconsin to working at Jolby & Friends — and we get a detailed description of his wood-carving process and daily routines, despite dark days and buggy video calls.

Throughout the conversation, Brett emphasizes the need for balance in life, the importance of working with a supportive team and how developing his style was a natural process influenced by experiences. We also touch on topics like mentorships, mental health and Midwestern work ethics. And we almost uncover where the milk comes from. Almost.

Don’t miss this front-row seat into Brett’s biome! 🧠 And make sure to tell all your design friends about it. Subscribe to stay updated on future convos with other talented artists.

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MENTIONED LINKS:

• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD): Product Design Major

• Jolby (Portland-based creative studio)

• The Dans: Dan Cassaro & Dan Christofferson

• Ed “Big Daddy” Roth

• Richard Scarry

• Nucleus Gallery in Portland

• Kelly Thorn (Sr. Art Director at Young Jerks)

• “Desperate Oasis” from Weast Coast Games

• 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' logo by House Industries

• Brett’s Prosperous Innkeeper card for Secret Lair / Magic: The Gathering