Bryan Beus is a professional author and artist for children and young adults. His first self-authored story is set for publication in 2013.
Artist’s Statement:
“Sitting down to appreciate a great book, movie, piece of art, or any other kind of story is an incredible experience each and every time. The thing that I love most about stories is how they connect us with God and with each other. As I create my work I strive to grow closer to our God, and I hope that others will feel His love through my stories, too.”
Bio:
Bryan has maintained a lifelong interest in the creative arts. As a teenager he played professionally as a jazz saxophonist and studied with Dr. Ray Smith—director of Brigham Young University’s internationally acclaimed “Synthesis” jazz band. He graduated early from high school and enrolled at BYU with the plan of continuing his musical development.
Then, as an experiment, Bryan enrolled in an introductory level animation class his sophomore year. The art of storytelling impacted him so strongly that he changed his major and focused on his drawing abilities. Once in the BYU art program Bryan studied under artists Ryan Woodward, Robert Barrett, and others.
By his junior year Bryan found great success: he paid his way through college as a commission-based artist; his painting, Rapunzel, was featured on the CD cover case of Corel Painter software; and his character design work earned him the Kirchoff/Wohlberg Award from the New York Society of Illustrators—one of the highest national-level accolades a student can receive.
He graduated from BYU with a BFA in Illustration, moved to New York to intern for Richard Solomon - Artist Representative, and was soon contracted as one of Richard’s assistants. During the two years with RSAR Bryan learned from many of Richard’s artists, including Gregory Manchess and Brad Holland.
Bryan then resigned from his work with Richard Solomon in order to focus full-time on creating stories. After spending two years of learning the art of fiction writing through personal study Bryan approached Chris Schoebinger, editor at Shadow Mountain Publishing, with an idea for a mixed-media, middle-grade novel. Chris accepted the pitch and they signed a contract for publication. Further details about the story have yet to be released.
When not working on his stories Bryan enjoys spending time with his siblings and practicing mindful meditation. He lives in Provo, UT.