Bryan Beus is a professional artist and forthcoming author for children and young adults. His first self-authored story is set for publication through Shadow Mountain Publishing.
Artist’s Statement:
“What I love most about art and story is how they connect us with God and with each other. As I create I strive to grow closer to our creator, and I hope that others will find Him as I share my work, too.”
Bio:
Bryan maintains a lifelong interest in the creative arts. As a teenager he played professionally as a jazz saxophonist and studied with Ray Smith—director of the 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 strongly and he changed his major to focus 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; Corel Corporation featured his painting, Rapunzel, on the CD jewel case of Corel Painter software; ImagineFX Magazine featured him in a four-page article; he illustrated the internationally-popular "13th Reality" series; 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, who soon contracted Bryan to work as an assistant. Throughout the two years with RSAR Bryan learned from many of Richard’s artists, including Gregory Manchess, Brad Holland, and others. Also during this time, Spectrum Fantastic Art featured Bryan's continuing artwork in their annual publication.
Bryan then resigned from his work with Richard Solomon in order to focus full-time on creating stories. Not long thereafter Bryan approached Chris Schoebinger, product director 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.