Hi! I'm Brenna.
I’m a sequential artist who works with traditional media. Originally from Texas, I earned my BFA degree in Connecticut, spent several years refining my craft in Japan, and am now based in Eastern Pennsylvania. My love of graphic novels, webcomics, and all manner of visual storytelling led me to sequential art. I draw a lot of inspiration from the European comics tradition, as well as from contemporary Japanese illustration.
Past projects include illustrating the prose webcomic The Unbeloved, retelling/illustrating the French folktale Bluebeard, and creating a large-scale illustration for permanent display in College Station’s Larry Ringer Library. Devising a strong atmosphere for every story I illustrate is something I pride myself on. Many genres and themes interest me, including romance, justice/revenge stories, memoirs, ghost stories, psychological horror, folk tales/allegories, and virtually anything with gothic flavor. I would also jump at the chance to work on adaptations of classic lit, and projects which feature a strong sense of place.
When not at my art table, I can usually be found reading, watching Asian TV, annoying my baby sister, and counting the days till Halloween.
Testimonials
"Working with Brenna is an absolute joy. She is personable, kind, always open to feedback, and of course, incredibly talented. I feel honored to have partnered with her in the past and I look forward to doing so again in the future. Brenna will absolutely work until the job is done, and done perfectly. She is constantly pushing herself to improve; her work ethic is a true inspiration to me and many others. In addition, no matter how demanding, specific, or strange my requests, she always seems to know what I mean, and she always finds a way of turning the vision inside my head into a reality. Her final product never ceases to blow me away. I know I am not alone when I say that I am very happy I chose to commission work from her as an artist."
Krista M. Lambert, author of Indigo Takes Flight and the webcomic The Unbeloved
"Brenna is a fantastic illustrator and storyteller. Her narratives are powerfully crafted with the same attention to detail and fine craftsmanship as her artwork. We need more stories like these in the world."
Jon Sideriadis, Creator of Astromythos
"I came to Brenna to commission an illustration. She was extremely helpful, giving me lots of advice and recommendations on different materials and sizes of canvases. Brenna was incredibly easy to work with, making multiple adjustments for me throughout the entire process. She never rushed any of my decisions and was always highly accommodating. I could not be happier with the final result and am very glad I trusted Brenna with this sentimental piece that will forever hang in my home. I highly recommend her and her work!"
Melynn Jaime, Independent Client
"Brenna is an incredibly talented and hard-working illustrator. Her intricate drawings and nuanced visual storytelling make her projects come to life! She obviously cares a lot about her work and about doing a good job, making her a dream to work with."
Vanessa Stoilova, Freelance Illustrator
"Brenna Rae was commissioned to create an original piece of art for a new $6 million public library building in Texas. The work she illustrated was both respective of the direction we provided and alight with the creativity and skill she brought to the canvas. The image she created is a beautiful representation of the Library's values and impact for which we strive when instilling and supporting a love for reading. Brenna achieved this on a tight deadline and was a pleasure to work with. Her piece has been on permanent display since the building opened in September 2019."
Jessica L. Jones, Library Director