Meet Genevieve Wittrock | Graphic Designer + Artist

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

Hi Genevieve, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood. This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it’s a feather bed.” – Terence McKenna

I found this quote at a really transformative time in my life. I was graduating from art school and leaving my circle and city behind in the pursuit of something that at that point was just an idea. What I love about this quote in particular is how it touches on our internal struggle as creatives– this back and forth between trusting yourself and throwing yourself at something blindly. But it reinstates how when we commit ourselves to something, we discover that our dream was reality all along– that there are forces outside of ourselves who are constantly working to make our dreams come true– only if we demonstrate how much those dreams mean to us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a designer + visual artist, sometimes not in that order. My background is rooted in graphic design, but how I make sense of the world through art has always set me apart from others in my life. I picked up photography pretty early– and that really set the trajectory for my love for visual storytelling. It was first through street photography and then collaging, mixed media, painting, then ultimately graphic design which acted as real conduit for all of my interests. I’m proud of my time in school, but more proud now that I’m out with the same kind of love and fervor for the field. The real challenges came after I got out of school, balancing that love and dedication with paying bills, and trying to find a career out of it. I’m extremely proud of myself for making that leap to a whole new city, working full time, and never taking my focus off my real purpose and my practice. I want people to know they should make those big leaps in their lives– to remind themselves that as artists they’re naturally untethered, and can make great things anywhere they are. Change your scenery, meet new people, so you can ultimately discover new inspiration and love for what you do.

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.
Check out Harvard Art Museum (it’s free). Swing by the Boston Public Gardens and set up shop with a picnic blanket and some snacks. Bring a sketchbook, or a camera, and document the life all around you. Take a trip to the Cape, ideally in off season. Look out to the ocean, climb some scraggly rocks, stop in for a drink or two at the Sail loft. Get some oysters.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, my creative circle in Philly who’ve instilled inspiration and a true sense of belonging in me. My family for their unwavering support and love.

Website: genevievewittrock.com

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

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