Drawing Through the Noise: Dogs, Doodles, and Determination
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
By Mackenzie McIntyre
For Phoenix, drawing has never been about perfection. Phoenix sketches through exhaustion, dogs at his side, pencil scratching toward something more than perfection. The following interview has been edited and condensed.
What is one thing you wish people understood about being a student artist?
“Not everything I draw will be perfect the first time. I never aim to be perfect, but I redraw and remix until I am happy with my art.” Phoenix mentions how perfection is a myth and nothing will be perfect. Each piece is a process of revision and remixing, a journey toward satisfaction rather than flawlessness.
How do school responsibilities affect your ability to create?
"Some classes I must put more effort into so I can draw more, but generally not affected. I’ve been drawing for 15 years; NSA builds up visual artists." School can be demanding, but it rarely dims his drive to create. With 15 years of drawing experience and support from NSA’s focus on visual arts, he has learned to navigate responsibilities without losing sight of his craft (100%).
Have you ever felt like giving up on your art? What pulled you back?
"Late sophomore year, but a couple of ladies in my neighborhood had asked me to draw their dogs that had passed away. Which in a sense, gave me a responsibility to fulfill. Which brought me back." Brimhall shows that community played a role in rekindling passion. Requests from neighbors reminded him that art is not just personal, it can comfort others too.
Are there certain times or environments where you feel most inspired or focused?
"Yes, with Shiva and Herc, my dogs. Their silence is helpful, and they are always there. Even if I am frustrated." The quiet companionship of Shiva and Herc creates a space where frustration fades and focus takes over.
Have you ever had to choose between schoolwork and art? How did you handle it?
“Sometimes I end up doing schoolwork, but I draw a lot more than I do school." The balance between academics and creativity is tricky. While schoolwork sometimes takes priority, art remains the dominant passion, a reminder that personal expression often wins out over assignments.
In what ways does your job support or interfere with your artistic goals?
"It interferes because it is boring and they do not shift me, so I am more proactive with my art." Work does not always align with creativity. Instead of fueling inspiration, it can feel monotonous. Yet this challenge pushes him to be more intentional about carving out time for art, turning frustration into motivation.
How do your family or friends influence your creative process?
"My mom is always giving me ideas about what to draw next, ever since I was three and started drawing. She was always really proud of what I drew, so she always wanted to frame it and put it up on the walls." Family has been a constant source of encouragement. From childhood sketches proudly displayed on the walls to ongoing suggestions for new projects. His mother’s support has shaped both confidence and creativity.
What role does your art play in helping you cope with stress or pressure?
"Art allows me to have something that I can consistently focus on for days on end. I have this undenied focus on it." Art becomes more than a pastime; it is a grounding force. When life feels overwhelming, the act of drawing offers stability. In the midst of stress or pressure, drawing offers a consistent anchor, something to return to a day after with undivided attention.
How do you stay motivated when you are tired or overwhelmed?
"I go to bed. It helps me a lot. I do that often. Or I will be playing with my dogs. For a long time." Rather than pushing through exhaustion, he listens to his body. Rest and play, especially with his dogs, become essential resets, proving that motivation does not always mean working harder, but knowing when to pause.
Can you share a time when your art helped you through a tough situation?
"In early sophomore year, my dog Anna had passed away. And for a while I could not think about or do art... Eventually, I got kind of over that feeling. Drawing Anna lets her live on in her own way." He then explains that grief made it hard to create, but art became a way to heal. Sketching Anna transformed sadness into remembrance, allowing her to live on through lines and colors, and proving that art can carry memory as much as emotion.
What advice would you give to other teens trying to be creative while managing a busy life?
"Just write down your ideas. I have an entire note filled with about 130 ideas of what I want to draw just from the past four months." Organization is key. By keeping a running list of ideas, he ensures inspiration never slips away. It is a practical strategy that turns fleeting thoughts into a reservoir of creativity.
