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

Hi Brittney, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe an important factor to success is the company you keep. I try to surround myself with kind people and animals; my fiancé and I have a couple of mini-goats, and I swear it is pure joy. By the grace of God, I have received so much love on this journey. I was blessed with outstanding parents since day one. My family, fiancé, mentors, and friends have always supported my art and loved me for who I am. Then Shannon Moore introduced me to weddings, and my support system continued to encourage. Of course, there will be moments when you struggle on your own, but the way you choose to get back up can be attributed to the people, and lessons, placed in your life. I’m saying who you choose to communicate with as your outlet, your circle, and as your friends can really decide the strength of your drive. I think it’s essential to choose who you share your energy with because the lack of drive can ruin a dream.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love all types of art; it’s an adrenaline rush for me. I was always creative, but in college, I’ve always loved the energy of the artist. My professors at Lamar University were just incredible. I remember my first critique went horrible, and I cried the whole way home because, honestly, I had never been challenged in art. I couldn’t understand why all of a sudden, my art was amateur. My professors encouraged me to question my skills and thoughts on a more ambitious level. I am so grateful that I was able to learn from such amazing artist. My grandfather, David Drinkard, was a professional wildlife artist; he was a master at proportions and making things look natural. I also grew up drawing and painting wildlife, so when I began event painting, it was definitely a change of scenery. It was another type of pressure that I had never experienced, only this time; I’m out of college so I lack guidance. I researched artists from all over. I became obsessed, it’s like a puzzle but now with a timer. I work hard on every piece because you never know who is going to see it. I’m always trying to grow and enjoy my life as I’m doing it. Every piece I can learn something from, which helps my become a better artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were coming down first, I would show her my mini goats (Jekyll and Hyde), my ducklings (buck and Lil puff), and my cat (mango). We would sit in our rocking chairs on the back porch and enjoy beers and conversation. The next morning we’d hit up Starbucks and then pack for the beach. We would probably go to Orange beach or somewhere in Florida, and I would bring my mom and sisters because they technically are my my best friends. We would stay there a couple of days and mostly enjoy the waves, nature, and possibly a safari drive where you get to feed the animals. After that, we would come back home and set up for vacation part 2. I’d drive us to Matagorda and meet my dad and fiance with the boat for an offshore fishing trip. I would bring spearguns and maybe venture out around the rigs since we are already out there. We’d spend the whole day offshore, listening to music and catching fish. My best friends and I would watch the sunset over the open water. That night we grill the mahi-mahi at the dock and relax and tell stories. After that, we come back to my house and end the week how it started; back porch, mini goats, and beers.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ellen Brunet and David Drinkard- my parents, Jessie Drinkard, (Chad Goans) @cgoans1, (Kristen Drinkard) @kristenallie, (Shannon Moore)@sbmoore.co, (Grace Fregia)@gracefregia, (Stephen Rousette)@stephenrousset, Lauren Whitten @lauren.whitten.961, David Brunet, Pamela Jeanis, Jessica Drinkard, (Brittany Tanton) @bktanton, (Nicole Richard), (Ryanne Walker) @ryannewalker2017

Website: brittneydrinkardart.com
Instagram: brittneydrinkardart
Facebook: Brittney Drinkard

Image Credits
Kimberly and Kyle Parfait, Casey Chateauvert

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