Meet Sarah Rudy | Designer & Musician

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

Hi Sarah, how do you think about risk?
I’ve generally played it fairly safe with my professional life. In college, I sought degrees that have jobs readily available and I’ve leaned into certain skill sets that would allow me to work in certain fields that are financially safe.

Doing so for many years and still feeling somewhat unfulfilled in certain ways made me consider taking a jump to owning my own design business.

I’ve always done design work on the side, but at a certain point, I just realized I’m doing myself a pretty big injustice to not at least attempt to seek out something really I’m passionate about. It felt like a needed personal jump to form an LLC, to announce I’m taking clients, and to really own my time in that way.

I still mitigate risk in a similar way that I did when I was a somewhat scared and unsure young adult – at this point though, I have more data on myself and the world and I’m able to understand that I can navigate the world in a way that allows me to explore creative outlets.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At this point, I feel firmly like I am an artist. It sounds silly to even say like that, but I’ve struggled with this my entire life.

I came out of the womb being curious about the creation of things, making things of my own, putting pen to paper. As I grew older, I had this strong anxiety that I wouldn’t be able to sustain a life as an artist so I allowed myself to explore other outlets (science and technology mainly). I don’t necessarily regret these small journeys I took to get where I am, but I feel much more able to understand who I am, which is mapped to how I create and what I create. I feel more free these days to explore, and I feel really able to get in and help my clients explore the art that will make their projects come to life.

For the past few years I have been working with clients on design, branding, illustration, and video work to help bring their creation/brand to life. I LOVE the process of digging into the details and helping a client really understand their voice in a clearer way. I love being able to focus on all the minute details that make something great.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Because I assume your readers don’t get to West Virginia too often, I’ll base this answer on the entire state, as opposed to just my city. I’ll start in one part of the state and work my way down in a way that would make sense to any traveler/tourist.

The Purple Fiddle – Thomas, West Virginia: a staple in the state for music lovers. The owner, John is wonderful at hand picking some of the nations best Americana, bluegrass, jam acts to spend time in the magical space they’ve created there. Hike around Dolly Sods or Bear Rocks during the day and relax with some music at night. This recipe is magic, trust me.

Rosemarys Thyme – Kingwood, West Virginia: the best Mexican dishes in the state. It’s on the quaint, Preston County golf course, so you can sit outside if the weather is good and enjoy beautiful views (the sunsets are gorgeous). The food is absolutely some of the best in the state and people travel for it. A hidden gem.

Modern Homestead – Kingwood, West Virginia. Modern Homestead is nestled in quiet Kingwood, West Virginia and serves as bed and breakfast and air bnb rentals. On top of that, the owners, Trellis and Lucas, are the sweetest and the food in their cafe is some of the best you’ll find anywhere. At the cafe, they regularly have book readings, food centered events, and other artistic events. They also have a greenhouse with curated and thoughtful plant choices for any time of the year, AND a few times a year, they curate concerts in a rustic, 1800s built church that sounds absolutely fantastic.

Ta-Khrai Thai Cafe Morgantown, West Virginia. My favorite Thai restaurant in West Virginia. The portions are huge, the food is most flavorful, and the atmosphere is adorable. 100 percent recommend a stop here.

Two/two/eight gallery – Fairmont, West Virginia. A new gallery has popped up recently and I’m excited to see where they take it. Full of life and creative energy, Jared and Megan are creating a much needed artistic space and seem to already be setting the tone to be something that attracts creatives from all over to pop in and take a look.

Sullivan’s Records – Charleston, West Virginia. I’m in the process of moving to Charleston, where Sullivan’s Records is, and I can’t wait to spend more time in their space. They are a Charleston staple and one of the best shops in West Virginia to find both national and local releases. Definitely a spot to check out.

The Mystery Hole – Ansted, West Virginia. Created in 1973, this attraction is one you’ll want to experience. Its been a West Virginia staple for years, and a mystery to outsiders and insiders both. I won’t give anything else away, hoping that you’ll one day experience it yourselves!

The Burrito Bar – Fayetteville, West Virginia. As a musician, it’s one of my favorite places to play in the state. The sunsets are gorgeous, the stage is outside, but adequately covered. As a music lover, you can enjoy some of the state’s best musical acts in an atmosphere that feels more like you’ve dropped into a beach town. Ryan, the owner, is a creative delight, and what he strives for is always unique. After a day exploring the New River Gorge National Park, enjoy some good times on the Burrito Bar deck, you’ll thank me later!

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?
Patti Smith’s book, ‘Just Kids’ has always been an inspirational piece to me. I’ve carried it with me on basically every major change of my life. It almost feels like a comfort/inspiration read at this point. I actually met her a few years ago, backstage in Charleston, West Virginia at a West Virginia Hall of Fame event (honoring her husband, who was born in West Virginia). The first thing I sheepishly said to her was “I’ve read ‘Just Kids’ like 5 times.” She was incredibly kind and human. She and her daughter, Paris, continue to inspire me.

Another person who stands out in my personal story is Joy Carr. She was an artist, and I met her as my middle school art teacher. She was tough on students, but she was kind. She was always seeking ways to push the students who wanted pushed. I took up every opportunity to grow that she gave out. I continued to be in touch with Joy even when I was in college, up until she passed due to a long battle with cancer. I think back to how she actually took the time to pay attention to nuance and I know that is special. I know she was special. She put her whole-self into her work. She inspires me, to this day, to do the same.

Website: https://www.sarrudydesigns.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarrudydesign

Image Credits
The photo of me (black and white) is by Rafael Barker and I do have permission to use