Meet Broderick Bebout | Artist, Husband, Father, Friend and wanna be comic…

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

Hi Broderick, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
I’ll be honest—my path into the art world wasn’t exactly planned. It all started during the pandemic when I was sent home from my regular job. Like many people, I found myself struggling with isolation and uncertainty, working alone in my basement. I wasn’t in a good place mentally, so for my own sanity, I returned to something I loved as a kid—art. It was an escape, something I used to do to relax but hadn’t touched in years.

One day, my younger son suggested I share my artwork online—specifically on TikTok or Instagram—and I had no idea where to even start. I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but he showed me the ropes, and from there, everything just kind of snowballed. I started posting my work, opened an Etsy store, and before I knew it, I was doing shows and even getting inquiries from people wanting to buy my art.

When my employer made the decision to stay fully remote indefinitely, I found myself at a crossroads. My wife encouraged me to take the leap and pursue art full-time. The transition was nerve-wracking, especially knowing that the financial stability I had in my previous career would be hard to replace. But even though the income has fluctuated, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. It’s opened up an entirely new chapter in my life—one that feels fulfilling in ways I didn’t anticipate.

Looking ahead, the end goal for me is simple: to be a working artist who can earn a living doing what I love, while sustaining the lifestyle I’ve built. I don’t know if I’ll ever match the income I had in my previous job, but I’m excited to see how far I can take this. It’s not just about the money—it’s about being able to do something that brings me joy and connects with others. The growth I’ve experienced—both personally and professionally—has been incredible, and I’m excited to keep evolving as an artist.

At the end of the day, I want to be someone who makes a sustainable living doing what I love, but more importantly, I want to feel that I’m contributing something meaningful to the world around me. That’s the real goal.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to what sets my work apart, I think it’s really about the process and the materials I use. My art is abstract, and I work primarily with pastel chalk on sandpaper. It’s an impressionistic style, so there’s a lot of gesture, movement, and energy in each piece. I don’t focus on clean lines or precise details. Instead, I try to create a sense of flow and rhythm, where the energy of the work feels alive and spontaneous. There’s something really exciting about working with pastels on sandpaper—the texture of the paper adds an unexpected element that allows me to layer the chalk in a way that creates a beautiful, rich color.

The process is a bit messy and unorthodox, but that’s part of the fun. I go through a lot of pastel chalk because it doesn’t sit on sandpaper the same way it does on traditional paper or canvas. The result is that the piece gets layered with color, almost like the texture of the paper itself becomes part of the artwork. What I love about it is that every piece has this bold energy to it, and it feels alive, like there’s movement even when it’s static. I want each piece to feel like it’s in motion, like it’s breathing.

I’m proud of the work I create and the way I’ve found my voice through this medium. I really enjoy the process of making—of taking something simple, like a piece of sandpaper and some chalk, and turning it into something full of color and emotion. It’s not always easy, but when it works, it feels like magic. And when someone connects with a piece, it’s an incredible feeling.

Getting to where I am now wasn’t easy—it was actually pretty scary at times. The leap from a stable career to full-time art was not something I took lightly. But I owe a lot of my courage to my wife, who encouraged me to take that chance and keep going when things felt uncertain. She really believed in me when I wasn’t sure I could believe in myself. I started drawing for myself during the pandemic, just as a way to stay sane. When my son suggested I share it online, I had no idea what I was doing, and it was a huge leap of faith. Social media, Etsy, building a following—it was all new territory. But with my wife’s encouragement, I kept pushing through the fear and kept learning, sharing, and growing. The challenges didn’t stop me; they actually helped me grow in ways I never expected.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that the process matters as much as the finished product. You can’t be afraid to make mistakes or start over. There’s a lot of trial and error involved, and that’s part of the joy of creating. I’ve also learned to embrace the unpredictability of my medium—working with pastels on sandpaper means things don’t always go according to plan, but that’s where the magic happens. It’s about letting go of control and allowing the work to evolve on its own.

What I want the world to know is that, to me, art is about energy, emotion, and expression—not perfection. Whether it’s a brushstroke, a word, a song, or a garden, we all have that creative spark inside us. I hope my work inspires others to tap into their own creativity, to find their own ways to express themselves. For me, the joy of creating isn’t just in the outcome—it’s in the act of doing it, of letting go and seeing where the process takes me.

And I think that’s what I want my art to represent: that feeling of being alive, of movement and energy. It’s not about clean lines or polished details—it’s about the raw, vibrant energy that comes from the creative process.

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?
I love this question! It’s all about showing someone the best time, so let me take you on a little Grand Rapids adventure—plus a few spots that tie back to my roots in Cleveland. My artist/business name, *Shakerbrud*, comes from my hometown of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and my childhood nickname, “Brud.” Growing up, everyone called me that—so when I started doing art shows and needed a name, *Shakerbrud* just felt right. Now, living in West Michigan, I love showing off this amazing places to my hometown friends, especially once we get past the Michigan-Ohio rivalry (which, honestly, isn’t hard when the beer’s flowing).

### Day 1: Beer City USA & Food Galore
Grand Rapids is known as Beer City USA, and for good reason. We’d kick things off down on **Bridge Street**, where you can hop between some of the best local spots. **Gin & Gin** just blew my mind recently—such a cool vibe and delicious cocktails—but if you’re looking for something a little more laid-back and unpretentious, you can’t beat **Anchor Bar** or **Steel Cat Bar**. These places are the kind of spots where you just kind of *end up* after a night out—and you’re always glad you did.

### Day 2: ArtPrize & Exploring the Arts Scene
If it’s fall, you’ve gotta hit up **ArtPrize**. It’s one of my favorite times of year, showcasing not only my own work but also stunning pieces from artists all over the world. It’s like a city-wide treasure hunt. You can wander around downtown, pop into galleries, and check out public installations that turn the streets into a living, breathing art show. There’s always something unexpected—and inspiring—around every corner.

### Day 3: A Day Trip to Torch Lake
When it comes to pure Michigan magic, nothing beats a trip to **Torch Lake**—but it *has* to be summer. The hotter, the better! This place is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever been to. We’d rent a pontoon, blast some music (maybe a little too loudly), crack open a couple of cold beers, and head out to the sandbar. There’s just something about the blue waters and the laid-back vibe of the area that makes you feel like you’re living the dream.

### Day 4: Touring Ada, Michigan – My Hometown Vibes
Now let’s take a quick detour to **Ada**, where I live. It’s a small town, but it’s got plenty of charm. We’d grab the best burgers in the area at **O’Brien’s**, then head over to **The Ada Hotel** for a couple of drinks. It’s a local favorite and the kind of spot that always has a welcoming vibe. From there, we’d swing by the **Beers at the Bridge” Party—a fun event where you can enjoy a few local beers, hang out with people from the area, and just take in the beauty of Ada. It’s a place where everyone knows everyone, and it’s always a good time.

### Day 5: Checking Out Local Breweries & Fun
No trip to Grand Rapids would be complete without a brewery stop (or two). We’d swing by **Founders Brewery**—a local classic—and **Gravel Bottom Brewery** for some great craft beer. Whether you’re into IPAs, stouts, or lagers, there’s always something new to try.

### Day 6: Do the Torch Lake trip again!

### Day 7: Chill & Reflect at the Lakeshore
We’d wrap up the week with a more relaxed day at **Lake Michigan**. I think a ride on the dunes!

So that’s a week in my neck of the woods! From local breweries and art to lakeside fun and delicious food, there’s always something to do in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas—and I’d be excited to share all of it with a friend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would absolutely dedicate my shoutout to my high school art teacher, Mr. Jim Hoffman. He was one of those rare teachers who truly left an imprint on my life, much like the teachers you read about in *Dead Poets Society*. He wasn’t just a teacher who showed us how to draw or paint; he challenged us to think about life, art, and our potential in a way that was both rigorous and inspiring.

When I first took his class, I’ll admit, I thought it would be easy. I liked art, and I assumed it would be a break from the other subjects. I think any artist can relate to the irony of that—art is anything but easy! I quickly learned that Mr. Hoffman’s expectations were high, and he pushed us to do more than we thought we could. He wasn’t about handing out easy praise. I remember handing in a drawing of John Lennon, which I thought was pretty good for a 15-year-old, and I was ready for the compliment. Instead, he asked me, “Is this really your best work?” I said, “Yeah, I think so…” He paused, looked at me, and simply replied, “Well, then I think you can do better.”

At the time, I was crushed. I thought it was a great piece of work! But Mr. Hoffman didn’t let me off the hook. He asked me to redo it. And then redo it again. And again. Five iterations of that drawing, each time he pointed out where I could improve—where I hadn’t truly pushed myself to my limits. By the time I finished, I could see the difference. Each version was more thoughtful, more refined, more intentional. It was a powerful lesson in the value of persistence and doing the work, even when it feels like you’ve already given it your all.

Mr. Hoffman taught me about the importance of craftsmanship and professionalism in art. He had a favorite word: “schlock.” It was his way of saying “sloppy” or “half-hearted,” and he made it clear that anything less than your best effort was not acceptable. It wasn’t just about making something look nice—it was about truly engaging with the process, about showing up and giving your full attention to the work.

Looking back, I realize how much those lessons shaped my approach to art today. His influence didn’t just teach me the technical side of being an artist—it instilled a mindset that I carry with me: to constantly push myself, to never settle, and to always strive for improvement. I often think about his advice when I’m working today, and I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance early on.

So, Mr. Hoffman, if you ever read this, I hope you know that your impact on my life and my work has lasted far beyond high school. Thank you for showing me that true growth comes from doing the work and pushing through the challenges.

Website: https://shakerbrud.com

Instagram: shakerbrud

Facebook: Shakerbrud

Image Credits
Just me… I am the responsible one for these images and the photographs of them.