Meet Brandt Woods | Muralist

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

Hi Brandt, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
So I love this question, because most people think of a creative business or life like this. All or nothing. What I say is, if you’re creative pursuit isn’t giving you the result you want whether that’s fullfilment-wise or monetarily: then pivot!

I did illustration for so many years and it just never seemed to stick or make any impact on my wallet. Then I used those skills to illustrate a mural and it was such a success I’ve been painting murals ever since.

You don’t have to give up your creativity if it’s not working, just make a change, try a new niche, try a new medium. You never know if you’re just one small change away from getting traction.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel like I have a very different take on murals. I have what I would call a minimalist/southwestern style to my art. They are full of clean lines and bright colors. My art is to brighten and beautify the walls as simply as possible.

My whole goal with my murals is to bring attention to whatever town or business I am painting for. I’m currently painting 31 murals on Main St. in Safford, AZ with the hope of bringing more tourism and foot traffic to my downtown area. The main street was full of all colors of brown and beige, and that’s changing now that I’m 25 murals into my 31.

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.
Well obviously I would take them to Main St in Safford where I’ve painted 25+ murals and show them around. It’s where I’ve spent the last year of my life trying to beautify my city.

While on Main St, I would take them to Copper & Cotton, which is a local boutique that has local food and decor made from 60+ local vendors.

I also enjoy taking people to El Charro, a Mexican food restaurant that is across the street from Copper and Cotton. It’s the perfect blend of authentic Mexican food and less spicy for those who can’t stand the heat.

Finally, if you get lucky, you might get a sneak peak inside the Safford Theatre on Main that is currently under remodel. It’s a 100+ year old theater that is being remade to look exactly how it was in the 1920s. It feels like a time machine when you walk in. It will be spectacular when they finish it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I will always give my wife the credit for the art that I’ve been able to put into the world. She’s worked hard as a nurse and has always believed in me and my creativity. Anything I produce should be credited to her.

I also want to throw in Jim Butcher for writing the Dresden Files. Those audio books have been the best thing I’ve ever listened to while working long days and nights on the murals I’ve made. I highly suggest them.

Danny Smith, Graham county’s Supervisor, is another reason so many murals have happened downtown. He wants our county to grow economically and has been a huge support to me throughout this entire project.

Website: instagram.com/brandtwoods

Instagram: instagram.com/brandtwoods

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandt-woods-146b44192/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandt.woods/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Pu6-1f7Ve1540CepNq49A

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brandtwoods?lang=en