Ruthie Ozonoff paints us the big picture in The Pitch Questionnaire

Photo Courtesy of Ruthie Ozonoff

Ruthie Ozonoff is a Kansas City-based designer and muralist. Known for her bold, colorful designs, Ozonoff has created iconic murals throughout the city, including the “Kansas City I’m So In Love” mural in the Crossroads Arts District, the Minsky’s Pizza murals at 51st & Main St. and Southwest Blvd., and the UMKC Welcome Center murals. In addition to her large-scale public works, Ozonoff channels her creativity into her apparel and product line, KC I’m So In Love—a collection inspired by her murals and her love for her hometown.

Social Media: Follow along with my mural projects here. Submit your mural photos and story of why you love kc here.

Website: Shop my KC merch here!

Hometown: I was born and lived in KC until I was 10, and then my family moved to Lawrence to be closer to family. I was there until I graduated from KU, then came back to my roots in KC!

Current Neighborhood: Red Bridge, KCMO

What does your “perfect day” look like?

Picture this, it’s a couple years after I won the lottery: I wake up in my custom built beach house and walk down my private pathway to the beach with coffee in hand to watch the sunrise. A few hours later, I peruse a farmers market and spend the day hiking or strolling the local stores. Later, I make dinner in my giant, open-concept kitchen and watch the sunset through my floor-to-ceiling windows. Maybe one day.

What does Kansas City need more of?

Murals! And a Tous Les Jours Bakery downtown would be nice. 

What’s the last book you read?

Photo Courtesy of Ruthie Ozonoff

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

What’s your comfort movie?

Bridesmaids. That movie can make me laugh no matter what.

Are you more of an extrovert or an introvert?

I can be an extrovert for an hour, and then I’m an introvert for the next 23 of the day.

What’s your hidden talent?

I can flip my tongue upside down by flipping it left or right. (You kind of have to be there.)

How did you first fall in love with creating art?

I knew that I wanted to be an artist from the time I could pick up a pencil. I got most of my inspiration from comic strips like Calvin, Hobbes, and Baby Blues. They inspired me—The ability to tell a whole story or deliver a joke in a few frames was so cool to me. I knew I wanted to go to art school and be in some sort of illustrator role, and it happened!

Which mural of yours is your favorite, and why?

I would say the Owen’s Flower Shop 75th Anniversary mural was a feather in my cap. I love working with bright colors and organic floral shapes. Also, creating something for a Lawrence staple that’s been in business for 75-plus years was an honor.

What motivates you to keep creating art?

Photo Courtesy of Ruthie Ozonoff

Honestly, some days are hard. Social media can be great inspiration for artists but can also make you compare yourself and feel lesser than. I have to focus on doing my best on the projects I have and remember that not every day will feel like a win. 

Who inspires you?

I’m going to go full cheese and say my boyfriend. He’s super supportive of all my projects and encourages me to think bigger and differently everyday. He’s also a talented chef and seeing him grow his business inspires me to grow too. We bounce a lot of ideas off of each other, which is always fun.

What do you do when you’re not making art?

When I’m not making art, I’m in the gym. I have to balance out looking at a computer screen or drawing paper all day by moving my body.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists?

I think my advice is geared toward aspiring freelance artists. I always think of what I would say to myself when I was first starting my business in my early 20s—You don’t want to hear it, but be patient. Your career/creative goals aren’t going to happen overnight. It takes time to build your portfolio and gain the trust of clients. Sometimes, you have to lower your prices and make sacrifices when you’re first starting out. Doing something for free isn’t bad, but ask yourself, “Is it worth it (financially/emotionally)?”

Don’t devalue your work and reputation. Stay true to yourself, and keep the faith. The little voice in your heart saying you’re on the right path is the truth, although be open to constructive criticism and stay vigilant of changing creative/style trends. You need to find the balance between staying true to your vision but also know what’s going to sell.

Photo Courtesy of Ruthie Ozonoff

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

At the beginning of 2024, I accepted the Art Director position with Bjorem Speech Publications, which is a company that I’d been doing freelance work for since 2016. We author and illustrate learning materials for parents, teachers, and speech pathologists to use with children. I love that I am continuing to help people through what I love to do, whether it’s illustrating for Bjorem Speech or brightening someone’s day as they pass one of my murals.