True Self, Real Healing: Victoria Cruell on Art and Mental Health

Guest Contributor: Victoria Cruell, Multidisciplinary Visual Artist

How can we encourage more people to seek mental health treatment?

I think that there is a lot of stigma which surrounds mental healthcare, and breaking down this stigma is a necessary step to encourage more people to seek mental health treatment. Especially within America, where value is placed on independent growth and success, it is really hard to show personal vulnerability. I think that this is especially true for black women—we have high expectations and responsibilities that are placed upon us, but we are also not rewarded with the same respect and opportunities for all of the unsung responsibilities we carry. Within our Black history, strength and perseverance against all odds was essential for our survival.

In my own life, I have certainly built-up walls to protect myself. To say, “I need help or mental health treatment,” is like showing a crack in those walls and announcing to the world, “Hey everyone! I’m vulnerable, come and get me!” My chronic mental illnesses and perfectionism add to this pressure. I never want people to see my struggles and mistakes. But as an artist and storyteller, I believe that this is where raw honesty and vulnerability are critically needed. The more people see media that authentically represents characteristics which are outside the norm of what is generally expected, the more likely they are to recognize that they are not the only ones who feel that way. Connecting emotionally with people through my artwork is my way of saying “Hey, it’s okay to feel this way. You are a perfectly normal person, and there is nothing wrong with you.”

I think that we need stories that show Black characters who are imperfect, vulnerable, nervous, awkward, and so on, and that having these qualities is not mutually exclusive to being strong, successful, respectable, and commendable. I hope that through revealing my own vulnerabilities through my life and work, I can incite more frequent conversations about mental health and show that mental health treatment is not a threat to my abilities or achievements. Seeking self-care, particularly within a world that puts you down, should feel like a powerful proclamation of growth and development.

What resources do you find most helpful to encourage mental health and wellness?

I think that ultimately, mental health conditions are neurologic illnesses which should be treated by medical professionals in a serious and appropriate manner. So, above all, I recommend therapy and medication. Although I still have struggles from time to time, the amount of improvement I have seen in my life after having a proper medication and therapeutic treatment plan has been life changing. I can’t overstate how necessary these resources have been in my life. I spent many years seeking permission and external validation to receive professional care, but honestly, it’s not needed. Everyone deserves to have access to mental healthcare, like with any other medical issue. I also believe that everyone, whether they have a mental condition or not, can benefit from therapy, and that everyone should try it. (If anyone reading this is looking for a sign to try it, here is your sign! Now go for it!)

In addition to medication and therapy, I have recently added a couple of apps to my wellness routine. I think that apps are an easy way to add some mental wellness to my day, especially when I am feeling stressed and overwhelmed, or when I only have a little bit of time. The first app is called “Finch”. Within this app, you care for a small bird who encourages you to do mental wellness activities throughout your day. The second app is called “I am”, and it is an affirmation app which allows you to create your own affirmations or read affirmations from a large array of libraries. Finally, “Insight Timer”, is focused on guided meditations and other free audio tracks. There is a huge library of topics to explore there as well.

I think that it is also important to remember that mental setbacks and mishaps are perfectly normal. I often have to remind myself that “it’s okay to not be okay.” There is a lot of hurt and challenge in the world, and it’s normal to have moments of feeling unhappy and down. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t resources and that we shouldn’t try to uplift ourselves. However, I think it’s important to remember that we can love and accept ourselves, even when we are struggling and not doing as well as we would like. I would also like to share the link to my animated short film, “true_self.exe”, which hopefully can be a resource and a reminder that it is okay to be imperfect and face your struggles. You can watch the full film at the following link: https://youtu.be/awfigjUYc4w. Thank you to everyone who checks it out and supports the film. I hope that it resonates with you, and can be of service in times of need.

Guest Contributor

Victoria Cruell is a multidisciplinary visual artist from North Carolina, with expertise in illustration, concept art, and 2D animation. She has an extensive academic background in 2D animation, having received her BFA in Filmmaking with an Animation concentration from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2020, followed by an MFA in Animation + Digital Arts from the University of Southern California in 2023. In 2021, she also received a Certificate of Achievement from GOBELINS Paris, for their 2D Animation Online Summer School. Victoria has worked as a character illustrator and animator for video games, comics, music videos, and numerous film projects. Recently, she completed a concept artist mentorship as an accepted applicant of Women in Animation’s Fall 2024 Mentorship Circles Program. She is currently pursuing work as a Character Designer and Concept Artist for video games.

Victoria’s award-winning film, “true_self.exe”, was recently released publicly on YouTube. “true_self.exe” has been well-received by audiences, earning three Semifinalist awards during its festival run, and an ongoing episode slot on AspireTV, featured in Urban Indie Film Block Season 7, episode 706, “It’s in the Family.”

Victoria finds enjoyment in nearly all acts of creation and loves to draw, paint, and craft nearly anything, but she is most passionate about painting characters. She considers herself to be a sensitive individual who enjoys making art that presents diverse characters and deep, emotional introspection. Victoria has been commended for her ability to emotionally touch her audiences through her work. As a dedicated lover of learning, Victoria continues to take classes post-graduation. While most of her time is spent drawing, painting, studying her craft, you may occasionally find her enjoying her other interests including dance, yoga, animals, fashion, and psychology.