Illustrating History: Ren Galeno's Path to Becoming a Pulitzer Finalist
When I first read "Searching For Maura" in the Washington Post last year, it really made me sit up. It’s not every day that such a prestigious publication dives into a Filipino historical story with an illustrated approach, and the choice of Ren Galeno—a Filipina artist from Davao—to create the art for it was deeply significant. The way Ren used her art to highlight the injustices faced by Filipinos at the 1904 World's Fair brought an emotional layer to the narrative that written words alone could not have conveyed.
Learning that Ren became a Pulitzer finalist for her work only fueled my admiration and curiosity. She was nominated alongside Nicole Dungca and Claire Healy for their collaborative project, which appeared in the Illustrated Reporting and Commentary category of the Pulitzer Prizes. I knew I had to feature her on Project Vanity to not only spotlight her incredible talent but also to celebrate how female artists like her are redefining storytelling in journalism. Her journey, challenges, and insights, which we explore in our chat, are as inspiring as they are enlightening. Let’s get into it!
Screenshot taken from the Washington Post website
Could you share a story about what initially drew you to the arts, and particularly to comics and illustration?
I've actually been drawing since before I could remember anything. I remember being three and my parents would show me a huge bed time story collection I had apparently vandalized with drawings of small people when I was one year old. I didn't remember drawing them! As a kid I'd draw scenes, they were always in sequence. I was a painting major in college but as soon as I graduated I went right back to illustration and eventually comics.
What have been some of the most significant challenges you've faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
I think it's having a pretty unconventional career path. I've been lucky to have great mentors and peers, but there have been times where I struggled with whether or not I was on the right track. I often wondered if I was doing okay for my age or if I made the right choices or if this is what a comic book artist should be at the nth year of their career. For a while I was just looking for assurance that what I was doing was enough.
In your work, you often tackle themes related to cultural history and social issues. How do you decide which topics to explore, and what process do you follow to ensure your art communicates the intended message effectively?
I think most stories just arrive when you're out there living your life. Fleshing out and finishing the comics is what's difficult. While I try my best to incorporate a lot of research, my best resource is my friends. Editors aside, they're always some of my first readers. Some of them don't even like comics so having that kind of outsider insight is really valuable to me.
Can you share us the story of how you ended up working on Washington Post's story called "Searching For Maura"? How was it like illustrating this amazing piece?
WaPo sent me an email Feb last year saying they wanted a Filipino illustrator to work on a Filipino story. I got the script April and had one of the most incredible working experiences ever! The story was difficult because of the subject matter and it was emotionally taxing, but working with the team was a breeze. I've never felt more supported. Their passion was infectious and it made the work so light. I worked closely with editor Hannah Good, who is also a comics creator, she facilitated the back and forth between me and the team!
Screenshot taken from the Washington Post website
How does it feel to be a finalist for a Pulitzer?
Very strange! I'm not quite sure how to feel about it really! Definitely proud and grateful for the incredible team and excited to keep drawing!
Maintaining financial sustainability while pursuing creative passions can be challenging. What strategies have you found effective in balancing artistic integrity with economic viability?
While I'm lucky to work as an artist now, for a while I had other jobs alongside my practice. Of course I wanted to be a full time artist. But once I realized I was learning and absorbing things while I was just living my life I kind of allowed myself to integrate it into my creative practice. Like yeah, I'm commuting but I'm also studying the inside of a bus, things like that. Even when you're not drawing you can look and learn. Also, sometimes we just have to accept some jobs we dont particularly enjoy, life's just like that I suppose. But there's always your own work to look forward to, that's who you really are. Its been slow but now I can work on stories I'm very passionate about! Also: VALUE YOUR LABOR! Always!
What advice would you give to young Filipinas who aspire to make a career in the arts but may feel discouraged by the industry's hurdles or societal expectations?
Give it a shot! Getting to know your own relationship with your work is the biggest thing. Once you know and love your practice, once you're secure in who you are, you can always defend yourself and your work.
Looking forward, what kind of impact do you hope to have with your art? Are there particular issues or stories you are passionate about bringing into the spotlight?
I primarily work in fiction and any issues I may tackle are woven into that. But since working on this project I feel like my horizons have broadened. I can only fantasize about my impact, but that's for time to decide!
Ren Galeno’s story is a testament to what happens when you stick to your passions and push through despite the odds. Her life's work, from doodling as a toddler to creating award-worthy illustrations, serves as an encouragement to all of us, especially young women dreaming of a career in the arts. Ren proves that it's totally okay if your path isn’t a straight line, as long as you keep moving forward with heart and authenticity.
Her message is clear: embrace your journey with all its ups and downs. Draw inspiration from everything around you and pour it into your passions. Remember, even the jobs you're not crazy about can teach you something valuable. And always, always value your labor and creative spirit.
Here’s to hoping Ren's reflections ignite a fire in all aspiring artists to chase their dreams, craft their stories, and maybe, just maybe, change the world one piece of art at a time. Who knows? The next time we come across a stunning piece that moves us, it might just be from one of you, our very own readers. Keep creating!
