✨ Meet the Denizens - Danica Ružić ✨

Colorful. Optimistic. Creative.
These are the three words that best describe Danica Ružić, a visual artist whose bright, joyous works are as vibrant as her journey.

“My name is Danica and I grew up in Zagreb, Vienna and Moscow with my family — and painting was my only constant. After earning a Master’s in Psychology, I moved to Berlin six years ago to pursue a corporate career. But Covid — and the isolation that came with it — pushed me to reconnect with my creativity. Today, I juggle my day job with my passion for making colorful, expressive art. My mission? To inspire others to embrace creativity and celebrate their true selves, no matter what’s happening in the world around them.”

🎨 Website: layersbydanica.com
📸 Instagram: @dancidoodles

💬 In her own words

What was the best advice you've been given?
A friend once told me that one of the things holding me back was the wall I put up to protect myself from hurt and rejection. I’ve worked hard to dismantle that wall — even creating a painting called Fall of the Wall to internalize the lesson. Being vulnerable is still hard sometimes, but it's the only way to truly connect with others.

What did you want to become when you were 5 years old?
An archaeologist! I was obsessed with Ancient Egypt and dreamed of discovering a perfectly preserved tomb. Years later, I actually crawled inside one of the pyramids in Giza — and I’ll never forget the awe I felt.

What makes you happy?
I try to find something to be grateful for every day — blooming flowers, my husband’s cooking, painting messes, “Love is Blind” watch parties, fairy lights, 90s singalongs, a great outfit… The book The Joy of Small Things by Hannah Jane Parkinson is a beautiful reminder of how little joys make life rich.

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If you could meet your younger self, what would you say?
You don’t need to be “cool” or “popular” to belong. Don’t change who you are to fit in — the world around you will always shift, but staying true to yourself is what really matters.

What would be your keyword for Berlin?
“Change.” The city is constantly transforming, and it inspires people to reflect, grow, and sometimes completely redirect their lives. Also… I’ve never seen so many Baustellen in one place!

What inspires you to make art?
My work is shaped by my fascination with the mind and the healing power of creativity. I started urban sketching during the pandemic to connect with the world outside, and since then, my art has become a way to explore emotions, intuition and childlike wonder. I use color, glitter, and texture to play — and to celebrate curiosity over perfection.

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⚡ Quick Picks

Dogs or cats? → Dogs! One of my works in the “Tales of Texture” series is named after my dog Tuuli 🐶
Ketchup or mayo? → Mayo – total guilty pleasure.
Sea or mountains? → Sea, especially the Croatian coast
Summer or winter? → Summer
Early bird or night owl? → Early bird, usually in bed by 10:30 PM
Sweet or salty popcorn? → Salty, always
Tea or coffee? → Espresso at home, but always a chai latte at cafés

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🧡 Danica x Denizen

What brought you to Denizen?
I found Denizen through other artists who had exhibited there. I still remember the first show I visited — the contrast of raw concrete walls with bold, abstract art was unforgettable. I immediately felt: this is where my art belongs too.

What do you like about Denizen?
Everyone has been incredibly helpful in organizing my exhibition — from answering my (many!) questions to helping promote the show. Denizen truly supports emerging artists, and that’s a rare and beautiful thing.

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