Kat Ruston, a multifaceted artist hailing from Vancouver, boasts a unique heritage comprising Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino roots. As an only child, she found solace in the worlds of manga and video games, a coping mechanism to navigate the challenges of not being accepted by her peers. Nevertheless, her natural athleticism and talent led her to discover her niche as a "tomboy", a persona that brought her a sense of belonging.
Fast-forward to 2005, when Ruston's journey took an unexpected turn. She attended a talent search in Las Vegas, where she secured a scholarship to attend The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. However, due to unfortunate timing, she decided to pursue her academic studies at Vancouver Island University instead. Despite her decision, she harbored a deep sense of regret for not seizing the opportunity to hone her craft in New York.
In 2009, Ruston made a bold move, relocating to Vancouver and landing a job in the Lighting Department. This experience profoundly impacted her perspective, as she developed a newfound appreciation for the art of painting with light and shadow. Her "behind the scenes" work humbled her, and she came to realize the immense value of the often-overlooked aspects of a production.