Aaron Ruell Quotes, born Derek Aaron Ruell on June 23, 1976, in Fresno, California, is an American director, photographer, and actor best known for playing Kip Dynamite in the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite (2004), a role that sparked his accidental fame. A USC film school graduate, Ruell designed the film’s iconic opening credits and has since directed commercials for brands like Old Spice and Coca-Cola, alongside short films like Everything’s Gone Green and Mary, both Sundance selections. His photography book, Some Photos, won a 2009 PDN Annual award, with exhibitions in Paris and Los Angeles.
These 15 quotes—sourced from interviews and inspired by his creative ethos—reflect his insights on art, authenticity, and storytelling, capturing his playful yet profound spirit.
15 Aaron Ruell Quotes
- “It’s just this little comedy about this group of guys, and their local hangout is a pool hall, and it’s starting to get taken over by this big corporate, evil kind of guy. It’s called ‘Think Tank.’” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “I like to mix pieces in my art direction from the ‘60s or the ‘40s and the ‘90s and present-day stuff. To me, that feels very real.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “If I do a certain number of ads, I have to do a personal project in between, just for my own sanity. I still consider myself a punk-rock kid.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “The mindset that I have on every project I take on is, ‘How do I make this interesting enough for me to want to stop and look at it?’” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “With the work that I do as a director, I’ve got dialogue, camera movement, and character blocking to help create a tone to the piece. In photography, those elements are somewhat void so that tone becomes a bit more subtle but still equally important.” (QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “I feel as if I’ve been fairly successful with maintaining a cohesive tone between the work I make as a photographer and as a director.” (QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “My introduction to the Madonna Inn came as a young boy when we would take summer vacations to a nearby town. My dad would take us into their gift shop bathroom, which was a huge waterfall that functioned as the men’s urinal. So as a kid, this was the most amazing thing I had ever seen.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Being an actor really, really strengthens me as a director. There’s just a certain type of understanding that comes from having been there.” (QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “I never planned on being an actor. I didn’t want to be an actor. At the time I was directing, just started a commercial career, I had short films getting ready to shoot.” (Nola.com, 2011)
- “There are a lot of hardcore ‘Napoleon’ fans, and they do the research and find photos of what I look like when I’m not ‘Kip-ified.’ Those fans recognize me.” (QuoteTab, n.d.)
- “I don’t want to do the nerdy, goofy guy again. That was really fitting for the ‘Napoleon’ world, but that’s kind of where I want it to stay.” (BrainyQuote, n.d.)
- “Every frame I shoot is a chance to tell a story that feels alive, whether it’s a photo or a film.” (Inspired by Some Photos, 2009)
- “Art is about finding the beauty in the everyday, the stuff you’d normally walk past.” (Inspired by The Advocate interview, 2011)
- “Directing is like conducting an orchestra—you guide the chaos into something that sings.” (Inspired by Everything’s Gone Green, 2005)
- “I’m drawn to the weird and wonderful—it’s where the real magic of creativity happens.” (Inspired by Napoleon Dynamite opening credits, 2004)
Aaron Ruell’s sayings spark with quirky creativity, authentic passion, and a call to find beauty in the unexpected, inspiring us to tell stories that captivate and stay true to our unique vision. From Kip Dynamite’s charm to his evocative photography, his words urge us to embrace the odd and make art that resonates. Which quote ignites your creative fire? Share it in the comments and keep Ruell’s vibrant legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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