Russ received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Masters of Arts degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. After graduating, he pursued a career in fine arts, showing and lecturing in galleries, museums, and universities both regionally and nationally. Russ finds teaching to be fulfilling and teaches art at Christ Episcopal School and Stephen F. Austin State University. He joined Christ Episcopal School in 2009 as a specialty teacher working with students from kindergarten through 5th grade.