61: Where I Fit in on Open Studio Days
Embracing the many hats I wear, and a successful two days of teaching in DUMBO.
Me, to pretty much every single person who visited my studio during DUMBO Open Studios:
“Hi, I’m Samantha Dion Baker. I’m an illustrator, artist, designer, and author—I write books about drawing.” (Then I’d gesture to the table where my books were displayed.)
“These days I’m most known for my books and teaching. And over there—” (I’d point to the sewing machine and my son Theo, who was also participating in the weekend)
“—that’s my son. He’s really gotten into sewing, so we upgraded his machine, but it didn’t fit in our apartment... so now he’s here too. The studio’s become a bit of a family workspace.”
The visitors would usually nod and drift toward the books, maybe glance at the walls, which were filled with my drawings—and about 10% with artwork by friends. (Okay, that part’s a little confusing, and I often had to clarify that too.)
I’d usually end my little spiel with: “I know it’s a lot—feel free to ask me anything!”
Sometimes people did ask questions, especially about Theo and his clothes. He’s only seventeen, so his whole setup impressed people. Not many teenagers are encouraged to share studio space with their mom—but, honestly, our apartment’s just too small for his work.
Conversations would circle back to the books. I’m so glad I displayed them prominently—I sold about twenty over the weekend. The more people know about my writing, the better, even if they leave a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what I do.
This is why I say yes to Open Studios—to connect. I’m not really looking for curators or gallerists or collectors, like many of the other artists in DUMBO. I just want more people to learn about my work. I never know what these weekends will bring, but this year saw the biggest turnout yet.
Down the hall are Audrey Stone and Jennifer Riley—the other two artists in the building who take part in the event. It’s great we’re all on the same floor; people can just head up and see all three studios. After the weekend, we got together and debriefed. Their studios are so straightforward—you walk in and instantly get what they do. Mine... not so much. It’s a lot to take in, and I’ve accepted that. I do a lot of things. There’s no quick explanation, so I just embrace the need to explain.
Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve worked on over the past few months:
• Made edits to a menu for The Athens Rooster, a café in upstate New York. (I designed their logo and some other things, so when the menu needs changes, I update the Illustrator file and re-date it.)
• Illustrated the Blu-ray DVD cover and interior for Criterion’s re-release of Crossing Delancey.
• Hosted three handwriting and lettering workshops for my paid Substack subscribers.
• Received an advance copy of my new book Draw Your Adventures, and have been working on partnerships, promotion, podcasts, and event planning around the book.
• Worked on a new book proposal—early stages, more to come.
• Planned three in-person workshops that I will be hosting in May—two in Brooklyn, one in Apex, North Carolina.
• Started rolling out promotion for a 2026 retreat in the French Pyrenees.
• Launched a short Skillshare class, recorded a longer YouTube video with them that is coincidentally a tour of my studio (link will be shared soon!), and planned a live YouTube class that will air on June 4th.
• Designed an event invite for Makers’ Night at Dawn’s Til Dusk.
• Finished a small commission for a friend—a portrait of a beloved pet.
• Made lots of drawings in my sketchbooks because this work is ongoing and evolving.
There’s more, but this gives you a sense of it.
I’m an artist, illustrator, designer, teacher, and author. I’m all of these things—and none of them can be cut from the elevator pitch.
Theo’s sewing machine that was an easy investment to make. It is not only beautiful looking, but will hold its value and can be passed down. Sewing machine technology doesn’t change, so we really had no problem choosing to upgrade once we knew the passion was sticking. I also love the way the artwork looks on the wall behind it. Theo really enjoys having the work in front of him also. Most of the work is mine, but there are a few portraits of me and Theo by other artist friends mixed in:
, , , Richard Haines, Mokshini, and others.One piece got removed from the wall during Open Studios. A woman asked me how much it was and I hesitated because it’s always bittersweet to sell an original. But then she told me that she collects honey jars from all over the world, so I knew it was going to the right person. She has since sent me a photo of it framed in her home. Below is a note that shares more:
Two Days Teaching in DUMBO
My workshops in DUMBO last week kept me so wonderfully busy that I didn’t get a chance to send this email out sooner—but I’m excited to finally share a few moments from the two incredible days of teaching.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined me—it was such a joy to spend time drawing, learning, and connecting at Creatively Wild’s inspiring space. And a special shout-out to
for teaching alongside me—her lesson on color was the perfect complement and brought so much to the experience.I’m already thinking about the next one… stay tuned!
Decompressing this weekend and feeling some love on Mother’s Day, I walked home DUMBO to Brooklyn Heights with some flowers given to me by a shop owner. I thought it was a nice image to draw in my sketchbook.
A Retreat in France
Next summer, I’ll be teaching in the French Pyrénées at Atelier Clos Mirabel, and since sharing a few weeks ago, it is filling up! I still have not shared on social media, as I much prefer to have the spaces taken by email subscribers.
From the website listing:
August 15-22, 2026
This week-long workshop at Atelier Clos Mirabel explores the art of seeing and storytelling through drawing, no matter your experience level. From abstract sketches to detailed renderings, there’s no right way to capture your world. Through hands-on exercises, you will get familiar with tools and materials, practice blind contour and continuous line drawing, as well as experimenting with colour, line, and composition. My forthcoming book, Draw Your Adventures, will be available, providing the opportunity to work through some of its challenges and prompts together. You will learn to organize your thoughts on the page by creating meaningful visual narratives and challenge yourself to draw in new ways – all while capturing your adventures with confidence and creativity.
Above are some images showcasing the beauty of the property, but you can see many more on their Instagram. My favorite part? It’s just a four-hour train ride from Paris.
Note that this retreat is paid in two separate payments. One to me, the featured tutor, and the other to Atelier Clos Mirabel for all accommodations, meals, etc. Substack paid tier subscribers receive 10% off my fee.
Draw Your World Meetups
The next meetup is this Thursday. All invitations are shared in the subscriber chat. The replays and recap of Aprils sessions were shared and ready to watch.
Heads up: My paid subscription price is going up on May 24. If you’re already a member, your rate won’t change—so now’s a great time to upgrade to lock in the lower price! I share lots of extras with my paid group.
Brooklyn Events:
Maker Night at Dawn’s ‘Til Dusk
May 22, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm Join us for a very special evening—Make a mini dried flower bouquet with Sonoko from Kajiha, learn some “Draw Your Day” tips with illustrator, Samantha Dion Baker, and decorate your own Lambeth cupcakes with Tiffany Canuelas, the creative mind behind the cakes and sweet treats that you know and love at One Girl Cookies & Dawn’s til Dusk. Snacks and one drink ticket provided to all guests. Book your spot here!
You can now order signed and personalized copies of Draw Your Adventures from Books Are Magic. Order by July 9th!
Ambassador and Affiliate Codes
If you’d like to try out Blackwing pencils or just order some new items, please shop using this unique link: blackwing602.com/sdionbaker. When you purchase using my link, there’s no additional cost to you, and I earn a small commission. I appreciate your support!
My relationship with the US distributor of Caran D’Ache, Creative Art Materials, started back when I wrote Draw Your Day in 2018—after they saw that I have been using their materials since I was in grade school. Click here to find some my favorites on the Orange Art website.
All products from Art Toolkit are 10% off with my discount code: SDIONBAKER10
All Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10.
Best wishes on your next book proposal. I can’t wait to find out what the book is.
Great job describing your work and art, Sam. Having so many ways to express your skills is meaningful and unique. It’s why so many people are drawn to your teaching, your books, and your art. We have a lot we can learn from you! I’m excited to hear that another book is in the works! That’s awesome. Thank you for all you do.