No. 21: Back to School and Back to Work

The need to market and sell when you just want to be a flâneur and draw in a sketchbook, a story about the phone, and other news.

September is that month…the month that I have spent most of my life dreading. This week my younger son started tenth grade, and I felt for him, as he was really going through the back-to-school blues. I, on the other hand, am back in my studio on a regular schedule, and I’m actually pretty happy to have my routine again. The items on my to-do list that involve promotion and marketing have been building, and I need to get busy. I have a lot to share after I tell the story about the above drawing, so I hope you’ll stick with me.

Yesterday out in the city I bumped into someone who was on crutches because I was looking down at my phone. My son Theo and I were in a tight spot near the subway entrance in our neighborhood when the collision happened. The woman sort of grunted at me, and I said, “Oh, no! I am so sorry, I wasn’t looking. I am really, really sorry.” She was fine; my foot had just tapped the bottom of one crutch and she had to readjust. It happened so quickly that I’m not even sure how it happened. I think I over-apologized because she then got really agitated and suddenly the incident became an opportunity for her to really have at me.

“Thanks for not looking and being on your phone,” she said loudly. So I said again, “I am really sorry.” To which she replied, even louder, “Thanks for not looking and being on your phone!” We went back and forth like this about three more times. It was upsetting not only because I was trying hard to apologize, but because, yeah, I had been looking down at my phone when I crossed paths with her.

I felt a wave of shame sweep over me. I know I look at my phone too much. During the last few weeks I’ve looked at it even more often because I haven’t been at my studio and any work-related things have all been done on my phone. I know I can look when I sit down at an appropriate time rather than while walking to the subway with my son, but personal life and work have been so interweaved during the summer months that I haven’t figured out how to separate from work and set limits.

I mean, honestly (hi friends who know this about me), I am often on my phone too much. I really don’t know what I think will happen if I don’t check my email or messages every few minutes. Maybe I’m stuck on the fact that when I have checked in the past, I have received some amazing and surprising emails. I mean, the one about working with Gloria Steinem? Or the one when my book agent first reached out? Or the ones telling me about recent press featuring my work? I don’t know what I’m waiting for exactly. It’s just this constant feeling that I will miss something if I’m not on top of things. Or that if I don’t respond right away, I will forget. This does happen.

Bumping into the woman and being subject to her intense reaction even after I apologized many times really bothered me. My son was supportive, saying there was nothing else I could have done and that she was clearly having a bad day and needed to take it out on me. But it hit home that I have to slow down. That woman yelling at me was just a sign from the universe that my constant need to check my phone is not serving me.

So how does this relate to the above drawing in my sketchbook? Well, about twenty minutes later, we were wandering around the Lower East Side, and I—because I simply had to, this time—pulled out my phone to look up directions to a shop. I stopped, I didn’t move—I didn’t want to bump into another person!—and then I looked slightly ahead of me and noticed these two high-heeled shoes lying on the sidewalk. (I love finding random things on the sidewalks of NYC.) If I hadn’t paused and moved to the side to look at the map, if I had kept walking and looking at my phone like I was earlier, I wouldn’t have seen the shoes. The shoes that I loved later drawing, and that would remind me of the full circle of ups and downs that one hour of life can bring – from the joy of spending time with my fifteen-year-old son (who actually wants to hang out with me) to an uncomfortable (but profound, it turns out) encounter with a stranger. Just one drawing can talk to my future self about what is important – to stay in the moment. This is how I aspire to draw my world. Even if the drawing doesn't illustrate the day exactly as it happened, I will remember the full story I want to share with myself when I look back. 

Side note: I shared in my personal Instagram stories about “flaneusing” with my son a lot this summer. A few friends questioned what that meant. My good friend Rhea told me about the word a few years back when she read the book Flâneuse, about the French art of strolling about, and I find it the perfect definition of my favorite pastime. Wandering around the city streets, looking at all of the old and new architecture, the shops, the people…and everything in between, like two mis-matched shoes on the sidewalk. Flâneusing.

The Draw Your World Prompt Challenge begins today. Coincidentally, the drawing above also relates to my first prompt, “Look Down,” and the second prompt, “In Your Hand,” all at once. One of my paid subscribers, Daniel, shared this post that is an epic example of the seventh prompt, “TV and Film Stills.” If you would like to join us, please consider upgrading your subscription.

My latest prompt, Prompt No. 12: Cars and Trucks was featured in this weekend’s Substack Reads! I am so happy and honored to be included among so many amazing writers here on Substack, especially since for me, writing is second to drawing. This community is so welcoming, and it’s a joy to have found this new home to share my work.

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Skillshare Updates and Live Class

Since becoming a Top Teacher on Skillshare, I have been busy working on some new offerings, and am so happy to now be able to provide personalized one-on-one lessons and mentoring sessions. You can choose either a sketchbook and drawing review with a personalized lesson or illustration and design mentoring. After booking I will send an email so we can discuss your goals for our time together.

And a reminder that my live class is on October 12: Live with Samantha Dion Baker: Painting Clouds with Watercolor and Gouache. If you are a Skillshare member, use the code SKLive2023SDB for 50% off.

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Painting Pumpkins and Gourds with Derwent Inktense Paints and Pencils

Tuesday, October 17, 4-5pm EST

My next class with Derwent is ready to book! To celebrate the fall season, in this one-hour free class we will first sketch a few pumpkins and gourds in light pencil, just to plan our composition and to build the shape and form. Then we will build layers of color using Inktense pencils and paints. Some details and shading will be added with fine-line permanent pens, and some highlights may be added using opaque white paint. We will talk about color, light, and shading as we complete our paintings. Book your free spot here!

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Spain Retreat with Ohn Mar Win

My retreat with Ohn Mar next year in Spain has two spots left!

Ohn Mar Win and I are beyond excited to share that we are hosting a sketchbook retreat in Spain! This retreat in Sierra de Grazalema, Andalucia, is a unique opportunity to be creatively inspired by the breathtaking scenery, traditions, and delicious cuisine of Southern Spain. Capture your experiences using mixed media, such as watercolor, ink, pastels, pencil, or collage in your sketchbooks. By the end of the retreat, you will have completed a series of wonderful art pieces documenting your travels through the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

If you are interested in joining us, check it out here.

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Ambassador and Affiliate Codes

If you’ve been following my work for a while, you know I am a loyal fan of Blackwing pencils. I have one or two (or even three) in my bag at all times. I am really honored that they have just added me as an official ambassador for the brand. If you’d like to try out the pencils for yourself, and also help support my work, please shop using my 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!

All Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10. I love my desk light so much for filming and photographing my work and my process. They have introduced a mini light, and new products are launching, so be sure to check out their website!