No. 22: Running Towards Challenge
How fear, intimidation, and impostor syndrome can be motivators, plus lots of bookish art.
A few months ago, I asked my literary agent what she thought about my writing another book. She was enthusiastic.
Something in me really likes a challenge. For me, writing a book is a very uncomfortable and big thing. I mean, for most people it is, but I was someone who cheered after I handed in my final essay in art history class, my senior year of college, because I thought I would never have to write again. I was extremely happy to finish that paper. Like really, really happy.
Why did I ask to write another book? Well, I like tackling large projects that keep me busy and give my work more purpose, and it has been a while since my last book came out, so the frenzy and excitement around it has faded. And the marathon that is writing a book can become addictive—in a good way. My first two adult books sell consistently (mostly on Amazon, but I have also spotted them recently at the Met and MoMA), so that is also a sign to me that I have another one in me. And the truth is, I still have a lot to share about drawing the world around me.
Even though writing a whole book is scary and hard, and the thought of it gives me a little bit of an upset stomach, I know I can do it. I calm my nerves by reminding myself that the books I write are half filled with drawings, after all. So here I am telling you that I am writing a new book, which will be published by Ten Speed Press/Watson Guptill, who published my first two adult books. Now that I’ve told you, I really must do it, and I must do it well!
It is only the very beginning of the process, so I shouldn’t tell you anything more specific, but just getting the word out there that another book is happening is enough to stimulate my nervous system and send the message to the impostor part of me that I am capable, that I can do this. Running toward challenges is something I have been thinking about more and more as I see my kids pushing themselves in uncomfortable ways. It seems this is a trait that they share with me.
Another reason I am sharing the news with you is that Substack and the community here has forced me to work on my writing each week. It is getting a little easier to express myself not only through my drawings but also with words, so I am very thankful to you, my readers, for pushing me, even if you don’t know you have.
Books are so nice to draw.
Maybe I want to write more books because, simply as objects, I love books so much. I don’t read many actual books these days (I read lots of essays on a screen), but I have always loved to be surrounded by them. Books look so good on shelves that go all the way up to the ceiling, in piles on the floor, stacked on a bedside table. One of my favorite clients is Merritt Bookstore, and for a recent project, I lettered the words 26 letters, infinite stories on a tote bag. I love that quote because just the idea of what is filling all of the thousands and thousands of pages on our shelves makes me want to be around them, and makes me feel smarter.
I love drawing books too. A stack of books is a perfect subject for practicing perspective, as they are just solid blocks. But then rendering the spine, making lots of loose lines to represent the pages, and even drawing a torn edge or a bend in the cover makes a simple object so much more interesting.
Drawing bookshelves has become quite meditative for me. I start with horizontal lines for the shelves then add little vertical blocks from left to right. Some of the books are thicker, some thinner, some taller, some shorter. Then I add little loose lines and marks to indicate variety of words on the spines, and then I fill them randomly with color.
I have endless drawings of books, it is hard to choose just a handful to share here.
A little 2-minute video tutorial on how I draw lots of books will be arriving to your inbox if you are a paid subscriber. If you would like to watch, consider upgrading your subscription.
Skillshare Updates and Live Classes
I am so happy to now be able to provide personalized one-on-one lessons and mentoring sessions on Skillshare! 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. Click here to learn more.
A new 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.
Painting Pumpkins and Gourds with Derwent Inktense Paints and Pencils
Tuesday, October 17, 4-5pm EST
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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I just read your newsletter. You’re writing a new book! I’m so proud of you! Very soon I’m going to have to give you your very own shelf in our library to hold all of your books. You are AMAZING! I can’t wait to read it!
Good luck, Samantha! I've been writing weekly, coincidentally after our meet up so many months ago, and it's been extremely fulfilling and a good challenge. I can't wait to see what you create. We (your subscribers) have your back!