No.9: Trust and Vision
On making work that feeds my soul rather than my followers
It was during the early days of the pandemic that I had a few realizations about my work and the path it was taking me on.
Back in high school I listened to my art teacher about what kind of work I should create that would help me get into my first-choice art school. I enjoyed the process as I made that work, and I was determined to succeed (which I did). Like most high school students, I didn’t yet have my own voice as an artist, but I could mold and merge my skills so that I could create the work necessary to get to New York City and into the school that I thought would help me figure it all out.
In 2014, after years of working in front of the computer as a graphic designer, I started creating work in a sketchbook/journal that social media told me would get me followers and likes. At the time, not so differently from when I was in high school, I could leverage my skills and create work that would get seen. I had fun with lettering, composition, and playing with different pens (this story is written about in more detail in my first book, Draw Your Day), but I hadn’t found my true voice as an illustrator or artist. Looking back on it, I love the work I was creating, but it was so led by an addiction to social-media attention that I really had to force myself to stay as authentic as possible.
I did stay true to myself—I was sharing a journal, after all—but in 2020, when I was stuck in lockdown, I had the chance to really notice what work brought me the most peace and fulfillment. Somehow, even though I was getting notice and positive feedback, the work in my sketchbook felt stuck and too much the same each day. I really wanted to simplify, work on my draftsmanship and some of the technical skills I had been writing about in Draw Your World, and bring more focus to my storytelling. To this end, I started sharing less cute and playful lettering and “road map” pages of my days, and instead spent more time working on a still life or a landscape. I also practiced portraits, and created a self-portrait challenge, drawing myself each day for one hundred days. Sharing these pieces didn’t always garner as many likes, but it was the first time in a long while that I genuinely didn’t care about how my work was being received, and I decided to trust that the journey would lead to something new. It was a great lesson in how being uncomfortable for a little while can lead to growth.
All this to say, after a period of being unsure and exploring, things are getting a bit clearer in my journey. I am thinking so much about the recurring themes and stories that speak to me as I’ve navigated and illustrated my life in New York. There is so much I see repeatedly that I want to share in a unique way. I have realized that highlighting special words or quotations is important in this exploration, and that playing with my handwriting will always bring me joy. So I can find a happy place combining the older work with the new.
The image that follows has a lot of meaning for me, and as I have been looking at my work and reflecting these past few months, there was a big aha moment when I landed on it the other day. On the left side there is a quote that is one of my favorites of all time (and I have quite a collection); Rumi has a way of saying so much with few words. And on the right is a portrait of something very basic and symbolic of our days that particular summer. In my opinion, it is one of the most successful spreads I have created in the almost nine years I have kept a consistent sketch journal. It is me—a bit playful, a bit unexpected, and even random, but also thoughtful—and it does a great job of keeping hold of a moment in time while also looking forward. It is a guide for me as I move ahead and continue to share my stories.
Painting Woodgrain with Derwent
Join me April 25 at 4pm EST.
In this one-hour FREE class we will go over a few different ways to capture the patterns in wood grain with paint and pens. It is so freeing and meditative to paint wood-grain patterns and to have the lines flow with ink and different shades of brown. I shared this lesson with subscribers on Instagram last year, and it went so well that I knew I had to offer it again for a larger audience. I hope you can join me. There will be a recording, and you will receive the link if you register. Click here to sign up.
Watercolor Weekend Workshop with me and Ohn Mar Win
Reminder to sign up for the Watercolor Weekend Workshop I am hosting with Ohn Mar Win on April 21st and 22nd. All details can be found here, in my previous email. We are so excited to share what we’ve planned with you!
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!
Additionally, all Canvas lights and accessories are 10% off with my discount code: SDB10. They just introduced a mini light, so there are even more options to choose from!
I added a two new phones case to my Casetify collection using the floral pattern that I painted live with paid subscribers last week. If you want to join us next time, consider upgrading your subscription.
What Page Evers said, below! Enjoyed this piece very much!
Thank you for sharing what the journey has been and where it’s going. Life is fascinating.