Artwork From Home: Sarah K. Myers

Sarah K. Myers is an illustrator and violinist based in Ridgewood, Queens. Currently in SVA’s Illustration as Visual Essay MFA program, Myers has designed pieces for Dr. Martens and Canvas & Cassettes, and she’s performed in ensembles across the country along with teaching violin to students in New York City. Her gorgeous sketchbook full of badass women, “Lines and Ladies,” is up on our Digital Library. 

On April 3rd, 7pm EST, Myers will lead a virtual hand-lettering workshop and you can join by signing up for our Small Talks series!

When did you first begin making art? 

I have been making art since I was little! My best friend and I always had notebooks with us when we were kids. I started working towards a career in art in 2015 when I moved to New York.

What does your workspace look like now? 

I’m very lucky to have a spare room in my apartment that has become my studio space. It’s filled with plants and natural light, which is very important for both motivation and mental health. I also have two cats as studio mates! 

How have present circumstances affected your creativity? 

I am naturally very introverted, so it’s been kind of nice to have fewer social obligations right now. It’s like the expectations have been lowered, so it’s somewhat freeing. It can be a little isolating at times, but I can check in with friends and classmates online which helps.

Why did you decide to go to graduate school? How has it changed the way you view your practice? 

I had reached a point where I felt I had gotten as far as I could on my own while working a full-time job and teaching, and I knew the biggest obstacles for me were the lack of time and community. I noticed that a lot of illustrators that I admire had gone through the Illustration as Visual Essay program at SVA, and it just felt right to apply! It’s changed my creative practice quite a bit, and definitely for the better. It’s so nice to have other artists to discuss things with and get feedback from, and I’ve learned a lot from professional artists that have demonstrated their process to us.

What or who do you look to for inspiration?  

I’ve always been inspired by illustrators who have created their own little worlds! Some of my favorite illustrators are Tove Jansson, Carson Ellis, Edward Gorey, Laura Callaghan, Adrian Tomine, Nick Drnaso, Junji Ito, Jillian Tamaki, Yuko Higuchi, and many many more. Fashion is also very inspiring to me, and children’s toys. I also love learning about art movements such as Bauhaus and Memphis Group design, and the philosophies behind them.

What are some art-making materials you can’t live without? 

I love Micron pens. I was going through them quickly (and they can’t be refilled) so I recently switched to a Copic pen that can be refilled. It’s great so far! Copic markers are also amazing. Now I’m getting increasingly attached to my iPad, as it makes things so much easier to digitize! 

How has illustration changed the way you see the world? 

I’m not sure if it’s just me or if it’s been influenced by illustration (probably some of both), but I love to just observe. You never know when you will see or hear something that could be great drawing material! Small moments can be very important, and they are easy to miss if you aren’t watching. It’s also helped me to think conceptually, and make connections that may not be readily apparent. 

How do you make time for your art practice at home? 

I have to say it’s been a lot easier since I’ve been in the MFA program, so I know I’m lucky to have that. I get distracted very easily, so I prefer to work alone with a podcast or music in the background. I’m definitely a morning person so it’s easier for me to get started working earlier in the day. Routines help a lot, as it takes away the guessing of “what’s next?” I’m getting into a new routine now that I’m not commuting to class, etc. I’ve found it helps to set boundaries so I don’t feel like I’m working all the time and get burned out. Instead of having specific hours, I usually make a list of essential things that need to get done each day and work from that.

What role does music play in your art practice? 

Music actually helps me with my art practice quite a bit! I’ve learned from studying violin that a little bit of work each day really adds up, so I try to apply the same principal to my art. It’s also nice to take a break from thinking about drawing to play music for a bit or teach a lesson. It keeps me grounded.

How do you get through creative blocks? 

Creative blocks can be rough. I still tend to get down on myself when I’m trying to work and it’s just….not going well. It’s hard not to! I’m working on being kinder to myself when I’m not feeling my best, and taking time to do things to make me feel better in general. Going for a walk or adventure, taking a break, cooking some delicious food, watching a dumb show. After a while, I notice the block lifting and I feel refreshed. If I have a deadline, it helps to just force myself through it. After working for a while, something comes together, even if my brain is telling me it won’t!

What’s the best piece of art-making advice you ever received? 

I think it was hearing from multiple professionals that they have to treat it like a job. Making art is fun, but it still requires work if you want to be successful (and not just do it as a hobby, which is totally fine too!). I tend to overthink everything, so just “going to work” takes a lot of the uncertainty away. Along the same lines, don’t judge everything right away—just let it happen, and you’ll likely be surprised with the results!

How can people support your work? 

I really appreciate the support, thank you! You can follow me on Instagram, and I do have an Etsy shop. I’m working on having a sale coming up, so check back soon!