Anatomy of an Artwork: Emily Balsley
Emily Balsley is an artist and mom who is a lover of bike rides, DIY house projects, boxing and colors. The Madison, Wisconsin-based illustrator and previous Sketchbook Project participant has a whimsical style that adds bright splashes of color to even the grayest days.
When did you participate in The Sketchbook Project?
I was part of the 2013 Sketchbook Project–so long ago! My chronicle was titled "Peanut Butter" and was about two rival factories–one produced peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and the other made peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallow sandwiches. It even featured a herd of peanut-butter-loving elephants! My family helped me write the story, and I essentially illustrated it. It was a very special project!
What tools and materials can you not live without?
As a professional illustrator, I could not live without my computer and scanner. Regardless of what medium I use, I ultimately always need to scan in my art and clean it up in Photoshop, before I send it to my client. Beyond my digital tools, every piece of art I create starts with my mechanical pencil and sketchbook.
Can you explain some of the materials featured in your sketchbook spreads?
This little pocket Magma sketchbook is my go-to for my personal art. It's a very portable size, which makes them great for travel. Their pages are fairly heavy-duty and hold up to wet mediums quite well. The little pink cord binds it all together, which keeps the pages nice and flat, too. Most of the art in these sketchbooks are done with Posca paint pens and a Pentel pigment brush pen. I love, love LOVE Posca pens for their creamy, opaque application - and they layer nicely, too! The brush pen is a nice option when working with water-based mediums, as it won't bleed, so I use that for most of my fine line work. Once in a while, I'll work with other mediums, such as Turner gouache, acrylic ink and colored pencils, but for the most part, Poscas have been my go-to of late.
Do you have any tips or tricks to share for artists who want to try out these materials?
Do not use Posca pens while on an airplane! And beware...if you take them on an airplane, the first time you use them after you land might be messy. The pressure changes from flying can cause some unexpected bursts of paint - so just be careful! Other than that, Poscas are pretty fun. They come in lots of different sizes, so there are a lot of options. The pastel colors are a bit harder to find, though - so you might have to order them online. The Pentel brush pen has a synthetic brush tip which holds its shape nicely, and like I mentioned earlier, it plays well with water-based materials. I use it with gouache, ink washes, and watercolor and it never bleeds.
What are your favorite subjects to draw?
I love drawing people, anthropomorphic animals, flowers, lettering, and cute little houses. And many of my drawings feature stars, polka dots, stripes, rainbows and other fun patterns!6) How are you staying creative during this time? Interestingly, quarantine life inspired me to make a lot of art. I think it was a way for me to channel all my emotions, and draw this new, strange life - as a sort of journal. And thankfully, during stay-at-home, there were several artists and accounts that had different prompts or drawing challenges (including the Sketchbook Project!), which always hook me. Those helped me produce more art, hold me accountable, and push me to explore different themes or subject matter.
Do you have any advice for artists who may be struggling with creativity right now?
First, I totally get it! I've had my moments, especially when things are feeling particularly stressful or hopeless - it is hard to be inspired. Perhaps lean into those feelings and see what comes of it. It might not be the type of art you usually produce, but it's still valid. The art doesn't have to be perfect - the important thing is that you're making something! Perhaps try your hand at a new skill or medium. Being forced out of your comfort zone can often inspire you in unexpected ways - it could be interesting to see what comes of it! All in all, try not to be too hard on yourself. Taking a creative break isn't the worst thing; at some point, you'll feel that little spark again - and you'll be refreshed and ready!
