Since March is #MarchMeettheMaker over on Insta, we thought it would be nice to share more about who we are by sharing a few "Host Spotlights". Our second host, is the very talented Sandra Eide aka @sandralynneide !
Please can you give us a brief little introduction about yourself?
Hello, I’m Sandra, an Illustrator currently living in Nevada with my husband and our border collie. Some of my first memories as a child were of crafting little stories using lined paper and crayons or hacking away at our old typewriter because I always felt like I had so many stories I wanted to tell. I ended up going to University to study creative writing and a couple years after graduating is when I really dove into illustration. I’ve spent the past two years taking as many classes as I could to learn and work at becoming a children’s book illustrator and hopefully get my own stories out into the world as well.
What inspires you?
Goodness, loads of things inspire me! Taking really wonderful classes, such as MATS with Lilla Rogers, being a part of a community of like minded individuals which I’m very thankful to have met through various art and writing classes, plus doing prompts that keep you moving and doodling such as FridayDoodleClub. I think if I really want to get pumped and motivated a really good podcast or motivational book gets me going. About a year ago I read my first motivational book “You Are a BadAss” by Jen Sincero and basically it is about reaffirming your belief in yourself and your goals and I think that mindset has helped me achieve a lot! Positivity goes a long way!
What is your favourite thing to draw?
I love to draw sweet characters with their animal friends! There is something so special about having a pet or animal friend and I love showing that connection in my artwork. After that I really love painting flowers and try to sneak those into many of my illustrations.
What art goals do you have for this year?
This year I am working on continuing to develop and improve my children’s illustration portfolio. I’ve also been taking classes to work on my personal children’s book manuscripts and book dummies. The big goal of the year is to find representation by an agency. Wish me luck friends!
What techniques/supplies do you use?
Procreate is my go-to for digital art, but I am working on figuring out a good workflow in photoshop as well. I feel the happiest when I get to mix my watercolor art with my digital art. So I’ll paint some flowers, backgrounds, and characters for an illustration and then add in digital details using Procreate. But if I’m in a rush I just do digital all the way, it’s so quick.
My favorite paints are Daniel Smith watercolors and my go to brush is a #4 Round Silver Black Velvet Brush.
What advice would you give to another doodler/artist?
I think figuring out your goals, writing them down, and then intentionally working towards them is the best way to move forward in regards to anything you want in life! So if you want to improve your drawing, I’d write it down, make a list of the different types of things you want to be able to draw, remind yourself it’s your goal and then work towards it! Those little reminders on a sticky note or on a bulletin board are great to keep that goal in mind and then of course take steps to keep at it. So maybe that’s drawing daily, or maybe that’s participating weekly with Friday Doodle Club prompts. Just keep your goal in mind and go for it! (:
Where can people go to learn more about you or see more of your work?
https://www.instagram.com/sandralynneide/
