We were lucky to catch up with Haley Vaughn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Haley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a bit of a late bloomer! I started drawing in 2020, so with that I would encourage everyone that it is never too late to start a new journey. I got an iPad and started scribbling in my free time after work. I took a few Domestika courses and watched tutorials from wonderful creatives like Ramona Wultschner and Erika Wiseman. I also started poking around different art programs and found the right one with the Savannah College of Art and Design. When starting something new, I think the biggest barrier to learning quickly (or even learning at all) is time. Trying to cram new skills into the small pockets of time we have in our schedules can be really difficult, especially if you don’t see immediate progress. As they say, growth is not linear, and I had to learn to keep pushing knowing that those efforts would pay off eventually (even if it didn’t happen according to my ideal timeline).

Haley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Haley Vaughn and I am an Atlanta-based illustrator. I’ve illustrated for advertising, surface design (both murals and pattern work), and (most recently) book publications. My first career path was in interpreting American Sign Language, finding visual ways to communicate complex thoughts. I approach my artistic process in much the same way. I enjoy breaking concepts into their simplest forms, then repackaging them again in eye-catching illustrations.​ I love all things whimsical, and delight in creating pieces that make people smile!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

All too often, creative paths are pushed into a “hobby” space, or regarded as less serious endeavors. While creative activities can absolutely be hobbies, just like any other activity, we as a society need to recognize their value added. All of your favorite forms of entertainment (whether it be books, games, TV shows/movies, or music/podcasts) are the result of collectively creative efforts. Those projects are fueled by people who need creative outlets and all started somewhere. Supporting the arts doesn’t always have to be financial. It can be as easy as following and reposting, or just encouraging people who are trying new things. When a friend tells you they’ve started crocheting, sewing, drawing, singing, etc.- take them seriously! Ask them how it’s going, and show them you care about their progress. One day soon, they may very well make your new favorite thing.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I would love to walk into a library one day and see someone pull a book from the shelf that has my illustrations in it. To know that I played a part, however small, in helping someone fall in love with reading. Growing up, I lived in the public library every chance I got. I was lucky to have a parent that signed off on having my own library card from a young age, and I loved teetering out of the building with a stack of books I could barely carry. I participated in every reading program I could. They provide such a sense of accomplishment (and often your own personal pan pizza!). I hope someday that one of my books completes someone’s summer reading list!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.haleyvaughn.com
• Instagram: @haleyvaughnart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haleyvaughnart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-vaughn-571249131/

Image Credits

Haley Vaughn