We recently connected with Abbey Bryant and have shared our conversation below.
Abbey, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
Every choice I made in my business has felt like a risk. I had completely different plans for myself at one point. I planned to attend medical school and at the last moment I decided to pursue my art instead. Even in school, I wanted to take on illustration work, but I was afraid I couldn’t support myself with small freelance gigs. I felt so influenced by the idea of the starving artist and I worried I’d never be able to have a substantial career.
The thing about bravery is it’s okay to still feel scared. I felt scared jumping into illustration school and I felt scared quitting my service job to take on illustration projects. But, I worked hard, never looked back, and I have found myself fortunate since. I’m represented by an agent now, working from home in NYC, and I’m having my first book release this summer with Harper Collins!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Abbey Bryant, I’m a New Yorker, a children’s book illustrator, and an avid people-watcher. My inspiration often comes from the city, I find myself carrying a sketchook at all times, drawing on the subway, in the parks or in coffee shops most days. My art is light-hearted and it evokes love and the spirit of the community. As both a disabled and queer illustrator, my publishing niche is books that focus on inclusivity, disabilities, women’s issues and the LGBTQ+ community. My art is full of color, in both traditional and digital techniques. I have a heart for collage and texture. I use bright light and warm color schemes to blend the illustrations with the sweet and comforting stories they highlight.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Follow your creative instincts! Any artist faces some serious rejection, probably pretty often. You can’t please everyone with your style or your voice. Do take critique with a grain of salt and don’t forget what makes your art special, YOU! I cant tell you how many rejections I’ve received or how many teachers or clients have discouraged me. The most success I’ve had has come from listening to myself, not comparing myself to other artists, and building myself back up after a door closes. Connect to your creative roots often and draw inspiration from the beauty around you.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
No matter what I’m freelance project I’m working on, the reader is always a kid. My art is seen by the new and future generations and I think about the impact and responsibility I hold as a children’s illustrator. It is always so important to me to show them the beauty I see in our world and create moments of inspiration for them. Stories are powerful, especially to kids, and it’s important to show them what they are capable of and what they deserve from the world around them. Inclusivity is a driving factor in my work, I want to make sure every kid or parent sees themselves represented in my stories in some way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maddyabbs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddyabbs/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maddyabbsart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddyabbs
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/abbey_draws?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abbeybryant2906
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maddyabbs