We recently connected with Aubrie Groesbeck and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aubrie, thanks for joining 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?

Ever since I was little I always enjoying writing and drawing. Inspired by books like Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benson, Scramble States of America by Laurie Keller, and Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieskza, I sat home in my room scribbling my stories in a sketchbook. I did step away from that focusing on other arts like ballet, theatre and sewing in middle and high school, but when I started at Savannah College of Art and Design I reconnected with my love of storytelling. When I was in my art classes I felt like I was leagues behind my peers, the last art class I had taken was when I was thirteen how can I compete with everyone who’s so talented? Being around and talking to more talented people is so inspiring because it caused me to want to do better and to practice, practice, practice. I learned from trial and error.

I wish that learned that comparison is the biggest motivation killer sooner. It won’t do you any good to wallow about how people are better than you. The only thing about worrying if you’re good enough does is waste time you could use to develop your craft. Natural talent can only take you so far, it’s the people who work hard that are more inspiring. Also I wish I focused on art that made me happy and brought me joy instead of worrying about if other people would like it.

The skills that are most essential in creative fields is be able too kill your darlings. I’ve received some heartbreaking critiques on pieces before but if something isn’t working, then it doesn’t work and you got to change it. When you do you’ll realize that the people were right and editing that thing makes the piece better.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been a big reader since I was kid, and the books I read really inspired me down this path of writing and illustrating. I mainly just illustrate as of now since I’m still making my way into the industry. However with the few commissions I have received and worked on I’m so proud of and thankful for. I love working with the client and making pieces that they love and enjoy. I do plan on starting to query agents and trying to get published. I will also be setting up a shop soon to sell prints of my work.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I really struggled with perfectionism. It’s a tough mindset to break and I still catch me falling back into it. I’ve had so many cries about pieces not being “good enough” or coming out the way I had invisioned in my head. Once I realized that a crappy finished piece is better than unfinished one it is so freeing. A piece will never be done if you strive for perfection, since perfection is impossible. Work until you’re happy with the piece.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The act of creation is the most beautiful and rewarding experience. The illustrations and writings that I do fill my life up with joy. The art I make brings me so much happiness. I love sharing the art with my friends and family and getting feedback. By creating I am giving a piece of my soul to the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wowaubrie.wixsite.com/wowaubrie
• Instagram: instagram.com/wowaubrie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrie-groesbeck?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
All of these are my photos.