We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Britt a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Britt, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?
Learning the craft of Etch-A-Sketching was something that came fairly easy to me despite having no other artistic abilities or background. When I picked up my first Etch-A-Sketch when I was 16, I noticed that I could manipulate the lines beyond just going up, down, left, and right. I could curve, make circles, and go diagonal which is crucial to sketching more elaborately. This allowed me to fully delve into the medium and I went from sketching random requests to having art shows and even selling my pieces.
Britt, 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 Britt, and I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up here has given me a deep appreciation for nature, and it’s where I’ve raised my daughter. We share our home with our beloved cat, Schmitt, and our hardy tortoise, Koopa.
Since I was 16 years old, I have been an etch a sketch artist. You might think of it as a child’s toy, but for me, it is a canvas for my creative expression. I got into this art medium through luck. I say that because I don’t have much talent with any other type of art. It has taken so much trial and error to find one I could produce art on that I was happy with, and this was it.
Over the years, I’ve had several art shows and been featured in multiple forms media. I have experimented with different techniques to push the limits of what is possible with this unique medium. My etch a sketch masterpieces have ranged from pop culture to portraits, and each drawing is a testament to the patience and dedication required to create art in this way.
My art medium is truly unique, as I am one of only a handful of etch a sketch artists in the world. On top of it being a unique medium, my brother and I also developed a way to preserve each one so that I could sell my pieces without erasing. I love the challenge of working on such a limited canvas and pushing my artistic abilities. My artwork is not only beautiful but also serves as a reminder that art can be found anywhere, even on a simple etch a sketch.
When clients purchase my products, they always receive a unique gift that they can’t find in stores or hardly anywhere else. Clients appreciate the time and effort I put into each product, and they feel special knowing they own a one-of-a-kind item. Whether it’s a personalized gift or a custom-made piece, clients walk away with a unique and cherished item that will be treasured for years to come.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists requires a multifaceted approach from society, as artists rely on both financial and emotional support. Financial support can come in the form of funding for creative projects, grants for artists to pursue their craft, and ensuring that payment for artistic work is fair and reasonable. Society can also support artists by encouraging their work, attending exhibitions and performances, and sharing their creations on social media platforms. Above all, it is essential to acknowledge and value the contribution of artists to our society, as they play a crucial role in our cultural identity and bring joy and inspiration to people’s lives. By providing meaningful support and recognition for their contributions to society, we can help artists thrive and continue to enrich the world with their creativity for years to come.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
At my first art show at ComicCon, I lost money and made only a couple sales in the 3-day event. It was due to potential buyers not realizing that my artwork was preserved; they didn’t see the worth in my art because they were under the impression they would only be buying something temporary that would erase on their drive home. I realized my mistake and took the time to educate myself on presentation methods. At the next show, I made sure to speak with every person interested in my artwork, educate them on how I preserve them, and I made more sales. This experience taught me the importance of educating my audience, ensuring their understanding, and showcasing something unique and distinctive. I had to be resilient to persevere through it without getting discouraged and giving up. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @SketchyBritt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SketchyBritt
- Twitter: @SketchyBritt