We were lucky to catch up with Skyler Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Skyler , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Growing up, I found myself doodling on computer paper and creating projects that incorporated mixed media components. I have distinct memories of drawing with family members at the kitchen table of my childhood house and viewing artwork in various settings (in-person and online).
As I grew older, however, I found myself increasingly interested in learning more about illustration; more specifically, I became captivated by the idea of conveying characters through my own drawings. Eventually, in middle school, I obtained a sketchbook and began researching various illustration techniques to improve my artistic skills. To improve my craft, I would, and still do, find myself watching tutorials on YouTube, examining the works of more experienced artists, drawing from life, searching for drawing poses online, and studying illustrations in books. I am fortunate to have had all these resources available to me when I first began considering art as a potential career, and I am even luckier to have supportive family and friends throughout my creative endeavors.
While learning the craft, I began to improve my artistic skills. However, I also found myself frustrated and even embarrassed at times with some of my earlier works. Something that resonated with me throughout learning about the craft is the importance of patience with your projects. Not being afraid to make and learn from your mistakes will overall help you improve as an artist. Things are not going to be perfect right away, and even the most skilled artists still have trouble from time to time. It is crucial not to become discouraged too quickly, especially when you are just starting with the craft. Practice, determination, and patience are such important key factors in improving your skills. As an artist, you will always be learning something new about the craft, whether it relates to your practice or learning about a different type of medium. I still find myself learning new skills. That is something I find intriguing about being an artist: that you are always learning something new about the craft.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an Illustrator and Designer interested in creating projects through illustrated pieces and artist books. I recently graduated from the Parsons School of Design, where I majored in Illustration and double-minored in Art History and Communication Design. I tend to work both traditionally and digitally, as my projects often incorporate a “cartoony” style through the interaction of characters, patterns, and color harmonies. Throughout my artistic journey, elements of magical realism have consistently played a significant role in my work as I create pieces that incorporate both realistic depictions of the world alongside imaginary fantasy elements. Concepts that often influence my practice are character interaction, surrealism, imagination, nostalgia, and the idea of the passage of time.
My fascination with visually conveying narratives stems from my exposure to various forms of art and culture while growing up in New York, which included character designs in media, book illustrations, museum visits, and zine culture. Animation, especially, captured my attention as I was introduced to many animated shows, movies, and shorts at a young age. Elements from animation, such as humor and the way stories are shared, sparked my creative interests as I grew older and began thinking about potential future careers. Towards the end of middle school, I knew I wanted to pursue something related to the arts, as I found myself creating illustrations in my sketchbooks. Illustrating has been an outlet for me to express myself, and it continues to inspire my creativity overall.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
There are many rewarding aspects to being an artist, such as the opportunity to continually learn new things and explore innovative ideas through visual storytelling. But, I would say that the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the creative freedom that comes with it. Having the ability to express yourself in different ways is very liberating, and it can feel incredibly rewarding when you see your ideas conveyed in your artwork inspire others. Additionally, it feels great to be able to share your creative expression with others and find communities based on shared interests or experiences.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I had known more about New York City’s various illustration events when I was in high school. I grew up relatively close to the city, and I only began attending these art festivals in college. They have been an inspiration to my practice, allowing me to meet many other incredible artists and discuss common interests with them. I would recommend attending events like MoCCAFest or smaller art venues that feature a diverse range of artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://skymartin.myportfolio.com/work
- Instagram: @skiedraws
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyler-martin-9a7213249
