Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Adam Sanford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Adam, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I didn’t! Nobody has it all figured out. The key is to figure out your process that creates work you’re not embarrassed of, and let everyone else decide if they like it or want it. I make things that mean something to me, and I hope that someone else finds it meaningful too. I try my best not to think of myself in competition with anyone. My goal is to get my work in front of the people that connect with it then move on to the next thing. Everyone who is interested in personal or artistic growth will tend to be aware of their own flaws, mistakes, or shortcomings in their work. I just do my best and put myself out there. It’s not always easy, but I just do it anyway!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am an illustrator primarily. Most people hear the word illustrator and immediately think about children’s books. While I do illustrate books, that is only part of the broad range of projects I enjoy. I have worked with authors, actors, performers, conventions, photographers and media companies across the country and internationally to interpret their ideas, concepts, products, or brands. I draw pictures for a living!
My favorite project that I’ve completed was my book Samuel Shootingstar, published last year by Jumpmaster Press. I am also working on some new things that I am excited about! The best place to keep track of what I am doing in on Instagram.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Be a student. There is always more to learn, and you can always get better at what you do. Don’t decide that you’ve graduated from the need to level up. Keep being curious, keep doing research, and make sure your work is as finished and solid as you can make it.
Be kind. You never know what you can learn from someone, and you never know who can provide you with your next opportunity. Be genuine about it though; be kind because you want to be a decent human being, not because you want something from someone. When you talk to someone ask questions about them!
Ask for what you want. Yes, there are times when opportunities just show up out of the blue, and its amazing when that happens, but most of the best opportunities I’ve had came from an email or a conversation where I asked for what I wanted. If you don’t get what you want when you ask, view it as a learning opportunity.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My mom was a teacher, and we spent our summers going places: museums, plays, picnics, movies, etc. We never stayed home much. We were always out doing something. I think this is what fostered my healthy sense of curiosity and love for art as an appreciation of history.
My dad bought me my first sketchbook. He noticed my growing love of drawing and took me to pick out a sketchbook and new pencils. Not everyone has parents that support them that way, and I realize how blessed I am to have parents who encouraged me to be creative.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://adamsanford.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamsanfordart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdamSanfordIllustration/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sanford-58773b216/
- Other: https://www.scbwi.org/members-public/adam-sanford
Image Credits
Marshall “Mr.Mars” Ballantyne Annie Harrow
