We recently connected with Julia V. and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I think confidence and self-esteem are things that will always be under construction for me, and I imagine most other people too. It’s a constant back and forth that I have to reel in sometimes. Some days, I wake up and I am so sure of myself and what I’m supposed to be doing. Other times, I’ll feel the total opposite and that all my mistakes and flaws are coming to bite me. Something I’ve been thinking about recently that helps me balance these feelings is the concept of “doing it scared”. You want to try something but you’re scared you won’t get it right on the first try? You’re scared that someone else is going to think its bad or embarrassing? Do it scared. Do it anyway. Try and then try again. Learn. The fear of imperfection is something that affects us all to varying degrees. We do it scared anyway, and that’s something to be proud of. Soon enough, it won’t be so scary.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Julia (JaySketchbook). I’m a first-generation Filipina American artist and designer from Memphis, currently based in Atlanta. I am a fine artist and have a background in industrial design and graphic design. I enjoy working on projects that are special to me and–hopefully–resonate with others, as well as custom artwork for you! I’m a lifelong learner and am always wanting to try new things in my work. I am a published children’s book illustrator, a multi-award-winning product designer, a designer of graphics, packaging, websites, ads and marketing material, a tattoo designer, a sketchbook doodler, a portrait artist and painter. I have done a wide variety of projects and find the most fulfilling ones where I can practice of storytelling and creative problem solving.
Recently I’ve been really enjoying the experience of live portrait sketching! At art markets, festivals, events, etc. I sit across the table and draw a unique keepsake of the day for my clients. My favorite part of this process is the conversations and getting to meet new people. To book me as a live artist for your events or learn more about this process, feel free to send me an Instagram message or email.
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?
I think one of the main things to keep in mind when doing any sort of creative work is BALANCE. There have been too many times when I have focused on working until the early hours of the morning, or cancelled plans with people so stay in and work, or neglected taking care of myself because every second of my day needed to be for working on whatever project. Don’t do this. Challenge yourself, yes. Push yourself to practice new techniques and methods, of course. But also know where your lines are. It is so crucial to take care of yourself, eat, nurture your relationships with the people around you, LIVE YOUR LIFE! So many of my creative blocks were broken by me actually stepping away from the canvas and taking a break. Go for a walk. Have a meaningful phone call with a friend Try a new food. Watch a foreign film. Go swimming. The world is out here trying to inspire you and spark your creativity. Don’t ignore it, don’t let it pass you by. Slow down and listen closely. Learn. Then you can get back to what you were doing. I promise it’ll feel better than forcing yourself to “hustle” through it. It’s called a creative flow for a reason.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I am so grateful for my partner and my friend group. I’m really fortunate to have a close circle of people who work in different forms of artistic expression–big hello and thank you to my musicians, photographers, designers, creative directors, performers/actors, writers, and other art friends! Something that is key to overcoming challenges or art blocks is seeking out minds that work differently than mine. Having people to turn to and get their perspectives and feedback when I’m struggling with my own artwork is always tremendously helpful. I can never guess, and am always impressed with, the solutions or ideas or lessons that come out of our brainstorms.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaysketchbook.com
- Instagram: @jaysketchbook
- Other: TikTok: @jaysketchbook
Email: [email protected]
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