We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sydney Sweeney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sydney, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is in everything I do. Job wise, I am an artist and an art teacher. I obsess over colors when I’m working on various commissions ranging from handmade digital stickers to a 2 by 5 feet acrylic painting. I love trying new crafts and am always up for a new creative challenge depending on my clients vision. I also currently work as an after school enrichment art teacher for elementary children. Every day I am inspired by the creativity my students hold. I learn so much from their stories, thoughts, and views on the world.
While I’m not working I still have the need to fill my time with more creative endeavors. Al always have a pocket sketchbook that I use as a journal filled with silly, colorful characters and scenes. A new found interest as been baking. Creating different recipes for my family and friends to try has given me so much joy. Creation is in everything and it feels amazing to be able to give back to your community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Sydney Sweeney and I am an artist / Art Teacher in Santa Clarita, Ca. I have always gravitated towards working with my community. I started out as a park employee for LA county. This was the ultimate community job. I worked primarily with the youth of my hometown for 10 years. I really found my passion for working with children. I now work with children as an art teacher and it has been the best job I’ve ever had. My students have such a fresh outlook on life. They fill our class with curiosity and laughter. Their natural talents and ideas give me a great sense of hope for their futures.
I went to California College of the Arts, and here I began melding my two worlds to create my community arts practice. I started my company, Paint with Syd, where I lead step by step paintings for parties of all ages. I also have an online shop where I sell custom paintings, stickers, jewelry and more. I have started selling at local craft boutiques and art fairs. This has been such a fun experience and a great way to put myself out there for the community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I was first starting my journey in Community Arts, I lead with fear. My first piece of advice would be – if there is any bit of you that wants to do something that’s may seem a little scary or maybe you feel imposter syndrome, just go for it! Take that leap of faith, because it can change your life. I was working a customer service job and I just wasn’t myself. I applied for a part time teaching job and I got an interview. I had to make a decision to leave my safe job and really do something a little more risky. It was one of the best decisions I made.
Next, it is important to dabble in tons of different crafts or interests that you have. I’m still learning new things everyday and I plan to for the rest of my life. You never know what is really gonna stick and become a passion.
Lastly, as cliche as it sounds, be yourself! Your unique qualities are often what make you stand out to the world. If you were like me and have filled your time with something your aren’t passionate about you may be due for a change to find you true authentic self.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client would be someone who appreciates unique color, funky characters, fantastical scenes, comedic themes and someone with a crazier imagination than me.
My goal is to create my clients vision as best to my ability. I can paint realism as well as a crazy made up creature of your dreams. I do both digital and studio work depending on how to envision the outcome of your piece.
While some commissioned paintings can be a little pricey depending on the size and theme, I will always offer alternative ways to create what the client wants in their budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://notcandles.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: @sydneysweeney @not.candles @paintwithsyd
