Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Evelyn McBride. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Evelyn, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I find that the best way to be successful when you might be the only one in the room that looks like you is by bringing your authentic self to the table every day. There’s only one of you in this world and you have a unique viewpoint and set of interests and skills! The work that I’ve been the most proud of has been when I’m able to do something that inspires me and I have the opportunity to put my heart and soul into it!
So far in my career as a trans woman, this situation is extremely common! It can be really difficult to speak up and advocate for yourself! Everyone is deserving of an environment where they’re treated with respect and have their voice valued. Just make sure to take care of your well-being and set boundaries if needed!
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’m a graphic designer & muralist living and creating in Columbus, OH. I graduated from the Columbus College of Art & Design in 2021 and currently work as a graphic designer while also painting murals around the Central Ohio area. I painted my first mural in the fall of 2022 and immediately fell in love with the medium. Since then, I’ve been participating in public art festivals and working with local businesses to create vibrant, graphic-like murals.
In both design and painting, my favorite aspect is being able to bring visibility to important issues and community efforts. As an LGBTQ+ creative, some of my favorite projects that I’ve had the privilege of working on have been centered around pride and representation of queer joy. From regularly painting the windows of one of the last remaining lesbian bars in the country (Absolutely love Slammers!) to designing t-shirts worn in Columbus’ pride parade, I feel privileged to be able to create the kind of work that I’d like to see more of in the world.
I also greatly enjoy volunteering with local art nonprofits such as the Columbus Society of Communicating Arts (CSCA) and 934 Gallery. There are so many amazing organizations and events that focus on art in Columbus that it’s been pretty easy to find community and peers that inspire me to keep creating my best work possible.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The first skill that’s been impactful in my opinion is working towards a healthy routine or creative practice that is sustainable. When I was nearing graduating, I started doing a daily illustration in Adobe Illustrator (and sometimes motion design in After Effects!) to teach myself the program and I did that for 594 days! (I was inspired by Beeple) While I do think I learned a good bit, the obsession to create every day no matter what led to a LOT of burnout and a lot of work that wasn’t great. Regularly learning and having fun with your work is wonderful but sacrificing your health or well-being for your work isn’t worth it!
The next skill was branching out early in my career and trying things outside of my normal work! Throughout my education and with most of my full-time work, everything I did was 100% digital on a computer. I wanted to learn how to create with my hands in a more physical sense and after pushing myself out of my comfort zone a bit, I was able to find joy in painting! I’ve gotten feedback before about how it’s worth it to find a niche such as motion design or UX design early which is valid but exploring different and unique opportunities and trying new things has been very creatively fulfilling for me lately!
The last skill that was impactful was learning to get out and socialize (at least a little bit). I’m extremely introverted (probably like most creatives) but it’s been extremely helpful to get out there and meet other creatives! Columbus is amazing because there are so many wonderful groups, events, and opportunities that have provided a sense of community and inspiration. I’ve learned a lot from peers and colleagues I’ve met and it’s benefited my creative practice more than I could’ve imagined!
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“I Didn’t Do the Thing Today: Letting Go of Productivity Guilt” by Madeleine Dore! There’s an analogy of a sponge relating to productivity that I find really helpful, especially during periods of time when I’m not creating. Like a sponge, you can’t constantly wring out water, you need to let it soak up before you wring it out again. In the same way, we can’t constantly be working or creating, we need time to rest and soak up new inspiration and ideas! This visualization was really helpful in the last year or so of my creative practice and gave me the motivation to allow myself to rest and not feel guilty about “not being productive enough”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://evelyn.portfolio.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evelynagainagain/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelynmcbride404/
Image Credits
Vincent-Natasha Gay
