Interview with an Illustrator : E r i n V a u g h a n

Interview with an Illustrator : E R I N   V A U G H A N

Hi everyone! Today I'm pleased to introduce you to the lovely Erin Vaughan, a freelance illustrator currently residing in Los Angeles.  This southern Californian artist is a girl after my own heart.  I discovered her work while searching #treeart on Instagram.  Up popped her tree-laden illustrations of picturesque camping scenes and National Parks.  I. Was. Smitten.  Evoking both a sense of adventure and tranquility, her illustrations are rich, rustic and just a touch folksy.  Erin graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from Biola University.  In addition to working with various clients, Erin sells her artwork on her ETSY shop.  (It's where you can find #8 on my Christmas wish list!)  Read on to learn more about Erin and see her delightful illustrations!

How did you get started in illustration?

As an art major, I went in as an interdisciplinary major, which allowed me to take lots of drawing, painting, illustration and design classes, pointing me in the direction of illustration. I had a lot of support from professors, classmates and family who really encouraged me in my pursuits as an illustrator.

Walk us through your technical process of completing an illustration – from start to finish.

First I will do a little research and gather images for inspiration that I use as reference material when I draw. Then I may do a few really rough compositional sketches. Next I’ll start sketching out the final drawing (in pencil) onto watercolor paper. Then I’ll do the painting in gouache and finish by outlining bits of the painting in black ink. 

Why gouache over other mediums?

I love gouache because it is perfectly in-between watercolor and acrylic. You can water it down to get that watercolor look I sometimes want, or I can add thicker layers of paint like you would an acrylic.

What are your favorite and least favorite things to draw?

I pretty much love drawing anything having to do with nature. I have really started to love drawing actual places I have been, or things that I have seen through experience. I have never liked drawing figures/people. This is mostly because it changes the whole feeling of a painting when you add in a figure. I like the viewer to be able to imagine themselves or whatever they want in the space. 

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an illustrator and how did you overcome it?

Most of the challenges I face as an illustrator have more to do with running a business and the huge learning curve that is. I have basically had to teach myself how to run a business. I am still learning everyday and adjusting things three years later. A main challenge I have had as an illustrator is confidence and comparing myself to others. No matter how many times I sit down to paint, I still get nervous before I start a new painting. I wonder whether I will be able to create something that is interesting and meaningful to people.

Can you share any good resources you may have discovered about how to run a business?

When I started my business I read this blog often that gave wonderful tips for starting a business: http://befree-lance.com.  I also like these blogs: http://neshadesigns.com/blog/23-resources-for-creative-entrepreneurs/ and http://amandagenther.com. Other good reads: Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard and The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp.

What are three important qualities an illustrator must have to succeed? 

Developed Routine / Diligence
Developed Style
Developed Skill

How long did it take you to develop your own style?

I would say it’s taken me a good five to eight years. Most of that journey began in college and has continued to evolve and change through the last 3 years as a full time illustrator. I sort of think it’s a continual process.

Do you think the internet/social media has made your job easier or harder?

Both! It’s amazing how people can have access to your work all over the world. But that also means there is so much more competition, and it is so much easier for your work to get lost among so many people putting things on the Internet. I also feel like the Internet sort of takes away the sacredness of viewing an artist’s work.

What is one tip you would give to aspiring illustrators who are trying to get their work noticed?

Make tons and tons of work, and get it out there. Submit your work to blogs, post it on social media, go to events to sell your work, show your work in galleries no matter how small or quaint. Expect to be rejected sometimes. That’s part of the process. But don’t let that stop you. I have to tell myself that all the time.

What is your ultimate goal as an illustrator?

I mostly just want to keep being able to do what I’m doing. That may seem like a small goal, but it is hard to make a living in this business. I care more about getting to do what I love everyday vs. making a ton of money. So being able to make enough to just keep the business afloat is my continuing goal. But I would also like to be able to have a bigger studio, and hopefully be able to hire a couple employees to help run the production side of my shop.

Walk us through your typical day.

Most mornings (unless I go running) I get up around 7-7:30, make a cup of coffee, catch up on emails and the news, eat a little breakfast, then I get ready for the day and start work around 8:30am. Then it just depends on what’s most pressing for the day. Some days are more about creating products, so I’ll literally sit down to paint all day (with a little lunch break). I will try to throw in a little coffee break in there sometime in the afternoon. I finish work around 5pm. And then usually take my dog out to the park. I try really hard to be done at 5pm because it is so easy for people who work from home to get burnt out from working overtime. I have learned to put that boundary up with myself unless there is something just super pressing a particular day. Some days call for more business stuff that can having me doing all sorts of different tasks besides painting- packaging orders, managing finances/tax stuff, post office runs, working with my interns, photographing and styling artwork, etc.

The Great Outdoors is the primary theme in much of your work… what draws you to nature?

I feel most at peace and happy when I am outside. Seeing the details in creation make me want to create my own interpretation. I grew up traveling, road tripping and camping a lot, and continue to try to do that. So those experiences have a deep impact on my artwork.

Do you have a favorite nature/camping spot?

Pfeiffer Big Sur, State Park. Me and my extended family have been camping there every summer for over 15 years. It feels like an extension of home to me.

What is your favorite Pandora station?

I actually use Spotify. I love making my own playlists. I post a playlist every month for my followers. You can find them on my blog!

Who are your creative mentors?

I have a lot of friends who are artists that were in the art department with me throughout school that I continue to seek advice from. Periodically I will check in with former professors as well. My brother is an artist and photographer. I consider him a creative mentor too.

Do you have a favorite quote?

"Art is always the act of a whole man or woman, and no matter what form it takes - colored shapes, pulsing tones, rhymed words, stylized gesture - if it be honestly done, the art embodies heart, soul, mind and strength of the artist as he or she responds knowingly to the world of God around him." -Calvin Served, Rainbows for the Fallen World: Aesthetic Life + Artist Task

"Whether it's a painter finding his way each morning to the easel, or a medical researcher returning daily to the laboratory, the routine is as much a part of the creative process as the lightning bolt of inspiration, maybe more." -Twyla Tharp, The Creative Habit

Last question! Any other artists you think we should check out?

I'm super inspired by Wesley Bruce, Folk Fibers and Britt Bass.

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To see more of Erin's artwork, check out her website!  And don't forget to follow her on Instagram and Facebook!  Annnnd, if you'd like to see where she creates her magical illustrations, check back next week for the next Studio Spotlight! Thanks for stopping by everyone. : )