LZ: Can you tell us a bit about yourself (program, year, etc.) and the art you create?
SM: It’s so complicated. I am in Illustration going into my 5th year at OCAD because I did 3 years of graphic design. Those 3 years gave me a foundation for art making that is design based. Right now I am in a transitional stage because my tablet broke. That became my crutch and when it broke I began to experiment with analog things. So right now I am collaborating with a lot of other people trying my hand at everything.
What influenced your decision to change your major to Illustration?
I realized I didn’t identify with the mind set for a successful graphic designer. I was always drawing and paying attention to that so after I got over the hang ups about the finances I switched.
Where does your inspiration come from? What are you really into right now?
Right now from the people that I create with. I have noticed that its not a specific thing but the people around me that have amped me up to be passionate.
What are your favourite tools to work with (brushes, paint, software, etc.)?
Ink and black and white paint. I am scared to explore with colour so that is what I stick to.
Where are you most productive? Tell us a bit about your creative space?
It can be anywhere but at a certain time of night so at 3 am basically. I hit the best learning curves at that time.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing students today?
For OCAD students it’s a lack of facilities and real studio space. But in general having the money to do what you need to do. To have the supplies and space you need.
What is the best art tip you ever received?
Probably to go with what you feel and not what you perceive others want from you.
What is your working style (do you work on multiple pieces at once, work best under pressure, etc.)?
I have attention problems so I start something and finish it in one go. If I don’t finish it, it’s rare that I will go back and revisit it. Zines are an exception to that.
Do you set goals for yourself?
Yup, I have a lot of goals that I set but having the time to do them is another thing. I think it’s important to have them even when you’re not in school.
How do you promote yourself?
Through zine making you make connections with people because you trade your work. So thorough zine making and wheat pasting but that is more anonymous.
What advice would you give first year students?
For first years, get out of your comfort zone and try things you think you’re not good at. Check out the facilities and studios and also look into the people that you want to work with, do it now don’t wait.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
Someone who doesn’t really know what they’re doing but enjoys it anyway. Always coming to epiphanies with art.
What are the most useful skills you have learned at school?
Probably people skills, being comfortable taking to authority figures like teachers and stuff.
What should potential art students look for in an art school?
Good facilities, studio space and a strong faculty.
What do you enjoy most about studying art?
I can translate what I learn into life experiences and it seems to be a sustainable thing because it comes from within.
What is it that excites you most about the material you work with? Is there another medium you would like to work in?
What excites me is when there are mistakes that look good because with ink and paint it’s out of your control to an extent. I want to try working with metal and wood.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Continuing to pursue this without getting discouraged in these economic times.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
The kills, Best Coast and The Irrepressibles.
What do you do to relax?
Take walks or a bike ride when I can or watch Arrested Development
What are 3 likes and 3 dislikes of yours?
Do I have likes? Do I have dislikes? Am I just like the pinnacle of apathy?
What is your favourite place to eat around OCAD?
Ginger on Queen Street is nice otherwise everything in Kensington
What is your favourite thing about studying in Toronto?
The vibe of the city is energetic and vibrant so it’s hard to be depressed. But there is always room for brooding artists to be depressed.
What upcoming projects can we look forward to seeing from you in the future?
I am working on a 47 page zine and 2 collaborative zines.
What are your plans when you graduate?
Move to San Francisco and be famous and go to Iceland.
What is your dream job?
To be recognized enough that you will buy my napkin doodles and I will always be happy to draw them.
Is there anything else you want to share with us, any final thoughts?
I’m awesome, be my friend.
To see some of Sabrina’s work check out her sketchblog and her work below:
Loading ...