Turning a New Leaf

A look at what I'm currently working on, plus some tea.

Hello fellow artists!

I’m ripping the bandaid off and diving headfirst into my new Substack publication! This article is a big one. Here’s what’s been lighting up my creative world this week:

We’re deep in the rebrand zone for Sketchbook Squad, and let me tell you—it’s been a long time coming. Months of planning, refining, and brainstorming are finally taking shape, and it’s such a joy to see it all come together. For me, visuals are everything— I need to see the design evolve before I can bring an idea to life. ≧◉◡◉≦

I’ve been OBSESSED with drawing tiny icons for the visuals.

This rebrand isn’t just surface-level, either. Sketchbook Squad got a makeover inside, too! One of the best parts? I’ve teamed up with my incredibly talented friend, Erin McGuire. Erin has illustrated over 100 book covers and 7 picture books (can you even?) and is currently earning her MFA at the University of Hartford’s Illustration program. She’s bringing an extra layer of magic to the art academia side of SBS; honestly, it’s the perfect fit. Erin loves art history, art books, and sketchbooks; she and I share great chemistry.

Here’s the kicker: Erin and I go way back. We’ve been friends since high school, went on to earn our BFAs together at Ringling College,and I even had the privilege of hearing her deliver the best commencement speech ever to a crowd of eager Ringling grads. Working with someone who sparks joy both personally and professionally? Absolute gold, and I love that we reconnected.

In other news, I finally opened a private campus bookstore for my Alumni students. Don’t worry, if you aren’t an alumni, that is ok! We will be opening to the public this Spring with more goods.

A few examples from the private Alumni Shop!

Journals and fabric through Ruby Star Society

Close ups of the "Best of Sarah Watts" ribbon collection with Renaissance Ribbons.

Here are a few current licenses. One of my favorites has been a new Collaboration with Rennaissance Ribbons! I am so excited about the possibilities. Collaborating with them has been incredible, plus they provide detailed design specs that make me swoon! The Octo ribbon is sold out, but you can still get that design in the 1-yard cut variety pack!

This section is for myth-busting and real art stories. Enjoy!

Last thing is a myth that I need to bust. Grab a cup of tea.

If this were the case, I would be out of a job along with thousands of other working artists. It is standard practice to ask the company what file type, color space, and resolution they need for the final art.

If they have limitations, they will tell you!

I also want to add that I work in Photoshop, Illustrator and Procreate. I love all of these programs! Just ask the client what they need. It’s that simple. Oh, and the thought of being unable to design fabric specifically in Photoshop? You just have to design accordingly. That’s it! I am happy to help with any of those questions.

This is a very limiting belief that many of my students have picked up and it really concerns me. I adore my industry; it is a bit SUS(an exquisite term acquired from my kids) that new artists are not being told all of the options so that they can choose which program to learn that suits their needs. The whole point of being an artist is to express your vision, and there are many programs to choose from that fit your vision best.

Say it with me: All art programs are created equal; they just serve different needs andddd *you are allowed to use any of them or all of them or just one!!*

If you are venturing into digital art, a great start is to research ALL THE OPTIONS. One month of dabbling in Skillshare will show you all the ways in which working artists use programs in incredible ways. I mean that. I don’t even have a Skillshare class. Just see all the artists on there making beautiful things.

That’s it for now! Stay true to your intuition. When you think there is another way to do things that works better for you, trust that notion! Especially if the decision is an expensive one.

I’ll share the behind-the-scenes of attending QuiltCon, one of the most significant sewing events of the year!