Q&A: An evolving series of questions & answers

This is an experimental thread. Paid Subscribers are invited to ask a question through the comments below. Where possible, I'll answer with videos. *Your questions and my answers will be shared.

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Q1:

You've been at such a high level in the field for such an extended period of time, I'd be curious to hear you elaborate on how you reflect on your own years of work and how what you've had to say has changed and impacted the aesthetic output. AND if any market pressures have found their way into that visual recipe; either by seeing yourself imitated by other up-and-coming illustrators in the field and needing to evolve faster, or by a desire to stay commercially relevant in an ever-changing, fickle public eye.

-Oliver

A1:

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Q2:

You’ve talked about your experience developing ideas for various forms of media, from narrative and conceptual illustration to film and more, and through your TIME 01 book I’ve seen your fascination with depicting the passage of time. I’m curious if you’ve ever created any animation, and if so, what was your experience like,? If so, I’d love to see anything you’ve made! My natural thought is your drafting skill and visual style would translate to animation in a unique way.

If you haven’t tried it I’d love to know what kept you from it, whether lack of interest, time, experience working digitally or anything else!

-Spenser

A2:

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Q3:

I’m currently in college right now (third year, I believe) for Studio Art Major. I’m at a bit of a loss at how to set myself up to prepare to get work or even do the whole connections bit. As school requires an internship for (whenever) graduation.

I’ve been out of school for a good 10+ years and it’s very strange feeling to be an older student. Any tips or suggestions in how to navigate this road?

I remember I learned a lot from you. So suffice to say, the “love of the process” is now fairly second nature and the ambition also grows. But the fear sometimes creeps in when it comes to thinking career-wise.

-Nick P.

A3:

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Q4.

Hi Sterling! Here's a question that is very personal from me to you because I think I'm in that boat right now or something similar but;

You've been a student before. You've been in my shoes by learning from Gary Kelley and Mark English. When doubt crept into your head about your work and your capacities for one reason or another, how did you push through it? You weren't always a gold medalist from SOI, or "Best Illustrator of the Year", or any of the incredible titles you've collected over time. Was it curiosity and just plain ambition that pushed you through those doubts or was it something else?

-Ocean

A4.

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Q5.

Hello Sterling! Thank you for everything you share. You’ve been a huge motivator for me to keep experimenting, keep searching and keep learning and hopefully, I’ll find my voice. I started drawing at age 60 when Covid hit. I’ll turn 64 next month and I’m so grateful I started my art journey when I did. I started with fashion illustration since my career was in apparel buying. But the more I experiment the more fun I’m having with mixed media. But my subject matter is all over the place now. How do I decide what to focus on? My goal is to become a gallery artist. Tho I do dream of seeing my art on a book cover because I love to read. Any suggestions on how to find your voice & pick ‘a lane’?

-Sally

A5.