Sarah Day is an illustrator based in Leucadia, California, and her awesome line of wearables and paper goods includes DIY Scout Books featuring her illustrations. Done by hand, each DIY is a transformed into a truly one-of-a-kind custom notebook. Her work is rooted in small watercolor illustrations, which then expanded into brush calligraphy, and currently brings together multiple mediums into her unique style. Says Sarah: “I feel like I’ve finally landed on a visual language that feels just right for me.”
To illustrate the DIYs, Sarah uses a range of tools: hard and soft nib brush pens from Tombow Fudenosuke, Sakura’s Identi-Pens, and high-flow acrylic paints and paint markers. Prismacolor pencils are another favorite, “especially their pastels which stand out so beautifully on the kraft paper”, said Sarah. She’s also a big fan of Sakura’s Gelly Roll pens – specifically the neons, which stand out under black light. (Who knew?!)
Sarah draws inspiration from many sources, including music. What’s been on heavy rotation in her studio? “The Hamilton Soundtrack, Chance the Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book,’ Sia, Dan Nichols’ ‘I Believe,’ Erykah Badu, the Avett Brothers, Jon Bellion.” She added:
I'm inspired by questions. I'm inspired by struggles, uncertainties...and the personal strength and resilience that flows forth from adversities.
Prior to launching her illustration career, Sarah worked in Jewish education and music. She moved to Australia after college to lead after-school programming at a synagogue. She applied her creative talent in the classroom, making her own worksheets and coloring pages for her students. After moving back to the U.S., Sarah used art while healing from an illness. “Art became a refuge from pain and sickness, a way to tell my stories and connect with others.”
You can pick up items from Sarah’s shop here, or at local art fairs and pop-ups in her area!
Thanks to Sarah for her time, and to Matt Lingo for sharing his photos with us!