When I contracted Covid-19 a couple weeks ago and was practically forced to self-quarantine, I started to feel like I had all the time in the world. It made me feel suddenly motivated to go back to drawing and creating as many illustrations as I can. It resulted in a new self-portrait and a series of COVID Diaries comic strips. Not only that, it has also drawn me—get it?—towards illustrator vloggers on YouTube. There’s just something really relaxing about watching other creatives’ working process, especially while being productive myself. It has also helped me keep my motivation burning—listening to their tips, insights and process get me falling in love with the art all over again. Today I thought I’d share a few of those I love watching over and over again to accompany you on your creative process. Here we go!
When I contracted Covid-19 a couple weeks ago and was practically forced to self-quarantine, I started to feel like I had all the time in the world. It made me feel suddenly motivated to go back to drawing and creating as many illustrations as I can. It resulted in a new self-portrait and a series of COVID Diaries comic strips. Not only that, it has also drawn me—get it?—towards illustrator vloggers on YouTube. There’s just something really relaxing about watching other creatives’ working process, especially while being productive myself. It has also helped me keep my motivation burning—listening to their tips, insights and process get me falling in love with the art all over again. Today I thought I’d share a few of those I love watching over and over again to accompany you on your creative process. Here we go!
Sha’an d’Anthes (@furrylittlepeach)
YouTube + Instagram
A Singapore-Australian illustrator, Sha’an is easily the cutest person I’ve ever known. I’m not even just talking about her looks—which are undoubtedly adorable—but also her entire personality. She often randomly breaks into song; she has a penchant for adorable things and animals; and she views everything with a childlike wonder, which is so inspiring.
It’s just perfect that Sha’an also has a cheerful illustration style suitable for children. In fact, she has published 2 picture books of her own. I love watching Sha’an’s vlogs because her joy in her work is incredibly contagious. I would also say the same for her partner Rocket. I really love seeing them together—they have the best relationship dynamics—but also separately as they are knee deep in their own thing. They are constantly looking for the next thing to explore—so fun!
Sha’an d’Anthes (@furrylittlepeach)
YouTube + Instagram
A Singapore-Australian illustrator, Sha’an is easily the cutest person I’ve ever known. I’m not even just talking about her looks—which are undoubtedly adorable—but also her entire personality. She often randomly breaks into song; she has a penchant for adorable things and animals; and she views everything with a childlike wonder, which is so inspiring.
It’s just perfect that Sha’an also has a cheerful illustration style suitable for children. In fact, she has published 2 picture books of her own. I love watching Sha’an’s vlogs because her joy in her work is incredibly contagious. I would also say the same for her partner Rocket. I really love seeing them together—they have the best relationship dynamics—but also separately as they are knee deep in their own thing. They are constantly looking for the next thing to explore—so fun!
Cheyenne Barton (@chey.barton)
YouTube + Instagram
A Houston-native, Seattle dweller, Cheyenne feels like such a warm and gentle beacon of light. She is a proud, queer woman and such a great advocate for mental health. Cheyenne feels like such a wise soul, because she has seen the dark side and works hard everyday to come out the other side. That really shows in all her videos and makes them feel really comfortable to watch.
A true renaissance woman, Cheyenne is also a professional actress, a baker and a crocheter. She knows her video games very well and would often livestream them on Twitch. As a multi-passioned person myself, I feel seen watching her thrive. While she does illustrate professionally, her approach to illustration feels quite casual and often leaves us feeling cozy as we draw alongside her.
Cheyenne Barton (@chey.barton)
YouTube + Instagram
A Houston-native, Seattle dweller, Cheyenne feels like such a warm and gentle beacon of light. She is a proud, queer woman and such a great advocate for mental health. Cheyenne feels like such a wise soul, because she has seen the dark side and works hard everyday to come out the other side. That really shows in all her videos and makes them feel really comfortable to watch.
A true renaissance woman, Cheyenne is also a professional actress, a baker and a crocheter. She knows her video games very well and would often livestream them on Twitch. As a multi-passioned person myself, I feel seen watching her thrive. While she does illustrate professionally, her approach to illustration feels quite casual and often leaves us feeling cozy as we draw alongside her.
Fran Meneses (@frannerd)
YouTube + Instagram
Out of everyone on this list, Fran is really the only one I’ve ever communicated with. If you’ve been following from the beginning, you might remember that I interviewed Fran for this very blog years ago. She has since grown into such an amazing illustrator, whose style has developed so much through her research and strong will to keep improving. Not only professionally, though, Fran has also started to personally come into her own over the years—finally having the courage to acknowledge her sexuality even after she was married to her best friend for years.
For me, the pleasure in watching Fran comes mostly from her witty and awkward personality that ends up coming across totally hilarious. Not unlike Cheyenne, Fran seems to have seen the dark side and ready to guide her audience to come out the other side with her. She understands all the concerns and issues we all have as creatives and is not afraid to address them from time to time—often in a lighthearted tone to make them easier to deal with. Her illustration style now feels a lot edgier and more raw to match the way she views the world today.
Fran Meneses (@frannerd)
YouTube + Instagram
Out of everyone on this list, Fran is really the only one I’ve ever communicated with. If you’ve been following from the beginning, you might remember that I interviewed Fran for this very blog years ago. She has since grown into such an amazing illustrator, whose style has developed so much through her research and strong will to keep improving. Not only professionally, though, Fran has also started to personally come into her own over the years—finally having the courage to acknowledge her sexuality even after she was married to her best friend for years.
For me, the pleasure in watching Fran comes mostly from her witty and awkward personality that ends up coming across totally hilarious. Not unlike Cheyenne, Fran seems to have seen the dark side and ready to guide her audience to come out the other side with her. She understands all the concerns and issues we all have as creatives and is not afraid to address them from time to time—often in a lighthearted tone to make them easier to deal with. Her illustration style now feels a lot edgier and more raw to match the way she views the world today.
Minnie Small (@minniesmall)
YouTube + Instagram
A UK-based illustrator, Minnie is probably the most different in illustration style on this list. She is such a wizard for realistic paintings, specialising in architectural illustrations. Her amazing skills for illustrating houses in small painting sizes is mind-blowing. Minnie’s works always have this rustic quality to it that is reminiscent of classic styles, not unlike Beatrix Potter, per se.
Her videos often run us through the process of her every project—and I daresay she has the most unique projects—which sheds a light into her thinking and the way she tackles different concepts. My favourite is the time she made her own wedding invites—something I’m also excited to do one day! Not only that, though, she also often shares books that inspire her to be creative or run a creative business. Really soothing to watch!
Minnie Small (@minniesmall)
YouTube + Instagram
A UK-based illustrator, Minnie is probably the most different in illustration style on this list. She is such a wizard for realistic paintings, specialising in architectural illustrations. Her amazing skills for illustrating houses in small painting sizes is mind-blowing. Minnie’s works always have this rustic quality to it that is reminiscent of classic styles, not unlike Beatrix Potter, per se.
Her videos often run us through the process of her every project—and I daresay she has the most unique projects—which sheds a light into her thinking and the way she tackles different concepts. My favourite is the time she made her own wedding invites—something I’m also excited to do one day! Not only that, though, she also often shares books that inspire her to be creative or run a creative business. Really soothing to watch!
Anoosha Syed (@foxville_art)
YouTube + Instagram
Here is a name you might have seen on this blog before. I can’t help mentioning her again, though. Out of everyone on this list, Anoosha is probably the one who actually lives the life I wanted for myself—with a few awards and over 20 picture books under her belt, she is killing it in the children’s literature department! In her videos, Anoosha likes to share tips and insights on how to become a picture book illustrator like herself. She gives us a glimpse on the inner workings of the publishing industry—what with her years of experience.
All that being said, Anoosha isn’t immune to feelings of insecurity, professional struggles and failed aspirations. One of my favourite videos of hers is the one where she talks about changing her dream of becoming an animator after years of rejection from the industry—only to find her forte elsewhere. Truly inspiring!
Anoosha Syed (@foxville_art)
YouTube + Instagram
Here is a name you might have seen on this blog before. I can’t help mentioning her again, though. Out of everyone on this list, Anoosha is probably the one who actually lives the life I wanted for myself—with a few awards and over 20 picture books under her belt, she is killing it in the children’s literature department! In her videos, Anoosha likes to share tips and insights on how to become a picture book illustrator like herself. She gives us a glimpse on the inner workings of the publishing industry—what with her years of experience.
All that being said, Anoosha isn’t immune to feelings of insecurity, professional struggles and failed aspirations. One of my favourite videos of hers is the one where she talks about changing her dream of becoming an animator after years of rejection from the industry—only to find her forte elsewhere. Truly inspiring!
Which illustrators do you like to watch online?
Let me know in the comments!
Which illustrators do you like to watch online?
Let me know in the comments!