My pencil sketch of the coconut crab from Uncommon Animals of the Alphabet started like all my sketches do. It began with enthusiasm and a vague idea. Then, inevitably, there comes a moment when it feels like everything’s gone completely off the rails. Sketching in pencil is a roller-coaster for me. It goes through stages of chaos where the lines don’t quite make sense. It feels like it’s going to end up in the bin. But then, something shifts. I focus on one detail, maybe the curve of a claw or the texture of a shell. I start working outward from there. The sketch slowly starts improving. The chaos diminishes. I finish with something I’m pleased to take into the digital stage. It’s messy, it’s unpredictable, but it’s also where the magic happens—turning a jumble of lines into something that feels alive.
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As a child, the world was a blank page waiting to be scribbled across with big fat brightly coloured crayons. I fell in love with art early on. I found joy in immersing myself in my imagination. I filled pages with the weird and wonderful. As an introvert, creativity was my sanctuary. It was a place where I escape and give life to whatever was lurking in my mind.
Yet, as life unfolded, practicality took precedence. The necessity of earning a living led me down a path far from arty land. I found myself entangled in jobs that paid the bills but left my creative spirit yearning for expression. The vibrant colors of my childhood turned to black and white as I navigated the demands of adulthood.
It took the realization that a life without embracing one’s creativity is a life half-lived. The void left by the absence of art in my life became palpable, and I knew something needed to change. I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. I listened to podcasts while driving most daylight hours in a courier van. I sought the balance between practicality and passion.
The turning point came with the birth of my children. Parenthood not only brought new responsibilities but also served as a catalyst for rediscovering my love for art. The simple joy of sharing creative moments with my kids opened a portal to the past. I participated in fun-filled sessions of illustrating and creating children’s books. During these sessions, I found my way back to my passion for art.
I now realise that being creative isn’t just an activity – it’s a state of being. The colors have returned to my life, more vivid and expressive than ever. In the end, this journey back to art has taught me a valuable lesson. The pursuit of a fulfilling life isn’t just about paying bills and meeting obligations. It’s about nurturing the creative spirit within and allowing it to flourish. Through the lens of art, I’ve found a profound sense of purpose and joy. That I think is a thriving artist, even if you don’t make a living from it.
Kids Book Illustrator Andy C Marshall 