Meet Sarah Ponce | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Ponce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have been a children’s book illustrator and have worked in educational illustration for the past 20 years. I remember learning in art school that the word “illustrate” meant to illuminate or to make bright, and I love doing just that. I enjoy illuminating people’s written ideas on a page through illustration. It wasn’t until this year that I decided to finally do something I’ve always said I would do one day–I decided to start my own business and I began to bring my own ideas to life on a page too. I have to admit, being my own client is a lot tougher than anticipated. But I also have gotten a lot of joy out of building two online shops filled with my own original art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Because my background is in children’s book illustration, my art is bright and cheerful and (I hate to admit it) kind of cute. I like to think that it is joyful, as well, and sometimes just a little bit funny. Because I’ve been working as an illustrator for so long, I would say the challenges have come in waves as I have pivoted from one area to the next. Getting published was the first mountain I climbed, and it took years of unpaid labor that finally paid off. I would say now that I have moved into illustrating more for myself and less for clients, I haven’t overcome the challenges yet. I’m kind of at the bottom of a new mountain. And one that I’m both excited to climb and pretty nervous about at the same time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a soft spot for Venice Beach. I have always loved it there, and I actually met my husband while he was painting at the Venice Beach Art Walls. So I would probably take an unsuspecting friend to Venice and show them around and maybe encourage them to paint a little on the walls. After the beach I might steer them towards the Getty so they know that I also have good taste in high Art. Plus, the Getty is a beautiful and enjoyable place to spend the day. At some point we would find really good street tacos (not at Venice Beach or the Getty) and maybe some ice cream. I would encourage them to get a tattoo and then send them back to Texas with fond memories of Los Angeles to last a lifetime.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve gotten so much support it’s hard to narrow the shoutouts down! People have been so encouraging. My husband Levi and my kids are my little fan club. Levi is a professional artist, so his feedback has been invaluable. He’s a fantastic art director. My mom has always been a source of encouragement and positivity as well. And my hometown of Waxahachie, Texas has given me so much love, I feel like I need to thank the whole town. Rachel was my first and most loyal customer, and deserves her own thank you. And friends in LA, especially Ashlee, Danit, Griffin, Maddy, Karena, Kelsey and my sister-in-law Genesis have been cheering me on since day one.

Website: https://www.sarahponce.com

Instagram: @lonestarprints