Creative Pep Talk Episode 481: Get Lost and Found in Your Work, With Sarah Walsh

Release Date: November 27, 2024
Host: Andy J. Pizza
Guest: Sarah Walsh, Illustrator and Author of "Horse Girl" Zine

1. Introduction to Sarah Walsh and Her Creative Journey

In this heartfelt episode of Creative Pep Talk, host Andy J. Pizza welcomes illustrator and author Sarah Walsh, a longtime friend of the show and a returning guest from episode 79. Sarah is renowned for her handcrafted illustrations in books like Hats of Faith and Matilda, and has collaborated with esteemed clients such as PBS, Flow Magazine, Hallmark, and The Guardian. Her latest endeavor, the Horse Girl zine, delves deep into personal narratives with a cinematic flair, embodying the indie spirit that Andy and Sarah passionately advocate for.

Andy (13:04):
"She has this, like, love letter to horses. We had to submit our ideas. I had a few ideas kicking around, but I didn't love them enough."

2. Embracing Authenticity: The Goofy Nerd Persona

Sarah opens up about the industry's perception of artists who embrace humor and goofiness. She expresses a frustration with the creative sector's undervaluing of such traits, especially in fields like children's book illustration and design.

Sarah (10:14):
"But there's part of me that always feels like, oh, time to put on my serious art business hat, you know, and I have to be serious. And it's so silly."

Andy (11:02):
"Yeah, you can see that many of the funny people in comics are like rock stars, but in illustration and children's books, it’s seen differently."

This dialogue underscores the importance of staying true to oneself and the struggle artists face when their authentic voices aren't always celebrated within professional realms.

3. The Birth of the Horse Girl Zine

Sarah narrates the inception of her Horse Girl zine, highlighting the internal battles she faced while trying to align her creative voice with industry expectations. Initially struggling with traditional picture book formats, Sarah found solace and inspiration in her lifelong love for horses, which became the central theme of her zine.

Sarah (19:36):
"Why am I not doing a book about how much I've loved horses? Because I've always kind of pushed that away."

Through a series of realizations, including revisiting her childhood memories and tapping into her intrinsic passions, Sarah was able to channel her creative energy into a project that felt genuinely her own.

4. Overcoming Creative Blocks and Self-Motivation

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the mental challenges creatives face, particularly self-doubt and the struggle to maintain motivation. Both Andy and Sarah share their personal experiences with ADHD and how it impacts their creative processes.

Andy (27:35):
"The reason my projects intimidate me is because it's never about the things on there. No, it's about how do I get myself to do it the most. The hardest opponent to beat."

Sarah (55:29):
"I listen to all of your advice, but honestly, it's really hard to keep all of it in my head and implement it in my life."

They discuss strategies for overcoming procrastination and the importance of creating an environment conducive to productivity, such as collaborating with supportive partners and utilizing tools like zines to bypass the pressure of traditional pitching.

5. The Symbolism of Horses and Childhood Archetypes

Sarah elaborates on how horses symbolize strength, vulnerability, and freedom for her, serving as a metaphor for her personal journey and internal conflicts. This symbolism is intricately woven into her zine, making it a profound exploration of self-identity and the fear of growing up.

Sarah (55:06):
"The book is about that, but it's also about a deeper thing. It's like a mentality, a nerdy mentality."

Andy (66:18):
"Find those images. Find the archetypes. It's about the symbols that speak to you on a deeper level."

This section emphasizes the importance of tapping into childhood passions and archetypes to create work that resonates on a timeless and authentic level.

6. The Power of Zines in Creative Expression

Both hosts advocate for zines as a powerful medium for creatives to explore ideas without the constraints of commercialism. Sarah shares how creating her zine was a liberating experience that allowed her to express her true self and connect deeply with her audience.

Sarah (77:35):
"Just make your own. Just make it and get your ideas out there. There's nothing stopping you from doing that."

Andy (75:53):
"Zines are the key to unlocking your creativity. They allow you to strip it down to the baseline and express yourself freely."

This highlights zines' role in fostering a DIY spirit and providing a platform for genuine artistic expression.

7. Final Insights and Encouragement for Creatives

As the conversation winds down, Andy introduces his upcoming creative call to adventure, the Big Meaty Taste (BMT), which encourages artists to infuse their work with meaningful symbols and archetypes. He urges creatives to revisit their childhood passions to find "meaty" elements that add depth and resonance to their creations.

Andy (80:41):
"Think back to your childhood. Find some big meaty taste to inject into your creative work."

Sarah echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's passions and respecting personal creative limitations to foster genuine and impactful work.

Sarah (83:46):
"Just do the thing. Just do it first and make sure you even like doing it."

Conclusion

Episode 481 of Creative Pep Talk serves as an inspiring narrative on embracing authenticity, overcoming creative hurdles, and the profound impact of personal symbolism in art. Sarah Walsh's journey with her Horse Girl zine exemplifies the transformative power of staying true to one's passions and using creative mediums like zines to navigate and express complex personal narratives. Andy and Sarah's dialogue offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for creatives striving to build a thriving and authentic creative practice.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Walsh [10:14]: "I have to be serious. And it's so silly."
• Andy J. Pizza [13:04]: "She has this, like, love letter to horses."
• Sarah Walsh [19:36]: "Why am I not doing a book about how much I've loved horses?"
• Andy J. Pizza [27:35]: "The hardest opponent to beat."
• Sarah Walsh [55:29]: "It's really hard to keep all of it in my head and implement it in my life."
• Sarah Walsh [77:35]: "Just make your own. Just make it and get your ideas out there."
• Andy J. Pizza [80:41]: "Find those images. Find the archetypes."
• Sarah Walsh [83:46]: "Just do the thing. Just do it first and make sure you even like doing it."

For more insights and inspiration, subscribe to Creative Pep Talk and follow Sarah Walsh at Sarah-Walsh-Makes-Things.com and on Instagram.