Students of Design

Sarah Acevedo – Murals, Lettering, and Color – Ep16

Episode Summary

Sarah is an illustrator, lettering artist, and muralist living in Austin, Texas. In 2019, she gave her two weeks' notice, left the corporate design world (USAA), and started Wild Vine Creative. For the past few years, her focus has been creating murals, and her artwork features organic shapes, an earthy color palette, and wildflowers like globemallow, fall aster, and bluebonnets. Don't be surprised if you spot some food and plant puns, too! Tune in for a talk about growing up in a military family, deciding to leave a full-time job to become an independent illustrator and muralist, and tips for lettering with a paintbrush.

Episode Notes

Sarah is an illustrator, lettering artist, and muralist living in Austin, Texas. In 2019, she gave her two weeks' notice, left the corporate design world (USAA), and started Wild Vine Creative. For the past few years, her focus has been creating murals, and her artwork features organic shapes, an earthy color palette, and wildflowers like globemallow, fall aster, and bluebonnets. Don't be surprised if you spot some food and plant puns, too! Tune in for a talk about growing up in a military family, deciding to leave a full-time job to become an independent illustrator and muralist, and tips for lettering with a paintbrush. You can see her artwork and process videos on Instagram and buy stickers, cards, and prints on her website.

Questions for this interview.

• You grew up in a military family and moved a lot. Was art (or making art) important to you during that time?
• Did you grow up with siblings?
• Hypothetically, do you think you would be more or less creative if you didn't grow up with a brother?
• Did you have a good experience at Columbia College Chicago?
• Did you feel prepared to find an entry-level design job after you finished design school?
• For many of us, one design professor changed how we view the world. Did anyone make that kind of impact on you?
• You started Wild Vine Creative in 2019—why did you decide to branch out of your own?
• What do you remember about giving your two weeks' notice? How did you feel about taking that leap?
• Did you have a mentor or ask anyone for advice before making that decision?
• Why do murals draw you in and make you want to create them?
• Can you explain some of the art transfer methods used to create murals?
• How intimidated were you by the idea of painting large murals?
• Is there anything about murals that you still find intimidating or makes you nervous?
• Did you find Lauren Hom's course "Mural Painting for Designers" helpful?
• Do you have beginner-friendly tips for achieving clean lines and smooth curves when painting letterforms with a paintbrush?
• You added two new colors to your color palette. Where did the inspiration for those colors come from?
• What are some of your favorite native wildflowers or cacti?
• Is there a story behind your mural inspired by Otomi patterns?