We discovered the work of Michigan-based illustrator, Lucy Engelman, a few years ago through Cabin Time and visit her site regularly to get inspired. Cabin Time is a roaming creative residency, which hosts artists in intentionally remote locations throughout the country. Once they arrive, the artists begin a week-long workshop where they can create convivial projects in a variety of mediums including photography, painting, writing, film making, and illustration.
Already an accomplished artist with work featured in New York Times, Lucky Peach and Bon Appetit, Lucy’s illustrations caught our eye because of the subject matter — nature, food and animals — and also her attention to detail. The density of bark, a winding trail or path, a fish scale or tuft of fur — every subtle nuance is captured in a whimsical, yet intentional manner. It is hard to say why we identify so much with the work of an artist we admire from a distance, but for some reason we are just drawn to it.
Range is inspired by the concept of “flying your own flag,” which basically means living the life you want to live and doing what you love everyday. The flag is historically associated with exploration and identity. It marks new territory or signifies that a goal has been reached. It also represents (at least to us) a personal achievement, whether it is finishing a weekly to-do list or getting out for a bike ride. All those small things add up and make us feel accomplished. So, that being said… in addition to some questions about her life, we asked Lucy to create an original illustration of a flag that represents what is important to her. The results (pictured above) were more than we had hoped for!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago in a town called Northfield in a yellow house with animals and kids running in and out.
Were you exposed to a lot of art as a child? Any fond childhood memories about drawing?
I did a lot of art as a kid. My parents made a room in our house the “art room,” so that we could do all of the messy projects our hearts desired. They would hang our artwork up and they still do. I’ve always been drawing. I doodled like crazy when I was in school and would draw whenever I had a second. My earliest memory was drawing inventions I made up. I used to roll them up and carry them around with me.
Was there someone who played a role in your evolution as an artist?
My parents have played a big roll in who I have become as an artist. When I was growing up, they were very encouraging and allowed me to take classes whenever I could. My dad would draw pictures for me and my siblings and put them in our school lunches. We’d bring them home and he’d add to them and send them back the next day. I think that was definitely an inspiration for me as a kid to be imaginative and draw more. My mom is my biggest fan and most enthusiastic cheerleader. She hired me a bunch when I was first starting out and is always telling anyone who will listen about my work. I always call her to tell her about my new projects and ask for her advice. She knows me best. Both of my parents have pushed me to be a lot more driven, even if it wasn’t intentional. They were worried when I wanted to pursue art for a living as any parent would be, and that just pushed me to work harder to prove I could do it. I’m stubborn that way.
What was the catalyst for you to start illustrating professionally?
It was something that I always wanted to do. I always knew I wanted to do something involving art, and I had a strong feeling that I wanted to be an illustrator when I started my BFA. I knew it was something I was good at. The program I was in required us to explore every medium before settling on a concentration, so I took a break from illustration for a few years, but never stopped drawing. It wasn’t until the middle of my thesis year that I turned back to illustration out of desperation. I felt so far out of my comfort zone in what I was doing and started drawing to calm myself down with something familiar, and ended up completely changing my thesis and realizing illustration is where I belong.
Field guides and maps looks really labor intensive. How did you start working on those?
As I’m sure you can imagine, I have to mentally prepare myself for bigger pieces like those. I sketch out where I want things to be and then go for it. I usually jump around the page a lot because I get antsy with how long some things take to fill in. Taking breaks is key, too. I can get so lost in the details that I have to make myself walk away from them for at least a few hours before I keep going.
Tell me about your culinary illustrations. Are you also passionate about food?
I am a terrible cook, but I do love food. I love how beautiful it is, and I love learning about it, and most of all eating it. My love for food comes from my sisters. They have always been constantly cooking and baking. One of my sisters is a food writer, so working on culinary projects started as a way to work with her. We’ve been published together in a few publications and are regular contributors to Eat Boutique.
A bulk of your illustrations are nature and animals. Do you spend a lot of time outdoors?
Yes! Being outside makes me so happy. When it’s warm out, I try to spend as much time as I can outside. I used to work outside in the summer, but it got too distracting. Still it kills me to be inside working in the summer. I find the work I create based on my adventures outdoors comes so easily.
Do you have any rituals that help you get motivated or in the zone? Like meditation or yoga?
I do mindfulness meditation when I get overwhelmed by work. It helps me calm down when I feel stressed. In terms of what helps me get motivated, I try to create smaller goals for myself everyday. I make a to-do list every morning of things I’d like to achieve that day. It helps my work load feel less overwhelming and more achievable. Small bites. Also, I let myself take breaks like watching YouTube videos or talking to my boyfriend. It allows me to give my work the attention it deserves instead of getting sidetracked constantly.
Do you listen to music when you draw? Any favorites?
I listen to podcasts while I work. I really missed being in school when I first got started, so I started listening to podcasts to satisfy that craving. There are so many about literally anything you could think of. I listen to This American Life, 99% Invisible, RadioLab, TED Radio Hour, Unfictional, and a whole bunch more. They’re great because they’re usually about an hour long so you don’t have to worry about what to listen to next every five minutes.
Do you feel different when you work with pen/pencils as opposed to something more fluid like watercolor?
Absolutely. I have so much more control when I use pen and pencil. The detail I expect from drawing goes out the window when it comes to paint. I approach painting so much differently knowing the line quality will be different.
Do you have a “go-to” set of pens or pencils?
I blow through pens, so I use Microns. They’re inexpensive, give me the dark line I need, and their tips are strong. I have a habit of pressing pretty hard. so that helps. I’ve tried a while bunch of different kinds, and Microns make the most sense for my budget and usage. I use very light Staedtler pencils to sketch and Dixon Ticonderogas for client sketches.
Who are some of your favorite illustrators?
There are so many! I feel like the work I enjoy is always changing, but there are definitely a few constants. I’m a big fan of Shannon May. Her work is really beautiful and playful. Ian Turner’s work is really fun. My good friend, Christina Mrozik, makes incredible work that is haunting and breathtaking. The list goes on and on. I love finding new illustrators to marvel at.
What images did you choose to put on your flag?
I love animals so much, especially my dog Koya that is pictured on the flag. The tent drawing is a tattoo I have that reminds me to always make time for exploring and remembering why I love to draw. The succulents are just that–plants! I have tons of plants in my house and they definitely are a big part of what makes me happy. The shells and sand represent the beach–one of my favorite places to be. The map reflects my love for adventures and documenting them in my work. The pancakes are because I love pancakes. And the pen and pencil are pretty self-explanatory.
Check out a few more of Lucy’s illustrations in the gallery below!
XX Jeanine