DROOL: When do you feel you first found success in the world of art, and how have you grown since then?
Saylor: I am currently a student at Art Center College of Design and for a long while I always felt pretty knocked off my feet because the school really kicks your butt. Fast forward a few terms later, an instructor critiquing my work said “wow these have a lot of humor” and I was stunned. It was a huge indication that my drawings were communicating something and that felt very successful. Not much after, Covid-19 hit LA and my classes were forced on a break for a couple of weeks. I started drawing some friends’ dogs portraits and it really just took off in a very unexpected way. I was so fulfilled to be producing something that others really took to and enjoyed. That feeling really then informed my other work and I’ve really just been having so much fun since. I’m so happy to be an illustrator.
DROOL: How did you discover your voice in art?
Saylor: I am a very curious person so I look at a ton of stuff all day and search for things that make me really excited about drawing. I think when you’re excited about the funky things around you, you figure out what you want to say about them and say it in whatever means you can. Mine is drawing!
DROOL: What compels you to keep driving forward as an artist? How do you aspire to grow as an artist this year?
Saylor: In the words of one of my favorite instructors, Steve Turk, “go to nature!” It’s full of some of the wonkiest and most beautiful stuff that will forever drive creatives to do their thing.
DROOL: What about dogs attracts you to them as subjects for your artwork?
Saylor: Dogs have a fantastic sense of personality that translates so well into drawings. My own dog, Cherry, is like a real life cartoon character that will always inspire my illustrations.