Meet Adam Sanford | Illustrator

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

Hi Adam, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Inspiration can come from so many places, and most of the time it comes from simple ordinary things. Nostalgia from my childhood is a big inspiration for me. My imagination is fueled by anything that takes me back to simpler times when I had no responsibility and all the time in the world. Most of the time, I have to activate that inner child in myself if I want to create anything valuable. Almost all of my personal work comes from direct links to memories or feelings from when I was a kid. I am also inspired by my own children. I have four sons that are each so unique and creative in there special ways, and that energy and originality have always driven me to make art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
If you don’t remember my art, you’ll probably remember me as the guy in the orange hat. As an illustrator, I have worked with performers, actors, authors, conventions, photographers and media companies across the country and internationally. I am probably best know for my children’s book work, but I do a little of everything.

I believe my job as a illustrator is to “show.” I show thoughts, ideas, concepts, and define things visually.

The most important lesson I have learned through my work is to ask for things. Many times the only thing keeping you from what you want is to simply ask for it. You may not get it, but you’d be surprised how often you can find success by figuring out who to ask for what you want and taking a little risk.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My sisters and I like to go to the World of Coca-Cola together. I recently took my boys to the Center for Puppetry Arts and then we went to Medieval Times in Sugarloaf Mills Mall and had so much fun! There is also a Lego store in that mall if you’re a nerd like me. I wish I knew some secret places to eat, but I typically enjoy going to the Hard Rock or Ted’s Montana Grill downtown. Definitely come Labor Day weekend for Dragon Con! It’s my favorite event of the year.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to highlight the book Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland. I have read it many times and I like to gift it to people in my life who need to be inspired to make art and get over the fear that can really block our creative flow. Go read it especially if you feel stuck!

Website: http://adamsanford.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamsanfordart/

Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-sanford-58773b216/

Other: https://www.scbwi.org/members-public/adam-sanford

Image Credits
Annie Harrow