The outdated adage decrees that an image is price a thousand phrases— however what about an illustration of a shoe? For my cash, it’s price a hell of much more. The Portland, Oregon-based illustrator Macey Howard would absolutely agree, as she continues to thrill the net plenty together with her delicately perceived coloration pencil interpretations of loafers, sneakers, and oxfords.
I rely myself as considered one of Howard’s many admirers who has fallen below her spell. She captures an abundance of spirit and character inside her illustration model, from her delicate and soothing coloration palettes to her free-spirited but impeccably managed strains. Howard’s illustrations ooze playfulness, pleasure, and retro timelessness. I linked with Howard to study extra about her viewpoint as an artist and to determine, most significantly, why sneakers?
Howard’s responses to my questions are beneath.
How would you describe your illustration model? How did this develop?
I’d say hand-drawn is the principle part. I like messy, thick strains with plenty of texture and imperfections.
I’ve all the time been into artwork. I embroider, draw, sew, paint, and construct stuff, and I’m only a doer. In 2019, I made it my aim to attract individuals. The primary face I drew regarded like a kindergartener had drawn it, however everybody has to start out there. I had a handful of artists who impressed me and helped me land on the model I’ve now: Damien Cuypers, Yu Nagaba, and Haley Tippmann, to call just a few. They’ve very completely different types, however I’ve all the time admired their daring and easy strains. I might attempt to straight-copy an illustration they’ve achieved, not placing any of it on the market however utilizing it to assist me work on my approach and see if something felt true to me. Then, I’d attempt to emulate their model on different topics
Finally, I began arising with a method that was distinctive to me. Certainly one of my largest accomplishments is arising with my very own model. It was a protracted and irritating course of, however one thing I’m actually happy with. My model developed with hours and hours and hours and hours of follow— there’s no shortcut.
I sometimes wish to look again at my outdated sketchbooks to see how far I’ve come and to encourage me to maintain going. It feels good to see an illustration I used to be happy with on the time and suppose, “Wow, I sucked.”
Once I’m searching for inspiration, I wish to discover a problem.
Your shoe illustrations have clearly struck a chord with the plenty. Why do you suppose that’s? What do somebody’s sneakers say about them?
I feel sneakers, particularly the loafers I’ve been drawing just lately, ring a bell as a result of they’re distinct and have a tendency to remind individuals of somebody. I get feedback about how I’ve drawn the precise pair somebody’s grandpa wore. There are feedback from individuals who suppose I’ve drawn Tyler The Creator’s sneakers or sneakers from the film Jojo Rabbit. I completely love listening to whose sneakers individuals suppose I’ve drawn.
I don’t know what individuals’s sneakers say about them in actual life, however they’re usually the point of interest in my drawings. Outsized sneakers which can be both polished or sloppy add character to my characters.
How do you resolve which sneakers to attract?
I like sneakers with lengthy crazy laces. I’m into the loafers now, partially as a result of the shine permits me to attract the cruel shadows that I like. Primarily, I discover sneakers that lend effectively to my model, and any sneakers I feel are enjoyable.
What’s your artistic course of usually like? Do you carry a sketchbook with you always? What kinds of individuals, issues, and eventualities compel you to attract them?
I like the concept of being somebody who sketches individuals at espresso retailers, however actually, I do my finest work snuggled up on the sofa.
I take photos of individuals, sneakers, or fascinating coloration combos out and about, however you’ll be able to’t beat Pinterest for inspiration. I additionally love amassing outdated books for reference images or children’ books from my favourite illustrators. I just lately discovered a pair of purple leather-based sneakers at a thrift retailer, and I took a photograph of them to attract. You’ll be seeing these quickly!
I like drawing individuals in movement and exaggerating my favourite half, the sneakers.
What do you hope your illustrations talk to your viewers?
Truthfully, I’ve by no means thought of that. Once I’m searching for inspiration, I wish to discover a problem. A unique angle I haven’t tried or new material. Coloured pencils have been additionally new to me after I began to develop my model; they’ve all the time been my least favourite medium. I like to make use of coloured pencils like a crayon: with a uninteresting tip, ultra-pigmented, daring, and messy. So I hope my course of conjures up individuals to attempt one thing new and difficult.
