Sarah Elle Art

We got the pleasure to do an interview with Sarah Lenaghan, who is a participant in our Dig Deep Program. We explored why she wanted to take part in the Dig Deep Program, her new business and how she has found building her business.

Can you introduce yourself - your name and what you do? 

My name is Sarah Lenaghan, and I work under the pseudonym of Sarah Elle. I’m a freelance illustrator and forest recluse based near Newcastle! My work as SarahElleArt is mainly a mix of bespoke commission work. It’s mostly portraits and crafted keepsakes, but I’ll have a go at most things! As well as selling my own designs.

I graduated in Graphic Design and Illustration in 2019 after toying around with Animation as well I have been studio hopping (goldilocks style) ever since and trying to work out what I want to do. I’ve spent my most notable time as a co-curator and illustrator in residence at Bayview Synergy Studios where I was able to work with a creative team to run a little shop as well as have my own studio space! Currently, that project has dissolved and I’m working from home (thanks covid!) navigating a masters in Creative Writing, my business endeavours and two lively dogs! (Lurcher and greyhound!)

Why did you want to take part in the Dig Deep Programme? 

Since finding myself a little lost among a number of artistic pursuits, I’ve wanted to focus my work as more of a business than a glorified hobby. I’ve wanted to find the balance of working for myself but doing so professionally.

The topics offered by Dig Deep seemed right up my street and I’ve already massively benefitted from the steady grind of self-development, practical tools and lifestyle management. Also, working from home has been isolating and I know I work best when challenging my introverted tendencies and seeing what other creatives are making and achieving. The self-accountability that would be involved as well as the engagement with like-minded creative female entrepreneurs.

What is the new business that you have been developing? 

My illustration business is an extension of myself. A service of offering original bespoke digital designs, portraits and handmade personal gifts as creative and meaningful keepsakes. Things to keep around your comfort zone or to pass on to a loved one that will hopefully give a little bit of joy and encouragement when we need it daily, now more than ever!

What has been your biggest hurdle since you started your business? 

I think for me my confidence has always been an issue, I know I have a voice pushing me on and one that is doing the opposite, and whichever side of me I succumb to is where my output will go! The idea of when you work for yourself you have to work with yourself, that there is room for working hard in a way that is not being hard on yourself in a way that compromises your well-being. It’s a constant self-check-in to note and re-wire the negative voice that discourages and leans into a side that believes in myself! We can be our worst critics.

How do you see your business developing in the future? 

The plan is to develop a brand that means I can sell my own work and gifts from an online space and like-minded retail spaces. I hope to achieve something fairly sustainable- both financially and environmentally. To work in a way that aligns with my values and ethics.

What misconceptions did you have about starting your own business? 

 Mainly, that such a thing wasn’t for me- or that I wasn’t built for the challenge. This is something I’m trying to prove wrong every day.

What have you learnt about yourself since starting the programme? 

More than anything I’ve learnt that there is room for everyone when it comes to pursuing an independent art career. That I’m not alone in my aspirations, that there are many creatives like me who have similar endeavours as well as similar frustrations.

In the past, I’ve found this daunting. With so many of the same, what could I hope to offer that’s in any way unique when there are so many like me? But the vastness of the room that exists for everyone in this space who has the drive to want it, is something that has really struck me since starting the programme.

I’ve also been able to unlearn a lot. To re-evaluate what I’ve been accustomed to doing, and where things have and haven’t been working.  I’ve been able to objectively look at the habits and mindsets that don’t serve me in an attempt to redirect these things into productivity rather than repeating the same issues and the waste of time that is negative ruminating. 

What/who influences/motivates you? 

I’m motivated mostly by the creativity of others in my artistic circle and beyond, seeing others doing well and making amazing things pushes me to do the same! I also find great sources of inspiration via Pinterest and youtube.

Nothing is more encouraging than watching aesthetic studio vlogs! I’m also motivated by the connection you can build with others through the medium of illustration. Whether it’s working together on a collaboration, illustrating a commission piece that will go on to be a gift for a client’s loved one, or even someone being kind enough to comment positively on my Instagram doodlings, that gives me such a motivational push!

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far since starting your business? 

For a while, I was in the habit of falling into highs and lows with my personal business work. I would have a boost of work and then nothing for months, so I think consistently keeping on and maintaining an influx of work as well as social media engagement. Growing and keeping up with these things at a steady pace, that has been really good for me. Small wins.

What have you learnt about your business in the last 3 months? 

Too much to keep concise! What sticks out the most, however, is the belief that on my more self-deprecating days, it’s never as hard as I think. That the “less-glamorous” shall we say, end of freelance work such as finances and admin, is not something that’s as daunting as I had initially thought.

What things are you going to implement in your business in 2021? 

I’d like to expand my services. To work on new seasonal pieces to form a constant stock, as well as maintaining my bespoke illustrations. I’m looking into different streams of revenue and making taking up space on a few shelves in local craft businesses.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

I’d probably tell her to worry less about doing the wrong thing! For a long time, I didn’t feel as though I would fit into the traditional “career path” and the expected route of moving into further education and later onto more conventional jobs was something that felt very wrong and restrictive for me. I’ve by no means worked this out, but I’d tell her that to worry about the future doesn’t help the outcome. I’d tell her to loosen up those high self-expectations and be less self-critical! 

Where can people find you online?

On Instagram, Facebook and my personal website!
Instagram: @sarahelleart
Facebook: SarahElleArt https://www.facebook.com/sarahelleart-103265571097741
Website: https://sarahelle-art.squarespace.com/