Today we’d like to introduce you to Delaney Engle.
Hi Delaney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Born and raised in Oregon, I’ve been making art since I was young as a way to process my emotions and tell myself stories.
I made art through my young life and into college while I pursued Journalism at University of Oregon. I enjoyed writing but found myself focusing on storytelling through photojournalism. I would get to know people by making them comfortable with me and my camera, getting a closer view on who they are underneath. I learned so much about observation, empathy, and patience through the individuals I got to work with.
That observation carried into my illustrations that I dedicated more time to after graduating in 2017. I had been collaging and sketching during school but acquired a tablet to explore digital art.
My jobs in between and during these moments were as a Photographer, Nanny, Designer, Wine Pourer, Food-Drive Coordinator, and Farm Sitter.
I found myself wanting to go back to school to pursue art and gravitated toward Los Angeles. I was accepted at Otis College of Art and Design, where I began my two-year journey, with my final year at school being during the pandemic. I met incredible artists who laid their hearts out for all to see during that time. Especially in our thesis writing course where I was constantly inspired by my peers. That was when I remembered how important writing is to me. I self-published a book of essays and art that I shared during my Thesis Exhibition.
So now it’s been two years since I graduated, and while I am a Sign Artist/Crew Member at Trader Joe’s to pay the bills, I am an Artist and Small Businesswoman trying to create when I can and build my craft. I love to draw, paint, illustrate, read, and write. I have created another book of words and art with my collaborator Sarah Liss, that I’m excited to share soon at a group show planned for April with two others in our collective. I have energy some days and others I do my best, but I’m excited to see what’s coming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would not say it was a smooth road, but I admit to having access to privileges that made it smoother compared to others. I will start with saying I graduated debt-free, and for that I am grateful. The parts that haven’t been so smooth would be my constant battle with my self-confidence and worth. As a creative, I believe many are constantly shifting within this self-esteem spectrum.
Each year, month, day presents a new challenge and new choices of wondering who am I and what do I want? Overall though, I know that I want to be an Illustrator and work with businesses, organizations, people, and on projects. But also allow myself to be free to play with different materials and explore like an artist.
I’ve felt overwhelmed just by trying to stay afloat financially after school, even without debt, but I try to make time to create before work or on my days off. And especially stay in touch with good friends or fellow creatives who inspire me and fill my cup. More and more, I’m reminded I can’t run this race alone. I’m excited when I see small glimmers on the horizon from the time and work I’ve put in, like projects coming to fruition and an exhibition with people I respect so much, so I just have to be patient and keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work exists as an illustration, writing, painting, and drawing, approaching each piece observationally-personally-emotionally. I explore memories, human connection, and the natural world through a reflective, colorful, and compassionate lens. I’m often seeking softness and comfort in my work, and I gravitate toward vibrant, complementary color palettes. I feel like in my writing and drawings there’s a contemplative voice that has connected with people. I’m most proud of my book “Feeding the Line” that I self-published in 2021 that weaves together artwork, writing, and design. In it, essays about colors, mental health, family, and other observations are paired with drawings conceived in the course of over a year. I was moved by the connections and conversations I had with others who could relate to my work.
I’m also happy with my illustration “Frog Girl Takes a Bath”, one of multiple Frog Girl works that shows a soft and healing moment. The colors and light with her positioning in the tub felt personal to me, as I relate strongly to this character.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, I found guidance initially in my educators at school, especially when I went back to school for art. I was able to utilize what I wanted and leave what I didn’t based on their advice. They shared a lot of names of other artists to look into, the business side of the art world, and provided general motivation or critique.
Personally, my strongest feelings of mentorship came from my peers in my art community. I learned so much from artists either on the same track or a little further along than me. I don’t believe you need to go to art school, but it provides amazing accessibility to a cohort of artists and educators that you can learn so much from.
Now, being out of school, I’ve stayed in touch with multiple artists that I share a creative kinship with and who keep me motivated and learning. Making time for one-on-one meet ups, having deep conversations, and working on projects together fills my creative cup and keeps me in a headspace that makes me feel like I can keep going in this craft. Also, I think social media, Youtube, and other online spaces can provide people with access to artists who share their experiences and offer advice to people starting their careers. I’ve learned a lot from following creatives that inspire me and am appreciative for the tools and guidance they’ve shared on their platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.delaneyengle.com/
- Instagram: @delaneybe
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delaney-engle-7a80a1129/
