Meet Savannah Guzman of S.B. Guzman Illustration in Upland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savannah Guzman.

Savannah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In the early 90’s, I dabbled in drawing animals, cartoon and fan art as early as three years old both mainly from watching too much t.v and as an escape from my trouble upbringings. I was debating to be either a veterinary, wildlife behaviorist or wildlife conservationist because my love and interest of animals or become an artist/animator. But thought better to pursue what I greatly enjoy: Illustration.

Further down the line and as I grew older, my mind became even more trouble mainly due to depression, anxiety and PTSD; all roll into one because of inheriting them from both my parents. Leading me to believe since this my own problem that I can handle and control it however in the less healthy way. Which led me to withdraw both mentally and emotionally with a bit of episodes here and there. Meaning I would try every tactic I could think of to avoid the subject and not having to deal with them: Ranging from playing sports, volunteer work, after school programs, clubs, T.V and video games. But it was obvious that drawing mainly illustrating was therapeutic and it did help as a coping mechanism for my mental illness. To this day, I vaguely remember my adolescence years but all of my high school years were a blur.

In 2010, after high school I immediately applied and attended community college Chaffey College, however because of the 08′ recession about half of all art classes I needed were completely remove and it also didn’t help that no jobs were available for hire as well. I will admit it was a tough and dark spot for me since I had no money at the time to apply straight to a four years university. It was obvious community college was my only option however during my three years in CC I was introduced to a small portfolio art studio titled Korpus School of Art & Gallery centered in downtown LA. So, I taken my classes during the weekday and drove to Korpus on the weekend just illustrating and creating new artwork to build my portfolio. You can imagine the long commute drive. But it was all worth it; With the help of Korpus and completing CC I was able to apply for ten art universities/colleges with scholarships! The decision was tough but I narrowed it down from 10 to 3 colleges: Laguna college of art and design, Albert university of Art and ArtCenter. I decided to take ArtCenter not only for the scholarship but also that ArtCenter is considered the Havard for the arts.

Then on 2015 of fall, I finally transferred from CC to ArtCenter! Trudging, pushing and developing my art all while gaining new insights and appreciating it too. ArtCenter and the folks that worked and taught they saw potential that I haven’t even noticed before. But in reality ArtCenter was all work and little play however, I did gain new friends and colleagues along the way. I love and appreciate them to this day. Even after graduating from Spring in 2019, I keep contact with them and even attend their grad nites.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was a struggle and I’ll admit it mainly because of financial reasons but also life as well. However, I have family and friends who supported me. They were the reason of keeping me grounded and constantly reminded me to push harder.

In truth life is unpredictable and in most cases inconvenient but what hope folks don’t understand is that it’ll pass. Even though I’m still learning from it.

S.B. Guzman Illustration – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
That’s kinda hard or at least difficult for me to narrow it down but I can say that my skills specialize traditional and digital medium. Ranging from cute stationery pattern designs to rendered detail illustration. I take full pride in my graphite rendering montage illustration. As for art style-wise; I can defiantly say it has steampunk, fantasy, wild southwest theme to it.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
At the moment, I’m working in retail and art tutoring while freelancing on the side. I continue to apply for in-house work as well as freelance. For my definition would be destroying my enemies with my success. Especially when having the last laugh at those who wanted to bring me down.

Pricing:

• For freelance estimate price of $25 per Hr
• Children’s Book Illustration $1,200.00
• Cute pattern designs $600.00
• Graphite pencil $200.00
• Watercolor $300.00
• Comic/Graphic Novel $150
• Fantasy world Map $250.00
• Book Cover $350.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sbguzmanillustration.com
• Email: sbguzman1@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pencilslinger/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savannah.guzman.754
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/PencilSLinger

Image Credit:
Photographer: Marcus Bates-Bustos

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