Rising Stars: Meet Sydney Kysar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Kysar.

Sydney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have almost ten years of experience painting murals in the Compton Unified School District and throughout Los Angeles. I started as a volunteer with the nonprofit Access Books. In 2016, I took over the role as lead muralist. I work with elementary school students, teaching them to paint as we create murals in their own schools. Over 2 million brand new books have been donated and over 350 school libraries have been painted with Access Books. We’ve painted all over LA.

Outside of Access, I am a sign artist and animator, working with brands like Trader Joe’s, Warner Music, and King Studio.

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?
It was definitely a challenge when covid hit. So many non-profits were shutting down permanently and Access Books had to find a way to stay afloat while schools were closed. I became an independent contractor with LAUSD to continue library builds during the pandemic. I was able to paint murals in schools for students to come back to. We hosted book drive-throughs where we gave bundled books to families driving by in their cars. Kids were able to read at home during the stress of 2020 when schools and libraries were closed.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in kid’s media: murals, children’s books, and animation.

I think what sets me apart is that I make art WITH kids and not only for them. I get to sit and paint with kids who’ve never held a paintbrush. At the end of the day, these kids know they were a part of beautifying their school. They run to their parents and show off the dragons and book characters they helped bring to life.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Procreate is my favorite app for my concept art and rough animation. I can sketch thumbnails and digitally paint when I’m on the train or away from home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sydneykysar.com/
• Other: https://www.accessbooks.net/

Image Credits
All images belong to Access Books.