Conversations with Sarah Rebar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Rebar.

Hi Sarah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello! I’m an illustrator who spent 11 years working as a visual artist in New York before making the cross-country trek to LA right before the pandemic in 2020. I also spent nine years working as a staff illustrator for Sesame Street — specifically, drawing muppets, and even getting to design new characters!

Since I moved to Los Angeles, I’ve worked as a children’s book illustrator, as a designer for JibJab and Roku, and as an Art Director at Nickelodeon/Noggin (while that still existed under Paramount!) I’ve done it all — the full-range from being an illustrator to managing teams of artists at big companies.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha! Nothing is ever a smooth road. But that’s life. And a little bit exciting. 🙂

My entire time in Los Angeles has been a huge learning curve. For the first time, I was a freelancer: navigating myself as my own business, figuring out client work, taxes, healthcare, studio space, etc! I also got an agent for the first time to represent me for books — which has been such a lovely journey. I’ve been published many times at this point, and I’m currently working on 3 books!

I’d say the more recent struggles are because the entertainment industry is totally changing. There is a lot less work than there was during the pandemic. Also, so much work is outsourced now. When I worked for Noggin/Nickelodeon, a lot of our animation hires were overseas, and we often would hire illustrators for shorter-term projects.

I’ve seen a lot of shifts post-writers’/actors’ strikes, with work just in general drying up. And most recently, with AI being a competitor to artwork. It’s been strange to see how this is impacting my field — and the amount of work I receive. So much is shifting with newer technology. I’m really not sure how things will be in the next year or two.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an illustrator who specializes in kids’ books and funny drawings! I worked for almost a decade at Sesame Street, so there are a lot of pictures of me with muppets, ha.

I’m most proud of some of the more recent children’s books I’ve done and for my time in children’s television, both at Nickelodeon and Sesame Street. I feel very grateful for all the work I’ve done so far. It’s been a good run, and I’m proud of it. Even if AI ends up taking my job (please, no) I can say I’ve had a great career.

What sets me apart from other artists is my versatility (I can draw anything! Or at least I’ll try!) and my sense of humor.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes!! There are so many great networking groups for a way in. For me, one thing that helped was joining Women in Animation in New York when I first started out. They had great free monthly events and a ton of online resources for young and aspiring artists.

Also, taking Continuing Education classes always created a great network of people for me — both through the college teachers and the students I’d befriend in those classes. They would motivate me to create new work and learn new skills, even when I didn’t have a job.

I’d say finding and working with people you admire is the best thing you can possibly do. They will motivate you to be your best self and to create your best work. (Even if it’s not work for your day job.)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarahrebar.com
• Instagram: heysarahrebar
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahrebar/

Image Credits
Shanley Kellis