Today we’d like to introduce you to Britt Pemberton.
Britt, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Orange, California to a Mexican American mom and an Italian American dad. I’ve been drawing and making things since I can remember. My mom was an illustrator so I’m sure I got the habit from her. I almost flunked out of high school if it weren’t for the supportive teachers at my all-girls Catholic school letting me turn in paintings instead of real homework. Right out of high school I attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and I graduated with a BFA in Illustration. Since then I have storyboarded for commercials, done editorial illustrations for magazines, and drawn too much fan art. Most recently, I’ve been using my time to make functional art for my newly launched online shop, dedicated to finding my voice and helping others along the way.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think my biggest obstacle has been my own insecurity. It’s only recently that I have gotten the courage to find my own voice. I think this may come naturally to some people. I was always caught up in feeling like I wasn’t “good” enough in my technical skill. A competitive art school is filled with breathtaking natural talent, and I did not have that. One teacher even told me I shouldn’t be at the school because I didn’t have the skill. I think I let that get to me.
What has helped me the most has been deciding to be of service to others and let go of ego. It’s so motivating! Every time I start to make something I think of a person or a group of people- I imagine what I’m creating would be a gift for them, a way to give them confidence.
Please tell us about Sleepy Britt.
My online shop, SleepyBritt.store, has given me a place to share myself and hopefully help others. All my artwork is made to inspire confidence, compassion, and magic. I write about what was in mind when making each item in their descriptions, but it hopefully with mean something special for each person.
Animals have been a huge help with my mental health. They have such a special place in my heart. As I make things for the shop I have original art leftover that I will always sell to help animals. Most recently I sold all the original art I made for my zine to help two charities, one for cats and one for dogs. I have a huge list of charities that I want to slowly make my way through, donating what I can to all of them! (The list can be found in my blog if you ever need to find a place to donate)
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Christmas, when I was 5 or 6 years old. My family asked me what I wanted that year and I said “chips”. Every person in my family and extended family got me ~all kinds~ of chips! The tree had a grocery store full of chips under it. That was cool 🙂
Pricing:
- My a zine, Dogs Are the Best People (digital download) is on sale for $0 until 10/1/19
Contact Info:
- Website: http://sleepybritt.store
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepybrittany/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9I-sYnV3Elz9DDDdGlyzjA
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