Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney LaCom.
Hi Sydney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. “Seenee” was my nickname as a child and I scribbled comics about superheroes from my own imagination, newspapers about my stuffed animals – anything I could think of, any chance I got.
A great childhood and an artistic household allowed me the space to exercise my creativity before I even knew what it meant to draw “correctly.” Perhaps it was my having tasted this artistic freedom that kept me from applying for art school, or perhaps it was a lack of confidence that I would ever meet a school’s standards.
Whatever the reason, I chose to pursue a BA in music education at UCLA, believing it to be the safer, more objective route since I had received tangible feedback, awards, and now a renowned university’s approval for my musical endeavors.
I then pursued what I believed to be the safer career path, taking a position as a full-time music teacher. However, I found myself constantly longing for the creative freedom I had enjoyed as a child. As soon as I got home, I would escape into my sketchbook and draw like there was no tomorrow.
When school politics and my own increasing health complications finally pushed me over the edge, I ultimately made the difficult but necessary decision to resign in 2021. I now faced a crucial question that would determine the next direction of my life: What should I do with my life, and what is the point of it all?
As a Christian, I felt the answer was clear – to glorify my God through what I create since He was the One who created me in the first place. Thus, Seenee Scribbles was born as a childhood hobby, grew to be somewhat of a coping mechanism through the stress of early adulthood, and has now matured into my life’s purpose.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like many others during the pandemic, I left my steady job to pursue what still felt like a mere hobby. As a result, the first few months were plagued with self-doubt and attempts to justify my decision to family and friends.
Thankfully, I received support from others around me who were either making the same career change or who simply believed my artwork deserved to be discovered. Along the way, I also struggled to find the balance between making what I love and making what sells.
For a while, I assumed that producing relevant, crowd-pleasing artwork was the way to go. I was pleasantly surprised, then, to discover that my original characters whom I lovingly call “hammies” were so well-received by fans! From then on, I strived to create from the heart – and I haven’t looked back since.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Simply put, I am known for painting cute things in the watercolor form! I paint all kinds of characters and food from both my own imagination and my childhood (any Animal Crossing or Studio Ghibli fans out there?).
I then turn those paintings into all kinds of paper goods such as vinyl stickers, sticker sheets, greeting cards, and more. I am most proud of my watercolor sticker sheets since they are entirely homemade: I first paint a set of characters or items, then I print and cut them right here in my studio!
My most requested custom pieces are my watercolor storefront and homes. It has been so special getting to hear others’ stories about where they had their first date, the childhood home they miss dearly, and the little shop their parents had to close down after several years.
Customers are always happy to see their favorite place immortalized in tiny watercolor details. I have also recently branched out into menu illustration! See more of my work on Instagram: @seeneescribbles.
What does success mean to you?
Success is having honored my God through whatever I do. If I can see Him face to face one day and hear the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” I will know that I have succeeded in the only thing that truly matters.
Pricing:
- Stickers: $5 or 5 for $20
- Sticker Sheets: $6
- Custom 4×6 Storefront/Home Painting: starting at $45
- Menu Illustration: starting at $30/hr
- … and many more on Etsy! (Seenee Scribbles Shop).
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/seeneescribbles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seeneescribbles
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWDZFm4LoEdlIyqmrPvUUTQ
- Other: seeneescribbles.myshopify.com
