We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Dion Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I have showed that that by perseverance and staying true to a passion, no matter how practical it may seem, that anything is possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a graphic designer turned artist, illustrator and author. I also teach a lot these days. My work is very different from other artists because I work primarily in a sketchbook, therefore it is hard for me to sell original work. My work is also very different from most illustration because it is all done by hand, and is not as polished as most of what you see in the illustration world. I have made these quirks work well for me, but they do set me apart, and sometimes it is hard to place me in a specific category. I also create a lot of playful hand drawn words, but not in a polished or typical way, so my style sets me apart. It has taken me time to accept my differences as bonuses rather than faults. Back in 2017 my sketchbook work had been celebrated on social media enough to gain the attention of a literary agent. Since meeting my agent, I have published three books with Ten Speed Press/Watson Guptill, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and another with Random House Kids. These books have been amazing, as they have pushed me to do things I never thought I could do: write, teach, and tell complete stories.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Brooklyn, NY, so there is so much to do and see right of my door! I would first walk down to Brooklyn Bridge Park to share the views and the excitement that is so close to home. Then we would get on the F Train to Broadway Lafayette to walk around Soho to Little Italy to Chinatown. We would eat somewhere along the way. Then we would get on the subway again, and go uptown to see the Georgia O’Keefe show at MoMA, and maybe take in a play or Broadway show. The possibilities are endless in NYC!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and my kids!

Website: www.sdionbaker.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sdionbakerdesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-dion-baker-23531659/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sdionbakerdesign

Other: https://samanthadionbaker.substack.com/

Image Credits
Headshot image: Angela Cappetta

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.