We had the good fortune of connecting with Sky Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sky, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Over the years I’ve started to recognize the physical toll that burnout takes on the body, and have prioritized work life balance ever since. I’ve realized that to be a creative, I must rest and have space to just “be” without a to-do list.

My best work is done after a break to get some fresh air and feel the sunshine. So I incorporate regular breaks, and set work cut-offs each night. This balance has done wonders for my productivity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I mainly draw with pencil and ink, and then translate those sketches into digital illustrations using an iPad application. All of the art I’ve done so far has either been inspired by a trip, outdoor adventure, or surfing. I like to keep it that way, and if I sell work then it’s a bonus.

I’ve learned that I can’t force creativity, and I want my illustrations to be the product of joy and the beauty of the natural world. I hope that my drawings inspire people to look at the details of water, waves, and leaves — and recognize how incredible our planet is!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1. Morning surf at Cardiff Reef 2. Breakfast at Nectarine Grove in Leucadia
3. Hike at Torrey Pines
4. Coffee at Birdrock Coffee Roasters
5. Walk around downtown encinitas
6. Dinner at Plumeria Thai
🙂

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?
Gosh, so many. One book that really helped my identify my passion is called Designing Your Life, written by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans about choosing work that enhances your life and energy. Another is called FLO by Alisa Viti, which is about biohacking for women,

I also wouldn’t be where I am today without General Assembly, which is a bootcamp program that fast-tracked my path to design.

Of course, my closest friends and parents have been tremendously supportive as I made a major career transition in my late twenties.

Website: skysmithdesign.com

Instagram: @skysmithdesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skysmith/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal 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.