An illustration shows Graphic Designer Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya watching her 8-year-old self draw on a sheet of paper. After having found a drawing from several years ago, she reminisced on the memories associated with that age. “It is why I may find it difficult to completely throw these away, left to be forgotten in some landfill, even though the rational part of me says there is no use in keeping them.” Sanabria-Amaya wrote. Illustration by Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya
Graphic Designer Kimberly Sanabria-Amaya writes about the sentimental value of her past drawings.
From madly scribbling on walls at the age of five to drawing on digital art programs and sketchbooks at 17, it’s always been clear that drawing would be a lifelong passion of mine.
Recently, I stumbled across a drawing I made in second grade. The lady’s body is disproportional and the bright red ink is almost blinding. As funny as it may be to look at nine years later, it serves as a reminder of how far I’ve progressed in my artistic journey.
Drawings like this serve as a time capsule, bringing memories with them. How could I throw something like this away?
This drawing reminds me of how simple life was during childhood. It is why I may find it difficult to completely throw these away, left to be forgotten in some landfill, even though the rational part of me says there is no use in keeping them.
Most of the art I did in elementary and middle school was on paper before I switched to digital art during the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolation gave me plenty of time to hone my artistic skills while I was stuck inside my house. I watched YouTube videos about lighting, shading, color pairing and other color theory concepts.
Although there are plenty of more recent drawings I’m proud of, there is something special about the drawings I made when I was younger. Then, I was able to draw without worrying about the more complicated aspects and how it would be viewed by others.
Drawings like this serve as a time capsule, bringing memories with them. How could I throw something like this away?
Conversely, those very things are also what I appreciate about myself. I am able to push myself to see how far I can take an illustration and to pay attention to the details that many overlook.
One thing I love about art is that there is no definitive endpoint. Will the way I draw now be the same in the coming years?
That is an answer that only comes with time.
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