Sarah Ushurhe: Writer/Illustrator Profile

Name: Sarah Ushurhe
City: London, England
Places Travelled/Lived: Wales, France, Spain, Dubai and soon the Netherlands
Loves: Angela Carter’s The Bloody Chamber short story collection and anything by Marina Warner.
Education: Studied at the University of the Arts London and gained a BA (Hons) in Graphic and Media Design, taking the illustration pathway
Occupation: Creative (Illustrator and Writer)
Website: http://www.sarahushurhe.co.uk/
News & Sketchblog: http://dilettanteillustrated.blogspot.co.uk/

What would one find in the pages of your Paperblanks journal?
I use my Paperblanks journal to write notes and sketches for my literary and art projects. For example, I am currently using one of my Paperblanks journals for a graphic novel project that I am working on, which is currently in its early stages.

Do you have any personal philosophies you’ve come to develop about writing, art, creation or culture?
Patience sometimes is a vital key. Some things happen quicker for others and may take longer for you creatively, but it shouldn’t be a deterrent for you against continuing toward what it is that you set out for. Sometimes the journey is the reward and pays off in the end, but it is always good to keep developing your skills to show growth and just get better at what is it that you do.

Do you have any specific themes you refer to frequently?
I tend to draw quite intricate details in my work, being inspired by patterns found in nature, sculptures, objects and the ornate designs of architectural structures such as chapters (the capital of a column) in particular.

No matter what type of creative art you make, what or who first inspired you to make it an essential part of your life?
My art is a form of release that I have always done, but have more time to focus on since I graduated from university. I would say that I have been drawing as long as I can remember, and writing too. Inspiration comes from my surroundings, books I have read, my dreams and emotions, and intricate detailing of objects that I sometimes stumble upon. This all gets filtered into sketches and pieces of artwork.

How did you find Paperblanks?
I was in a Waterstones store a few years back looking for a notebook and was drawn to the Laurel Burch Soul & Tears Midi Paperblanks journal. I purchased it and have been a Paperblanks user ever since!

What sets Paperblanks apart from other journals you’ve used?
The paper quality is great, so I can use pens, inks, pencils and sometimes paint on the pages. Also, the covers are beautiful and Paperblanks really shows what can be done with a journal and notebook and make it into something that is extra special to have inside your home. The cover art is always a unique design that draws you in to see what is inside, but the various textures and intricate designs used on the covers and the different types of binding used set them apart from other notebooks and journals that are out there.

Do you have a favorite Paperblanks design?
I really like the Good Dog! journals, which I currently own and use for my notes and sketches, but I would love to get the Tiffany Leaded Glass journal too.

Do you have any advice for other creative people?
If you have a passion or interest in something, just keep working at it to develop your skills. No path is easy and sometimes hurdles might come along the way, but as you keep going the journey and the things you learn will be rewarding. It is always important to have belief in what you do, because there can be times when you feel that you are getting nowhere. But creating things takes time, and you have to remember what it was that gave you that passion and creative interest to begin with. It is always good to network and meet other creatives along the way, but just remember to enjoy what it is that you do and have a bit of patience.