Life and Work with Sharon Lane Holm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Lane Holm.

Sharon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Art has always been my passion. I have wanted to be an artist since third grade. It has been all I ever wanted to do. It still is. I graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with honors. My degree is in Visual Communications (advertising design). Upon graduation, I was offered a job at Hallmark Cards, but I was not ready to relocate out of state. I was an award-winning art director for a few years in Florida. I married, had a child and moved to Connecticut. Perfect time to switch my career to children’s book illustration. I was very fortunate to acquire artist representation with my first contact.

I just moved back home to Florida four years ago, after 35 years in Connecticut.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Life is a lesson. There are no instruction manuals. Every project will have a learning curve. Competition is fierce. Not everyone plays nice. Rejection hurts. There will always be someone who you think is more talented than you. My anxieties have caused me to question myself and my talents (it’s always an honor when someone tells me they admire my work). Some days, it is hard for me to separate who I am with what I do.

Believe in yourself.

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
As an illustrator, I can tell you a story with my artwork, without words. From a blank piece of paper, I can create my own world, my own characters, my own story. As an aspiring children’s book author, the words have not been as easy. I have been a successful, professional, and published illustrator for many years. I have illustrated everything from Highlights Magazine to educational books to bath books, advent calendars, greeting cards and more.

A very proud moment for me was earning my black belt in TaeKwonDo. In regards to my career, I’ve never given up.

What sets me apart from others? My art, my style of art. It’s me. My art is a reflection of my feelings and my thoughts. With all of my art, I will share a piece of me with the world, a part of my soul. Feeling blessed with what I have achieved- I love to share what I have learned on my journey with others who may be just starting their journey.

Advice? My high school art teacher told me I had no artistic talent. What???! That just pushed me to try harder, to prove her wrong. My advice – Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t. You can. More importantly, don’t ever tell yourself that you can’t. Yes, you can.

Work hard. Learn as much as you can. Don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes. Keep moving forward
Follow your dreams. Don’t give up. With patience, persistence, and passion you can achieve your dreams. I did.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
SCBWI (Society Children’s Book Writers and illustrators) is an organization that every new aspiring author and/or illustrator thinking seriously about this field, should join.

Contact Info:

• Address: 733 46th Square, Vero Beach, Florida 32968
• Website: sharonholm.com (new site is under construction)
• Phone: 475.529.6092
• Email: sharonlaneholm@gmail.com
• Instagram: Sharon_Lane_Holm
• Facebook: @sharonlaneholm
• Twitter: @SharonLaneHolm
• Other: LinkedIn

Image Credit:
sharon lane holm, greg holm

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