Conversations with the Inspiring Sara Bisenius

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Bisenius.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up muttering in art but didn’t get into my current groove until 2016. Coming out of a divorce, I wanted to get back to me. I felt overwhelmed with all the great artists I know, and who am I? I’m nothing. I can’t draw like the greats. I decided to start from the beginning: drawing boxes. My little boxes became my characters to tell my stories. My friends through social media pushed me to submit for art shows. Shows led to networking, led me to where I am today. The name iamnotunique comes from exactly that: that I am not unique. I’m not unique in the struggles and experiences I go through, and I’ve found comfort in knowing that.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part of going from drawing doodles as a toddler to wishing to be in art shows as a teenager to being in art shows as an adult is comparing yourself to others. If I compared myself to literally anyone, I’d throw away all my art supplies and call it a day. I wouldn’t have even begun in 2016. The only way I could draw is if I drew only how I knew too. I learn from others, but I don’t judge myself against them. I learn techniques and perspectives, but I don’t compare my work to theirs. I do my best according to me, and that’s it. I’m not aware that I’ve been restricted by my gender. I’ve learned to mimic “masculine” traits: stand tall with your shoulders back, stand with your legs shoulders width apart, speak with authority, keep your sentences concise. Take up space; don’t apologize for existing. Does that mean it’s right? No. But learning to mimic the actions of those around you to level the playing field is a skill you can choose to use, regardless of gender. You have to know your strengths and weaknesses, see what traits the people you want to associate with having, and blend them all together. And accept when it doesn’t work. Accept if you’ve been discriminated against. But then speak up with an educated argument. Take up your space.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do illustrations predominantly. My box people have been described as pop-tarts and likened to cinnamon toast crunch. People have said they appreciate my work due to its simplistic nature yet still carries deep meaning behind it. I’ve been told it’s relatable because of its simplicity and also because of its gender-neutral ways. All of which are not things I’ve thought of before. I create whatever I want, I post and show it, and if people like it, cool. If not, cool. They’re for me, not anyone else, and I’m thrilled that people relate to my work. I’m known for not selling my originals. I don’t because they’re like an art journal for me, and as I said, I don’t create for anyone else but myself. I’m most proud of my work when people open up to me about their own stories. I’ve heard stories of people struggling with eating disorders, with relationships, with their sexuality, with their mental illness. I’ve also seen beautiful things, like a mom buying their young teenager a drawing I did for Pride as a show of support for her teenager. A girlfriend sending me a private message to buy a print as a surprise for her boyfriend, and then her boyfriend private messaging me wanting to buy the same print for her, as a surprise. I’m proud of the people who are brave enough to share their stories with a stranger like me.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
My advice when it comes to networking: make business cards. Always carry them with you. Hand them out, always. Sometimes to the point of annoying. Go to events in your field. Strike up small talk with people, if you can. The easiest way to small talk is to start with a compliment and then ask them questions about themselves. Follow the people you meet on social media. Use an IG for networking and promoting yourself, separate from a personal account. Always be nice to everyone, because you never know who will help you out or have a gig available to you in the future. Most of the time, it’s the 4th degree of separation people who are the best hookups. Talk about your business/branding in social situations only when it makes sense. Don’t be that person that only ever talks about what you’re trying to promote. Hand out your cards, for sure, but be chill about it.

Contact Info:

• Email: iamnotunique@outlook.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/i.amnotunique
• Facebook: facebook.com/iamnotunique

Image Credit:
iamnotunique

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