Meet Sue Lion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sue Lion.

Sue, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had prepared all through high school to become a physical education major and teach PE. It hadn’t occurred to me to take any art classes – all the science and math classes, as well as competing on sports teams, were preparing me for college. On the way to the university’s Women’s PE building to register for freshman classes, I was encouraged by my brother to take some classes I’d never thought of before. Take an art class. I laughed – I couldn’t imagine taking a beginning art class at college level, as much as I had fun at home making things like valentine’s boxes for elementary school! But when I got to the registration desk, I asked to take an art class. My one basic drawing class changed my life. By the end of my sophomore year, I changed my major to graphic design, the beginning of a career that has satisfied me for decades. I’ve added a few illustration styles to the mix, as well as book design. I’ve written and illustrated children’s books – How the Trees Got Their Voices now has 17 national awards – and have published my first book for adults, Night Threads, a Weaving of Soul Stories from the Dreamtime, recent recipient of a Nautilus Gold Award.

My first job out of college was for one of the best, high-end design companies in Denver. I learned a TON (thank goodness for good owners)! After working there for a few years, I branched out and worked for small agencies, a large corporation’s visual communications department, and set up my own freelance business. I also taught classes in design, production, calligraphy, and bookbinding at Community College of Denver.

I have explored many art forms over the years – Eastern bookbinding, basket making, calligraphy, ink and colored pencil illustration, and pastels. I’ve settled on a broad series of inspirational illustrations, filled with universal symbolism and positive energy. I’m convinced that we need more light in the world. My intention is to bring heart to my artwork that will help people look at life in a way that changes how they look inside themselves and seek out a more peaceful lifestyle. I am very connected to the workings of the Earth, too. The seasons, the critters, the wind – all are filled with living energy. My desire is for people to fall in love with Mother Earth, and from that comes more respect for all beings. I try hard to create children’s books, books for adults, drawings and products that give people a different view of life, a way to step out of the daily routine and endless fears and be content.

I am grateful for the amazing teachers who have taken their time and talents to shoe me down my own path – art, design, business – but most of all, the workings of the soul. My work has been in juried shows, corporate collections, art fairs, and many private collections. I believe we are all here on our unique paths to find happiness. It’s a challenge most of the time – we fill our lives with a lot of schedules, cacophony, TV, and material comforts. But I do believe that we are surrounded by some of the most exquisite beauty imaginable – our amazing Earth and our tender, creative hearts.

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?
I believe that if all roads were smooth, I wouldn’t be learning. Yes, my road(s) have had easy flat spots, grinding uphill climbs, and rocks of various sizes. I have seen lots of changes in the design industry – for example, moving from working at a drawing board to a computer – and the challenges that had to be overcome. I’ve had some good managers and some really bad ones. Raising children, being a stay-at-home mom but running a small freelance business was very challenging. It was like keeping multiple balls in the air at the same time, but the number of balls kept changing. I struggled with the belief that my work was doing what I hoped it would – bring light to the world.

Hey, if I didn’t have to sleep, I’d have so many more hours in the day! 😀

We’d love to hear more about your art.
I feel I have two businesses: My freelance business, Sue Lion: ink, concentrates on helping businesses present themselves in a professional way. I have clients in healthcare, environmental, and high tech industries, as well as many small, independently-owned businesses. I also design books for a variety of individuals and illustrate and design children’s books. I feel I treat people with respect and do the best I can for them to succeed with a look and feel that is unique to them.

My second business is my own art. I have a wide variety of products – decks of affirmation cards, greeting cards, prints, journals, and my own children’s and adult books. I have my work in a few stores, participate in a variety of shows, and host my own Home Show, which includes a dozen or more other artists. It’s a wonderful event – we all bring our unique creativity to the show. I feel I can give them a place and platform to display and sell their work.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’ve really enjoyed designing and illustrating books. I’ve got a couple of clients’ children’s books in the works, plus my next adult book is in the process of getting the illustrations done. I have also written some children’s books and will do the illustrations for them. I see more books in the future!

Pricing:

• EartHeart Wisdom Affirmation Deck – $16.95 – a collection of 30 cards that bring in peace, harmony and light
• Night Threads, a Weaving of Soul Stories from the Dreamtime – $17.95 – a collections of short stories based on vivid, magical dreams
• Night Threads, a Weaving of Soul Stories from the Dreamtime EPUB – $7.99
• Spirit Animals Oracle Deck – $20.95 – 55 animals with their spiritual descriptions, based on the Native Indian belief system

Contact Info:

• Website: suelion.com | suelionink.etsy.com
• Email: sue@suelion.com

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