Abbey Sy is an artist, author, and designer who loves art and traveling extensively as part of her inspiration-hunting process. Her most recent book is The Art of the Travel Journal. She loves documenting her trips through her travel journals, frequently posting her colorful and imaginative journal pages on Instagram. Her curiosity for the world keeps her on her feet, whether it’s studying abroad, taking up an art residency, or traveling for vacation. She is constantly restless and looking forward to the next adventure, and her mantra is Always Be Creating. We asked Abbey a few questions about her creative process.

Quarto Creates: How did you first become interested in art?

Abbey Sy: I first became interested in art at a young age, and it was always something I had with me: pencils and paper. I would draw all the time without question, and over the years, I found out that it was something I really liked doing and enjoyed the process of, especially with discovering new mediums, trying out different subjects, etc.

QC: Who was your most influential teacher?

AS: I don't really have an influential teachers, but one of my earliest memories of art class that I thoroughly enjoyed was one taken with Teacher Glory, because she introduced me to watercolors and painting with oil. She helped built up my confidence in painting and allowed me to explore different ways to approach techniques, and that really made a mark on how I viewed art at a young age.

QC: Where do you find inspiration?

AS: I find inspiration for my art with my travels, and visiting new places. It inspires me to discover new ideas and be curious about where I am at a certain place and time.

QC: Have your finished products ever turned out different than your expectation, and how do you deal with that? 

AS: It depends! Sometimes yes, and I try to think of them as a nice surprise. It enables me also to learn more and to see possibilities I never would have encountered had I did what I expected the work to become.

QC: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from creating?

AS: I've learned to make room for mistakes, to be more patient with myself, and also to enjoy the process. 

Find Abbey online at abbeysy.com, at YouTube at Abbey Sy, and on Instagram @abbeysy, @abcartclub, and @shopabbeysy.