Artist Statement

I could never run fast enough to escape the demons in my mind.

So, I stopped running and turned to face them.

I'm SJ aka Sarah Spann James, a digital artist based in the Pacific Northwest. I have 10+ years of experience as a digital illustrator and designer.

My style vacillates between melancholy and playful—a reflection of my personality. Both dark and whimsical details are interwoven in my illustrations that favor bold lines and are often reminiscent of comic book art. I like to work with a limited yet bold color palette contrasted with grayscale. In my artwork, I frequently touch upon topics of fate, time, mortality, regret, and love. I'm often inspired by surrealism, cyberpunk, memento mori, and vanitas. 

Through my work, I invite the viewer to stand with me on the edge of my mind for a vulnerable exploration of my inner world and my tendency toward overthinking and obsession.