ILLUSTRATION BY SD

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS DID I think I would be sitting down to write an article about my own artwork but here we are! I’m Shóna, the face behind Illustration by SD. I’m originally from Kilkenny but I am currently living in Cork. For as long as I can remember I have loved to draw. My favourite thing when I was younger was getting new stationery and art supplies. I was constantly drawing and painting. I remember making decorations for the house for every occasion. In school however, I took the more academic route. I studied Chemistry in college before completing a Masters and now I’m currently finishing up my PhD. I found my love for drawing again while trying to find an escapism from my studies. When I sit down to draw, my mind instantly feels at ease.

What really got me back into drawing during lockdown were draw along Instagram lives with tattoo artist, Rebecca Vincent. This has now evolved into a creative outlet called ‘The Art House’ curated by both Rebecca and another amazing artist, Jade Clark. It really is amazing to see how this has inspired so many others to pick up a pencil and draw. Another art-

related thing I found myself doing during lockdown was paint by numbers. The fun and sometimes tedious task distracted me for hours on end during lockdown when I needed it most. Come to think of it, I really should finish that painting!

I have always wanted try my hand at digital illustrations. I recently got an iPad which was the perfect opportunity to start drawing digitally. My style of drawing happened accidentally one day while doodling. I didn’t know what to draw at first. I tried to think of what I enjoy and drag came to mind instantly. I remember the first ever drag performance I saw was Joanna Ryde over 10 years ago. It was so much fun. After moving to Cork, I discovered the fantastic place that is Chambers. The talent in Cork is phenomenal. I got to see Mia Gold, Letycha Le’Synn, Liam Bee, Lucina Schynning and Cerena to name a few. The first ever queen I drew was Kim Chi. The dramatic makeup look seemed really interesting to me to draw and once I had completed that drawing, I knew I was onto something pretty cool. I would describe my style as colourful, simplistic line drawings. It is very satisfying to see a couple of lines come together into a completed piece. I think my style of simple line drawings lends itself well to eye makeup especially. I adore drawing fabulous big wings and lashes! I have a passion for both makeup and art and in my opinion, drag is a beautiful combination of these. After this I continued to draw some internationally known queens over on my Instagram. I’m really passionate about supporting our own local drag performers. We have so much talent all around us here in Ireland. One day I realised I needed to start drawing my favourite local Irish queens. I started with the amazing Mia Gold. Then Victoria Secret and Davina Devine from Dublin. I’m a huge fan of these two, their podcast Petty Little Things is one of my favourites. Now, I have posted almost 100 drawings of Irish drag performers on my Instagram and I still struggle with who I decide to draw since we have so much talent. A good complaint I know!

I am so grateful for the support I have had. It is great to be able to be creative and add a splash of joy with my art. I was absolutely honoured to be asked to have my artwork as part of the MTU Cork LGBT* Society exhibition back in February to celebrate their documentary ‘Dragging Up The Past’. It was fantastic to be part of such an inspiring and uplifting celebration. I highly recommend you check out the documentary which takes you on journey through Cork’s drag timeline.

I’ve found many new drag artists through Illustration by SD and I can’t wait to discover more amazing talent. As well as drawing drag artists, I also enjoy drawing other custom illustrations. I am very lucky to have been asked to draw some gorgeous people. My commissions are currently open and I would love to draw more custom designs. I can be found over on my Instagram (@illustrationbysd) or by email (illustrationbysd@gmail.com). I hope this article inspires at least one person to pick up a pen or pencil and draw!