Read our interview with Rachel “Sunberry” Douglas, the creator behind Sunberry Studios.
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I’m Sunberry, sometimes known as Rachel! I’m a freelance graphic designer, artist, and creator online. I create joyful art and designs full of bright colors and unabashed childlike wonder that make the world a sunnier, happier place to be. I got a graphic design degree, with only casual art experience. I wasn’t convinced I would do art someday, and I wasn’t a dedicated artist as a kid – I thought I couldn’t be, and restarted again at 30 years old. It’s been a tough road, but a joyous rediscovery!
Much of my art is created for marginalized folks and in support of active sociopolitical causes, particularly LGBTQIA+ rights and mutual aid. In the face of the adversity and strife, it is my goal that we will always try to fight back through joy as resistance.
How did you get started with streaming?
I started streaming in 2021 after following a number of cozy indie gamers (such as spacevalkyries and queerlybee and FaunNGames on Twitch) and went for it myself. Thanks to community support, I’ve stuck with being a cozy gaming and more recently art creator ever since. It is a place for community, uplifting joy, acceptance, and genuine connections.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
I started my own business because I wanted to be independent, and create my own place in the world that did not involve a detached corporate bureaucracy. I loved creating work for real people who actually appreciated my work, instead of just sending me back to the drawing board with vague feedback. Realizing I was autistic and developing accommodations for myself further cemented how much I enjoy being able to manage my work, and interact with clients I prefer to work with. It is not easy, but I am grateful it’s worked out thus far!
Are there any specific subjects or themes that you like to feature in your art?
While my mind often likes to bounce around subjects, I always come back to dinosaurs, frogs, and berry themes in my art. I love featuring vibrant colors with a childlike style. Think a children’s book meets Y2K nostalgia in style. You’ll often see a lot of strawberries, brontosaurs, and froggy friends to create cheer. I often say that most of my work is suitable for kids, but I myself am not, considering I swear like a sailor and love to laugh at dirty jokes, heh heh~
How do you deal with moments of creative block or self-doubt?
Self-doubt has been a constant companion on my art journey, as I’ve started much later in life than many others in the art space. When I’m feeling it, I’ve honestly found it helps to sit with the feelings. I take a walk, I journal, or I just lay down with some music or comforting YouTube. It doesn’t always help, but it helps to validate my feelings as real and genuine. Then, I make something fun, or pull up a random thing I like. I’ve found keeping a list of “things I like” is helpful during these moments too, as I can start with a random prompt from that list. I remind myself that I can only do my best for me, and that will look different than everyone else, and that’s okay!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?
Before you start your own business, take your time to figure out who you are and how you want to position your work. Figure out who you want to talk to, and figure out your voice that way. It’ll help in the long run and make it easier to share! Also, don’t feel like you have to jump to success immediately – it will take time to get off the ground, and only a very small percentage make it within the first year. Rely on your support systems, and don’t be afraid to start small and grow over time!
Is there anyone that you would like to thank?
I’d love to thank my husband, my community The Berry Fields, and my dearest friends for always rooting for me and calling me out on my nonsense!
All images included in this article belong to Sunberry Studios.
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