Celebrating 10 Years of Sprocket the Dog: A Journey of Art, Growth, and Connection

This year marks a milestone that’s both exciting and deeply personal for me—ten whole years of drawing Sprocket the dog! When I first picked up my sketchbook and started bringing this little pup to life, I never imagined how much he would come to mean to me, and how he would shape both my art and my journey as an illustrator. It feels like only yesterday I was scribbling his first lines, and now here we are, a decade later, celebrating Sprocket’s legacy!

The Journey So Far

Sprocket was the dog I never knew I needed, I got him in 2007 and he passed over the rainbow bridge back in 2019. I didn’t draw for a few months after his death. I got into my head that people would think it was weird that I was drawing my dead dog! I then realised Sprocket embodied all my dogs Edison my amazing collie dog and Ted my currant dog. Over the years, Sprocket has become so much more than just a character in my drawings. He’s a little bundle of joy, personality, and curiosity that has captured my heart and the hearts of those who follow my work. Through his playful antics and his own unique charm, Sprocket has been my companion in creativity, helping me push boundaries and explore new artistic directions.

But Sprocket’s journey has also been mine. I’ve faced challenges—both personal and professional—during these ten years. There were times when I doubted my ability as an artist, when I questioned whether anyone would care about my work or the stories I was telling. But Sprocket was always there, a reminder of why I draw, and what matters: the joy of creation, the connection with others, and the importance of storytelling.

What I’ve Learned from Drawing Sprocket

Drawing Sprocket has been a journey of growth. Each line I draw has taught me something new—not only about technique and illustration but also about perseverance and self-belief. There were days when inspiration felt distant, and the temptation to give up on the art I loved was strong. But Sprocket, in all his simplicity and joy, has always reminded me that creativity isn’t just about big, bold statements—it’s about consistency, finding beauty in the small moments, and connecting with others through stories.

I’ve learned to find motivation even when I thought no one was watching, and how to keep drawing when the world feels like it’s moving too fast. Drawing Sprocket has become a ritual, a meditation, and a safe space where I can explore, experiment, and sometimes just be. He’s been my constant, my muse, and my reminder that art can be a refuge—a place to return to, no matter what’s going on in the world.

What’s Coming Next: A Celebration of Sprocket

To celebrate this incredible milestone, I’ve got some exciting things in store for you! It’s not just about reflecting on the past ten years, but also about looking ahead to new adventures with Sprocket, and introducing some brand new characters and projects. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:

Introducing a New Character – I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be introducing a new character alongside Sprocket! This character will bring a fresh perspective and new energy to the world I’ve been building. I can’t wait for you to meet them and see how they fit into the adventures of Sprocket.
Exhibition of New Work – To celebrate this ten-year anniversary, I’m hosting an exhibition featuring new works inspired by Sprocket’s journey. It will be a showcase of my growth as an artist, as well as a tribute to the little dog who’s been with me all this time. It will be a chance to see how Sprocket has evolved, and how my art has changed over the years.
Limited Ceramic Pieces – For those who love a tangible piece of art, I’m releasing a collection of limited edition ceramic pieces featuring Sprocket and other characters. These pieces will be a celebration of the tactile side of art, combining my illustration with the craft of ceramics.
New Adventures and Fun Workshops for All Ages – As part of the celebration, I’m also planning to share new adventures with Sprocket. There will be workshops for all ages, where we’ll explore creativity, storytelling, and drawing. I want to bring people of all ages together to connect through art and creativity, just like I have through the years.
Kids Book - I'm launching a special kids' book featuring his adventures, along with a fun colouring book! To make the celebration even more memorable, there will be three limited-edition pins available. It's going to be a fantastic way to honor Sprocket's journey and share his story with fans young and old!

A Heartfelt Thank You

None of this would be possible without you—my amazing supporters, followers, and fans. Whether you’ve been with me from the very beginning or you’ve only recently discovered Sprocket’s world, your encouragement and enthusiasm mean the world to me. You’ve made this journey so much richer and more meaningful, and I am deeply grateful for your support.

So here’s to ten years of Sprocket the dog, and to many more adventures ahead. I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you all. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let’s keep creating, exploring, and sharing stories together.

With love and excitement,
Sarah Westwood