Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Kennedy
Hi Dylan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I started the architecture program at the University of Kansas.
My professor taught us drawing as a means of communicating ideas within our practice which flipped my reality of sketching as hobby. She enforced the idea that drawing and sketching is essential in architecture, and that by drawing –you are subconsciously, or consciously, learning how buildings work. I knew that I had to sketch my ideas to earn her time.
She pushed me to draw fast, and I fell in love with the speed. I have little patience for a long project. Even though I find gratification in a finished piece, I prefer drawing as a means of problem-solving and ideation.
The love for sketching came after I developed a strong interest in St. Louis, architecture, and urban planning. Sketching and St. Louis merged together in what I felt could be a niche for St. Louisans to engage and take pride in where they live. The name “Sketchy City” is an empowerment message about urban imperfections that I find approachable and easy, and the sketches I wanted to base the idea on.
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My favorite way to draw is with a thick sign pen or felt-tip marker, a non-lined sketch pad, and a cup of black coffee early in the morning.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was difficult defining what I wanted to do with drawing. Social media, business, self-fulfillment, civic engagement…And also understanding how I liked to draw and the time I was willing to commit. (Which was always influx with school and work). Drawing came second to late nights in the architecture studio and second to bartending shifts.
For a while when I got started, I got so fixated on building a following and finding precedents for success that I got lost in the sauce. Just draw, I think, is a good way to go. My advice to my 19-year-old self would be: build the idea around what you to achieve and what you’re good at doing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sketchy City?
Sketchy City is a platform for architectural drawing and design. I offer depictions of homes, and iconic landmarks. Whether it’s a commissioned house portrait, a drawing of a neighborhood street, or a detailed look at a city’s evolving skyline, Sketchy City celebrates civic pride.
Sketchy City prints are available online and in-person on Saturdays at Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, April to November 2025.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Like –
STL was built as a top 5 city: the architecture, arts, infrastructure and scale are incredible. And it’s amazing to me that a city of 300,000 people is spoiled to enjoy the amenities that cities of 1,00,000 people lack.
Dislike-
The scattered momentum. We are a sprawling region, and the effects of sprawl can be felt with just about any decision in St. Louis.
“Want to get a drink? Want to grab a bite to eat? Pick a neighborhood…”
I’d like us to continue focusing on downtown, and the central core for retail, nightlife, and basic services. Right now, some of those experiences can feel sparse and far between.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sketchy-city.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sketchy__city/
