Career Path - Plan B...and Other Things

I've recently discovered sites like iFreelance and have browsed some of their illustration jobs for potential shots at getting some experience under my belt. As I looked at the descriptions and deadlines, it occurred to me that I might need to rethink my book illustration plans. The few listings that were of any interest to me had 4-6 month deadlines. Those projects would most certainly be disrupted by things like giving birth to baby #4 and adding a newborn to our menagerie.

Since my other kids were getting older and more independent, I was working toward illustration knowing that I would have access to "time" more than I used to. So, realistically, I don't think I could attempt a book project for a while.

Being a children's book illustrator is my ultimate goal. But I started to think that, in the meantime, a good area to focus on a gain experience might be with greeting cards. I don't know how many people out there do that (I'd love to hear about the pros and cons from anyone with experience - what do people charge for such projects?). I was a little discouraged to think that my illustration plans would be pushed back, but this strikes me as a lot more do-able.

So, I think that's what I'll research at the moment - provided our computer doesn't die. It's behaving worse than dial-up at the moment so I'm a little concerned. I made CD back-ups of all my photos that I stored on this thing last night (just in case). If I suddenly disappear for a little period of time, then it's because I threw the computer out the window.

As for the picture above, it's just one from the sketchbook from about a year ago. I may have posted it before, but I don't remember. It doesn't have anything to do with the topic - I just don't like to post without a picture on an illustration blog. Perhaps these could be characters for some sort of greeting cards...who knows?

Project for an Upcoming Kids Art Event

Here's a little side project that I've been doing for our homeschool group's Fine Arts Festival (art show and talent show) that's coming up soon. This is the design for the program cover. It's a doodle from waaaaayyyyy back - about a year ago - that I thought would be appropriate for the event. Different parents have always done the cover, but I think starting next year, we're going to hold a design contest for the kids. Winning design gets to be the cover.

I'm pretty happy with it except for the 8 in 2008 - but, it's done in ink. Maybe I can make an adjustment with white paint. White-out certainly makes things worse (tried that before - yikes!). I suppose that's the downside of not working on the computer. Oh well, maybe I just won't worry about it. I'm certain the audience won't care, but it's that bit of perfectionism that comes through when I'm working on a project.

This design will run on white paper and be inset on red or black cardstock (the colors of the event are red and black). If it's on black card, it will have red ribbon; if it's on red card, it will have red ribbon (on the spine).

Illustration Friday: "Late"

Thought I'd pull this one out of the sketchbook as it seemed appropriate for the topic. I did post this a couple months back - so it might looked familiar if you've visited here before. But, it wasn't totally complete at that time. I've since filled in the empty spots and added the clock hands. It's not my favorite drawing, but this will be my teaching week and I won't have time for something new.

Illustration Friday: "Strings"

I made it - just under the wire. Since this is the week I don't teach my class, I really wanted to try and do something for IF. (Click on the picture to see more detail).

I always chuckle when I see those rope lines meant to get young kids from point A to point B. The kids are always doing different things as they move along, usually getting distracted, BUT they dutifully hold onto the rope. I once watched one little girl who was bringing up the rear as she looked everywhere except where she was going, just following the tug of the rope, and she ran smack into a door frame (barely phased her - she was fine).

Anyway, that's what jumped into my head when I saw the topic.

I hope to add color to this one day, but I knew that wasn't going to happen before they changed the topic. I'll repost it in the future. I can see that I really have to make an effort to carve out time to work on illustrations these days with everything going on. And, it's only going to get busier as the holidays approach (YIKES). Oh well, such is life...

Kid Stuff Keeping Me Busy...

Well...I at least looked at the Illustration Friday topic and even doodled a few thoughts. But, this just isn't going to be the week to get something like that done.

Every other Wednesday throughout the school year about 30+ homeschooling families meet to share our gifts and teach classes to all the kids. I'm teaching an art class for kids 9 years to early teen that looks at how the portrait has been depicted throughout history. We started with Ancient Mesopotamia and the Abu Temple figures (known for thier huge eyes and stair-step hair and beards).

Today, after studying the style points and the color symbolism, they painted Egyptian-Style portraits on plaster tiles.

We only have an hour together and there's quite a variety of ages and abilities in the class, but I think they're all having fun and learning something at the same time - that's the main point, after all.

Maybe I'll be able to get to IF next week...

Illustration Friday - "Packed"

Unbelievable! I actually had a few minutes last night, so I thought I'd just play around with the theme. The word "packed" made me think of going places with kids...and all of the "stuff" that goes along with them. I ended up doing something that I actually liked!



Of course, it's only a pencil sketch - no color, no polish. But, that's one of the things I like about it - I didn't take the time to get all fussy about it. So, here it is - as is. I call it "Goin' to Grandma's."

Lamenting My Lack of Illo Time on a Very Special Day

My son and I were going back through the pages of my sketchbook as I am just a few pages from filling it. I really enjoyed my time drawing and painting in this past year, and it's been pretty difficult to find the time lately (or the motivation when I do have the time). But, such is life right now...

I did recently do some sketches of various characters. I've only pictured one of them here (guess I forgot to photograph the other - baby brain). While it's Li'l Red Riding Hood-ish, that's not what was motivating me. I can really get in a rut, drawing things in the same way all the time, so I just wanted to play around and try to do something with a little different "feel." I don't know if I was successful - I don't think I can divorce myself completely.

The figure is always a challenge. I'll do something that I sort of like, and then I'll see other people's work that is different (and impressive), and it makes me want to try a different angle. I guess that goes back to my desire not to pigeon-hole myself by limiting my style. In the long run, I don't know if that's a good thing (I'd like to think it is). But, I think I'd go nuts if I was simply drawing illo after illo in the same style. Exploring and inventing are half the fun!

Anyway, today was a very special day because my youngest turned 6 years old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOLEY!

Sketches...as promised...

Tis the hectic season of school starting again, soccer starting, our large-scale co-op (where I teach a class) starting as well, and a wonderful visit from some out-of-town family. So, I needed to really focus on those other things, but I think I'm starting to settle into what is to be "normal" for the school year. I'm getting an idea of what my routine will be and when I can possibly squeeze in some drawing or painting.

Anyway, here are a couple of sketches from our camping trip last month. The one above is of my 2 girls playing in the river - that's how they spent most of their time during the hot days.

There was no shortage of trees along the river's edge whose intricate roots were exposed going down into the water. I wish I'd had time to add color. Oh well...

I think I need some direction - a specific project to work on. I'm not very content with just doodling right now. I'll have to see if I can squeeze in an Illustration Friday project this week.

WOOF!

Friend and fellow dog-lover Kate sent an award my way (Yeah! It's a first). Here's Basha playing in the creek during our recent camping adventure.

Now, if only I could think of someone to pass the award on to...

Well, next time I'll be back with some sketches. I've still got a bit of work to do to get ready for the school year.

I'm back!

Where does the time go. I've had a little time of rest, but I've also had to get books and lessons together for the upcoming school year - lots of meetings to attend. There've also been several doctors appointments - I think I've had more blood drawn than should be allowed.

We went on our camping trip last week - about an hour and a half away in the Los Padres National Forest. Everyone - including the dog - was looking forward to it.

Manzana Creek ran by our campsite and the kids spent many hours splashing and keeping cool.
There were many frogs to catch (and the dog did her share of chasing tadpoles).
I did manage to spend a little time drawing some of the scenery and even a little frog who posed for me on top of a rock. It was hard to find as much time to draw as I would have liked with family hikes, meal preparation, etc. I brought watercolors along, hoping to do some color studies, but never got around to it.
I'll share some of the sketches I did next time as I haven't uploaded them yet.

Well, tomorrow is the first day of soccer games.

And so it begins...

Checking in with BIG news!

Hi everyone! Just checking in briefly. We're getting ready to go on our camping trip this weekend and I hope to relax and do some drawing there.


It has been difficult to get to the studio recently. A big reason is now visible in my sidebar - we're expecting baby #4 due March 20. SURPRISE! That was probably my 4th choice of sidebar widget, but I couldn't get any of my favorites to work properly.

Anyway, one of the early pregnancy side effects I always have is extreme sleepiness. I feel OK first thing in the morning, but quickly hit a wall and have to lay down. I'm taking advantage of that while I can, before the school year gets underway.


I don't get morning sickness too bad - just a little queasiness and have to keep eating little snacks to feel better. Drawing has been a bit of a problem - something about being so focused close up and the motion of my hand. It's kind of like reading in a moving car. I guess that explains why my last drawing made me nauseous.


Of course, this might change the timeline as far as an illustration career goes. We'll see how it all unfolds!

Taking a little time off...be back soon!

Right now, there are some things that I need to do around my home to prepare for the upcoming school year (coming too quickly). We're also going camping in a week, so we'll be away from technology for a little while.

I hope to be sketching and exploring some different avenues during this time. I just won't be posting anything.

Check back soon.

Blessings!

The hazards of drawing while sick...

I started work on a doodle that I was liking at first...now I can't stand it. I've come to the conclusion that I really don't like this style. So, it will forever remain unfinished - no hands on the clock, figures not complete, etc.

I've also been sick to my stomach this past week (literally). You know how when you eat something when you're sick, and then it sort of ruins that food for you? You associate that flavor with nausea for a long time after. I was wondering if the same thing can happen visually. Whenever I go back to this drawing, I notice my stomach feeling bad. Maybe that's part of my dislike for this picture.

Anyway, I need to pursue styles of working that aren't sooooooo tedious. This style of work is actually similar as several of my favorite drawings - the owl, the clown-like figures, the tiger I use for my avatar - but, I tend not to like things that are flat. Doing the figures in line obviously makes them very flat. At first I thought it would be interesting to combine line with shaded areas. But, I'm really not liking it here.

Oh well, back to the drawing board. Hope no one else gets sick looking at this (ha ha).

A Moment to Regroup and Redirect...

I really don't have any pressing projects. The "class" that I started the painting series for is almost over and I'm nowhere near done (of course, I knew that would be the case - I've planned about 10 illustrations for a 6-meeting class). It's more of a personal project, so it's "to be continued" at my leisure. But, since I haven't exactly made friends with acrylics, sometimes I just don't feel like working on it. I'd rather draw something "for fun" right now.

I've been thinking about a lot of things that have been competing for my time and trying to prioritize. I'll have to start putting together our next year's homeschooling plan VERY soon and get various co-ops in motion that I'm involved in. I think it's safe to say that I probably won't be posting more than once or twice a week (which is more than enough anyway).

I mentioned that there were possibilities for more hours and greater responsibility at work, but that's an area that's going to have to give. Soccer season will be starting very soon and I'll have 3 kids on 3 different teams - adding hours to my work schedule might push me over the edge of sanity and will make me less flexible for those things.

Besides, as much as I like my workplace, my plan is to ultimately move into freelance illustration - definitely what I would like to do as a career and more workable around family needs. I'm not going to quit the bookstore or anything at this point, I'm just not going to increase that load - in fact, I'm going to cut back to 4 nights right now. I think my family would appreciate it as well.

So, I've been browsing online portfolios and have been blessed by advice from a couple working illustrators. I think for starters, I'll finally join the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators - a valuable support network for writers and illustrators (published and unpublished). Along with that, I'll check into some of the free online portfolios. Later, as I'm able to add more work to my portfolio, then I'll look into some of the online porfolios that require an annual fee (but will boost visibility to get my work "out there").

Mainly, I'm reminded of the fact that I can't do EVERYTHING! There just aren't enough hours in the day and, now and then, I realize that I don't have unlimited energy (gasp!).

The picture posted above is obviously from the sketchbook (which is almost full!) - it's a return to the animal field guide studies at breaktime that I haven't done in a while. I'm becoming much more comfortable with rapid observation and rendering - I can work pretty quickly on those 10 minute breaks.

I also decided to do a detailed drawing starting from a random doodle - another thing I haven't done in a while (that's my "for fun" thing). I look forward to sharing that soon. It's always a surprise and a joy to see what comes out of those!

Slowing Down This Week...

It's come to my attention that I'm TIRED! I had planned on taking some much needed time to rest and relax this week. And, although there's no such thing as a whole week without commitments (I still had to work, had one meeting to attend - that went all day -, and a beach day with friends), I was able to take a nap here and there. And, obviously, I haven't been drawing and posting very much.

This morning, I took my youngest in to the doctor to have her cast removed. I did take my sketchbook, though. We weren't long in the waiting room, so I only sketched a couple of the people waiting. Then I sketched my daughter as she waited for the nurse to come in with the power tool used to cut it off (she looks a little apprehensive, doesn't she?).