Entry 9 of 12: April

Wow! This has been the best month so far in my illustration ventures. The biggest thing was joining a critique group. The Picture Book Junkies were kind enough to let me join their group and it has been a wonderful experience. I have felt like I've been going though my daily struggles by myself, but this group has really taken me under there wings and has been a huge support system. It feels so good to know others who face the same struggles I do. They welcomed me with open arms and I feel like I've known them forever. You can find out here how start a critique group.

Since started my blog at the beginning of January, I have had more people exposed to my work that I probably could not get otherwise. I average about 75 hits a day and I've heard several times over how good this article series has been for people. I have participated in Illustration Friday weekly (helping me build upon my style as well as my portfolio) as well as A Month Of Softies (just to keep those creative juices flowing). Having a blog also helps me clear my head and talk about daily things like promotion and my work. It's been a good creative outlet for me.

This month I entered the SCBWI contest and submitted this. I haven't heard anything back yet but it was fun to do. I also added some more work to my portfolio which included some black and white line work (which I need to build upon). I finished up an illustration job that will appear in the September issue of Adventure Magazine. The art director gave me a lot of creative freedom with it. I will have at least 6 more months to illustrate in the future so a reoccurring gig is good to have. I did do some more promo packets (just printed samples this time) and will hopefully get my SASE's back within a few weeks. I'm hoping they are filed with letters rather than the samples I had sent them.

One larger step I took this month was to email a few Illustrator Reps. It would be a dream to just draw all day and not have to worry about all the contracts and negotiations. I do love the promotion part of it but not so much the business side. I heard back from some that said they weren't taking on new talent but to keep in touch, and then some that my style didn't jive with. I did get two nibbles though. One sent me a contract and I have emailed her with several questions but haven't heard back yet. The other like my work but isn't taking on new talent but was interested in helping me strengthen my work. She gave me great advice and I have been plugging away and doing more work.

My style has also made a transition this month. My wide-eyed style is no more. I've had a few comments on my big-eyes and the more I look at then, the scarier they look to me. So, I have modified them to smaller eyes and some with dots. I am really digging my dots eyes and how they bring out personality to each character. I am also experimenting with a painterly digital style. I've done a few pieces and really love the look of it.

Next month will consist of more portfolio work and trying to really push my style. You can read my blog throughout the month to see little things I'm been doing to further my dream. Have a good one!

Click here to read Holli's previous installment.