Here's my latest illo for Stories For Children. It's too late for Jamie's mom to take him to the store so he can buy a pair of pants that actually fits. What will he do? Find out next month in Stories for Children magazine (look for Jamie's Pants).I don't know if anyone else feels like this, but I'm getting pickier about my work. I look at things I've illustrated and don't feel as confident about them. I nit-pick my illustrations, finding so many little things that I don't like and that I should've done differently. It doesn't mean I'll stop illustrating, but it's easy to feel discouraged and feel like I'm not making the progress I should. In this illo, for instance, I like the layout and characters, but I'm not satisfied with the colors. They're okay, but I don't look and think, "Now that's amazing and I couldn't think of anything better to do with it." Sigh. I think my problem lies in that I want things to be true to life, yet I still want playfulness . . . and I let reality take over the more playful side. Oh well. One day I'll get it. In the meantime I'll keep drawing and painting. And by the way, I'm not looking for anyone to laud words of encouragement. I'll still keep doing what I do because I love it; I simply wonder if anyone else laments the laborious process of growth when it comes to illustrating.
Time for bed! See you next time.
7 comments:
Adorable subject and illo.
Really nice!
I feel much the same way you do. Sometimes, I look at my work, and wonder "who am I kidding" especially after seeing the artwork of other amazing illustrators out there. But then I think that there is room for our art out there.
"Use what talents you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang the best.~ Henry Van Dyke"
So, keep drawing... and learning!
(and just as a side note, I think you have a great style!)
Wonderful illustration! I know exactly how you feel. That's why I always love what I'm currently working on and it pains me to look at work older than a month old! But, I keep going...
www.indigeneartforms.blogspot.com
I think it's a common feeling to feel as though we could have done better! It shows you're improving all the time and it's a good sign :)
I think these feelings are cyclical. I make a breakthrough and feel great about my work for a bit, and then I start to notice the flaws. But I think that awareness comes right before the next breakthrough. So go easy on yourself you're just getting ready to learn something. I have some of the same issues you do with balancing playfulness and true to life. Remember the camera is there to capture true to life--let yourself play a little, that's what we as illustrators can give to the world--something the camera can't. (sometimes working from black and white reference can help free up the "true" color trap. Or limiting your palette.)
I do love your work.
I got such a great chuckle from the illustration. This is such great illustration. Great work. Oh and as for the illustration at WW I did it on the computer this time. Take care.
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