I've been working on my follow-through the past couple of months or so. I've finally got my studio pulled together (after years of dingy white walls), I've got my file back-up system running smoothly, I've registered for a couple of writing retreats, and I'm actively writing.
There are still a couple of things on my "Things That Haunt Me" list, but it's looking better every day. :-)
This coloring book was my first freelance illustration job for the children's market. I was delighted when they asked me to bid on the project. I was also clueless on what to bid! Really no idea at all. So along with clueless, I was nervous, anxious and a little panicky. I considered turning the job down. Instead, I decided to do a little research. I asked my coworkers, family and friends for advise (Howdoya, whatdoya, howdoya???) and I searched the library for books on pricing. Then I gathered all my notes, mustered up my courage and submitted a bid. They replied, "Your bid is too low, raise it a bit and get started."
That was 16 years ago. The illustration below is for the same client (for a workbook for teens) that I finished last week. We have worked together on dozens of projects over the last 16 years. They are a total delight to work with! Their continued support and faith in my work helped me take the step of finally leaving my day job and going full time freelance. I will be forever grateful for these kind and generous folks. And also grateful that I followed through on that first bid!
A recurring theme this year for me has been 'following through' on keeping myself up-to-date in all aspects of the business. It is always important to reassess regularly, this but this year has been very concentrated for me in the "upgrade, upkeep and streamline" department!
Accounting... I finally found a CPA who can provide all of the services that i need, after much hemming and hawing. Finding a CPA is a lot like finding a new dentist. I now have help with navigating through the (new to me) quarterly income tax filings. I also upgraded my QuickBooks software.
Studio... A HUGE boost for me was upgrading my studio with many long-awaited, some much-needed (and one downright indulgent!!) tools to help me better serve every aspect of my work! Having the tools I need right there when I need them is key to maximizing my productivity and workflow, and by association, customer service. You can do more for your clients at a moments notice, and with a smile on your face, with the right tools at your disposal. Now, I am fully prepared for everything and anything that comes my way! All I have not been able to stock up on is hours in the day...but I usually cross that bridge when I get to it! :)
Software...I finally upgraded all of my creative software!! I also took the plunge on Painter X. I decided to begin developing a digital style for several reasons. For one thing, versatility - - there are so many tools immediately at your disposal. Ease of delivery is another: native digital files takes away the scanner 'middleman', and, knowing how uneven scanning results can be with traditional watercolor media, this was a boon to me.
Regarding the ongoing 'controversy' re: traditional vs. digital media, my opinion is simple: tools are tools, no matter how you slice it. There is no 'filter' for creativity! The creative process is the same, and tools are tools. Digital art takes just as long to create, and in my opinion it's just as 'manual' a process, when it comes to mark-making. The beauty of it is the fact that you have all of the aformentioned tools at your disposal, you can save several versions or a single work, and you can work with as many layers as you want. So, much easier to edit. Yipee for technology!!
Does anyone else have a step in their process that they don't enjoy?
For me it's picking out the colors for my illustration. Should I use fabric here, should I use felt?
What color works best, should I make this blue or green?
Sure, I can do a color comp on the computer but for the most part I continue on with my love/hate relationship of physically picking and choosing colors by hand.
This is what my table usually looks like at the very beginning of a project. I haven't even tackled the fabric and embellishments yet!
Following through and trusting that it will all come together is getting easier but I still don't enjoy this part. I envy those that do!
=o)
Here is the result of the jumble of felt above.
I wish I could share the entire illustration. Hopefully soon.
With work deadlines, you don't have much choice but to follow through. It's tougher when it comes to personal projects. I drew these little mouse babies quite awhile back, and I always had this nagging idea that I wanted to put "real" clothes on them. I love how so many illustrators use mixed media, and I was itching to try my had at adding fabric swatches to my watercolor. It's taken me months, but here they finally are. It may seem trivial, but this idea wouldn't go away, and I had to attempt it just once, to satisfy my curiosity. By following through, I found a technique that I really like, one that I may use again.
