Agents Day

I've been spending some time reflecting about my time at Agents Day.  Some of the information shared with us was useful and some of it was the usual information that I've read or heard at other conferences.  The day was clearly put together with the writer in mind with a table at the side of the room for illustrator portfolios. But I've come to an important realization about these conferences.  The information relatively remains the same, but it is the networking that is important.  These conferences are really about making connections, learning from each other, and supporting one another along this very long journey of becoming published.  Standing in the room, I, also, came to understand the importance of the schmoozes.  Amongst the room of strangers, I actually knew people from my writer's group and illustrators group.

As I thought of about the set up of the conference, it inspired today's drawing of a mini Mizzle concert. 

Busy week

This week has been busy and felt very much like a roller coaster ride.  It went something like this: I spent 3 days after school working on murals with my co-advisor and students; found out the district has said we are not allowed to do anymore murals on campus; coming up with creative solutions to our mural problem; cutting mats and preparing for our school's art show next week during open house; designing and ordering bookmarks for agent's day; photographing new artwork to update my portfolio; driving the ugliest pinkish- cream colored gas guzzling rental car; found out my best friend will be coming home this weekend and we get hang out; had a fun and successful art club "Fat and Happy" day (what we call our potluck); picking up my car from the repair shop; and lastly, edited and updated my website.  Now I just need to get through Friday.  I think an IV of coffee might be necessary, or maybe just mint green tea.

Saturday is Agent's Day.  This will be the first time I attend this event. I haven't really heard a lot of positive reviews for this event in regards to illustrators.  Reading the information on the website and what has been emailed to us, it seems to be more writer oriented.  But I believe in giving things a shot.  You never know what might happen or who you might meet.  I don't really know what to expect, but after adding pieces to my portfolio, receiving my bookmarks in the mail, and fixing my website I'm actually a bit excited to attend.  I can already see a difference in my portfolio of my progress.  




I still love my pen and colored pencil work, but I enjoy the way my characters look done with watercolor pencils.  They look soft and cuddly. I love my original drawings with their black and white backgrounds and colorful characters.  I thought it was a unique style that would set me apart from other.  But the full color illustrations have begun to win me over.