It goes without saying that 2018 was a year of great change for me. I left my corporate job as a graphic designer, struck out on my own as a freelance artist, and only recently have settled into a flow as a part time studio production assistant, barre instructor, and freelance illustrator. As I enter 2019, I am definitely more comfortable in my career, but certainly not complacent.
In the past six months I have come ever more closer to attaining my goal of being a published children’s book illustrator. It’s a goal I hope to see to fruition in 2019, but is by no means the end of the journey.
Here’s a few highlights from the past nine months:
APRIL Spotlight Shy
My first job as a freelance illustrator was for a PR agent in Australia who is creating a podcast for female entrepreneurs.
MAY Pedal Art Poster Show & Botanical Watercolor Workshop
I finally participated as an artist in this local bicycle-themed poster show. This year’s reception was held at Confluence Brewery. Later in the month, I led a botanical watercolor workshop at the local house plant hotspot, Art Terrarium.
JUNE Odd Animal ABC’s
Not even two months after I quit my full time job, I was offered my first work as a children’s book illustrator for the Odd Animal ABC’s by June Smalls and pending publication with the Blue Manatee Press. Later in the month I traveled to Ireland with my family and documented our adventures with a mini paper pad and travel watercolor set.
JULY AIGA Workshop
Inspired by the Des Moines Farmer’s Market, I hosted a watercolor workshop with AIGA Iowa.
AUGUST Marcella’s Butterfly
Following my first conference with SCBWI Iowa, I began writing and illustrating my first complete children’s book concept, aided by my newfound writer’s critique group.
SEPTEMBER Art on the Lake
On a beautiful fall day, I joined more than 50 artists at the third annual Art on the Lake .
OCTOBER Amazing Iowa Women
I joined more than 30 other Iowa-based artists to celebrate the release of Amazing Iowa Women A to Z, a collaborative book with Prof. Katy Swalwell of Iowa State University.
NOVEMBER Moglea
Months after I applied for the position, I became member of the Moglea production team. I also spent a Saturday in Nebraska at an Illustrator Intensive with Cricket Media Art Director John Sanford.
DECEMBER Holiday Pop-Up Shop
To kick off the holiday season, I joined my friends at Ephemera for a seasonal pop-up shop to sell Christmas cards and gifts. Finally, I enjoyed the opportunity to work with Project7, a local design studio to create four botanical illustrations for a supplement of the spring issue of DSM Magazine.