Wednesday, February 11, 2009

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Even though the Mentor Program hasn't started yet, the journey has begun. I am getting all my ducks in a row - finishing current illustrations and getting art ready to send to contributors. The contributions have made it so much easier to be focused and get ready for what needs to be done. (Thank you so much.)

My mentor, Yuyi Morales has given me my first assignment. Now is the time to go inside and look at my biggest dreams and decide what my goals are for the program. This is more difficult than I thought it would be. There is so much. It is clear that I need to prioritize and pare down what I want to do in that 6 month block of time. It will be here in no time.

Fortunately, I have one of the best occupations for thinking while I'm working. As I am finishing up Nepenthes bicalcarata and the castle garden, I will wander through my thoughts and dreams, completing my first assignment to help my mentor guide me to my goals.


For more information about contributing to my Journey, go here.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

FUNDING A JOURNEY

As an illustrator, I have always wanted to do more with my art - give back in some way by inspiring others - especially children. For the last several years I have been developing a portfolio to enter children's publishing in order to follow my dream. The work paid off. Out of a pool of applicants through the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, I was chosen to work with award winning illustrator, Yuyi Morales in the 2009 Mentor Program. It is an amazing honor and opportunity.
Perfect opportunities don't always come around when they're easy and I don't have the funds available for this one right now. I've never been one to give up, so I have come up with a creative way to share my journey, pay for the program, and replace income from illustrating when the program and work overlap. I am selling "shares" in my journey and will be sending more than double the value in my artwork to contributors at the $35, $50, and $75 levels. (Contributions to my Journey in any amount are very welcome.)

$35 LEVEL
6 - Notecards (Your choice of images from my online portfolio.)
1 - 8x10 Signed Limited Edition Print (Your choice from the images I produce in the mentor program. I will only produce 75 - 8x10 prints from each image.)
TOTAL VALUE: $87

$50 LEVEL
1 - 5x7 Signed Print (Your choice of images from my online portfolio.)
12 - Notecards (Your choice of images from my online portfolio or Mentor Program images.)
1 - 8x10 Signed Limited Edition Print (Your choice from the images I produce in the mentor program. I will only produce 75 - 8x10 prints from each image.)
TOTAL VALUE: $122

 $75 LEVEL
1 - 5x7 Signed Print (Your choice of images from my online portfolio.)
12 - Notecards (Your choice of images from my online portfolio or Mentor Program images.)
2 - 8x10 Signed Limited Edition Print (Your choice from the images I produce in the mentor program. I will only produce 75 - 8x10 prints from each image.)
TOTAL VALUE: $187

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE?
1. Click on the ChipIn button below and you will be taken to a secure payment page where you can pay by credit card or Paypal.
2. After payment, I will contact you by the email address you used when paying to find out which images you want so that available images can be shipped right away. (Images can be seen at KristenSchwartz.com) Mentor images will be available after the program ends in October 2009 and can be chosen as soon as they are posted on this blog from April to October. (Make sure to follow my journey!)

In addition, I will be asking contributors (of any amount) to name favorite objects, fantastical creatures, and other ideas to work into the illustrations I create in the Mentor Program. I will work in as many of the top 5 ideas that I can. I want you on the journey with me!

Please email me if you have any questions at all.
Thank you for your support!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

JOURNEY TO THE UNKNOWN

Each of us is on a journey made up of ever smaller journeys that weave an amazing story. This blog will chronicle an odyssey - one that I have wanted to take for a very long time. I have been to the edge of this mysterious forest where the journey begins many times, dipping my toe into the cool stream, only to hurry back to the path I already knew, forever dreaming of what would happen if I ventured into the unknown.

December 2008 I jumped across the stream and headed into the forest to see what lie ahead...

Above is client illustration in rough stage by Kristen Schwartz.