Friday, December 16, 2011

ALWAYS STRIVING FOR MY BEST

My interpretation of Chicken Licken for the 2012 Tomie dePaola Illustrator Award
In the past I have considered myself a skilled technician at what I do. Although my current work still shows technical skill, I have moved into a new realm and because of that, I can't really "see" my work right now. It is still uncharted territory. Even though this style comes naturally, there are times when it feels like drawing in the dark. There are no formulas or rules or much of a basis in reality - except that there is gravity - most of the time.

One thing remains the same. When I start a new piece I am still filled with hope that I will be creating my best piece ever. Along the way there is always a momentary feeling of loss as I perceive that I have slipped away from my goal. This is when I have to remember that my real goal is to produce my best, not the best illustration I have ever seen. There is a difference.

Along with creating the best end result, I strive to improve my process, shave off time, be more productive. Last month I cut weeks off of my process doing the above illustration in a new way. I'll share how I work in an upcoming post, along with my new drawing set-up which allows me to work standing up.

Until then - Happy Holidays and an amazing New Year to you and yours!

10 comments:

  1. The picture is darling, Kristen!

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  2. You've got a unique perspective! I love the soft edges - did you use pastel? Everything has such a sweet soft glowing quality. And the drawings on the sides! Just beautiful. Good luck!

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  3. Hello again, Sarah! Thank you. I use colored pencil with a twist. I'll be expanding on what that means in either my next post or the one after that. It's a fun process. Good luck to you, too!

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  4. This pic took the instructions show something in a new way. Looks like a winner to me!

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  5. Thanks! That's a lovely final illustration, and it was fascinating to see the process. I'm definitely not an artist, but I love seeing how it's done.

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  6. Thanks Beth. I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the process.

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