preparing a submission

Years ago I had a request from Disney to submit my portfolio for consideration on a print project. Specifically they said they had selected me and 4 other artists and asked if I had any 'underwater' work. I found out it was for Finding Nemo. Long story short I did NOT have underwater work so spent the weekend trying to put some together. When the weekend was done and I was getting my artwork boxed up, I made sure to include the new work.

I did NOT get selected. Heartbroken (thinking this was my lucky big break) I told myself I was boycotting that movie. Of course I saw the movie and have gone to Disneyland since and seen every darn Disney animation since. But I learned a valuable lesson that weekend. Just because someone wants to see a subject matter that you don't have, does NOT mean you need to create something just for them. Why? Because I was in such a hurry to just give them what I thought they wanted, that I was NOT true to my art, and sent something that did not measure up to my standard. In retrospect, I believe that was my portfolio downfall. I created two additions that were not as thoughtful, were not as well executed because I thought I had to.

The reason I bring this up is that last week I had an inquiring potential licensor. I did end up creating some new work to submit today. However I used my very serious editorial eye and did NOT submit several pieces even though they were the right subject matter. The work wasn't good enough. Lesson learned that I want to only submit work that I feel is my best work. Now, if they do not choose me I won't feel like I screwed up, I will know in my heart it just wasn't the right fit for them, right now.

plans and progress

Last week was a very busy week for me. I had the great fortune to meet Susan Effenberger a talented artist who juggles a day job creating graphics for a local TV station and creating wonderful work that she sells on Etsy under the name Lemon Bird Studio. I also met with Cory Huff who has a great site for artists called the Abundant Artist.

What I got from these two meetings was the reminder that A) I am not alone in my quest, and B) there are a lot of resources for us if we just go looking. Susan reminded me that whatever angst I feel about trudging the artist's life, there is someone else out there who is or has felt the same way. Cory helped me get energized to keep digging, keep looking for answers, and above all else, not give up. Granted it is never easy, and nothing worth achieving is ever going to be easy (or everyone would do it as they say). But at least I have life that I can look back on and know that I really did try to make my life my own.

To top off my week of good findings, I got an email from Robert Kaufman fabrics saying that my wine fabric is selling well. That may be the highest compliment I have had the pleasure of receiving. So here I am on a rainy Monday, and rather then be disappointed that I have such a long way to go on my journey, I am excited to say that I am looking forward to tomorrow, whether it rains or not. I have plans to make, progress to show, and people to meet.