[WordWeaver Posts: 39 Status: Offline WWW]

I've been a Blueboarder as a writer for a few years now, but I wanted to say "hey" and introduce myself as a newbie illustrator.  I started writing picture books 4 years ago. I've won some notable awards and even signed with an agent this past fall. It's all been quite an amazing ride so far.  This month I've finally throwing away my fear of being an author/illustrator (Ok, so I'm still really scared of failure, but at least I'm going for it).  Quite honoestly, I just started drawing... My first sketch was just two weeks ago, but I think I may be onto something here. Above all, it feels really good to do and I'm inspired to learn and practice and be my best.

So *clink*... here's to joining the illustrator community here on the Blueboards and I look forward to learning a lot from you all!   

[Bobi Martin Posts: 305 Status: Offline Writers open the world to readers. WWW]

Welcome, illustrator Jenni. And good for you for pursuing another creative talent.

[Shannywriter Posts: 516 Status: Offline Believe in yourself and never give up WWW]

Yay Jenni! Congrats on this! I started in this with art mainly and then switched focus to writing. Hoping someday to get back to my dusty art supplies! 

[Cynthia Kremsner Posts: 721 Status: Offline Author / Illustrator WWW]

Me three! I started out wanting to write and illustrate a few years ago.  I put my portfolio out in the L.A. conference showcase. I was shiny new and had much to learn. In great anticipation, I was one of the first to get downstairs. When I went down later and checked out all the work (gasps and awes), I decided to focus on writing.

It took a few  nudges from some of my great friends to urge me to try once more. And after years, I'm satisfied with my work where it stands now.

Welcome Jenni. You're much further on your journey and it's awesome that you are setting forth to conquer  more.

[Artemesia Posts: 4,014 Status: Offline WWW]

Welcome Jenni!! 

[H. Pinski Posts: 1,434 Status: Offline]

  Jenni! That is so exciting! Congrats on taking the plunge! 

[WordWeaver Posts: 39 Status: Offline WWW]

Thanks everyone! I love this community so much and am excited to be sharing my new illustrator (and not quite as new writing) journey with you all.   :

[NinjaWoman Posts: 82 Status: Offline WWW]

I think if you are eager to learn and develop your illustrating style, that's the most important thing!  GOOD LUCK!

[Jeff Smith Posts: 109 Status: Offline The Boy Who Wouldn't Sit Still! WWW]

I looked at your site and see that you are learning to draw faces. There are also tons of books on drawing at art supplies stores. I am also an illustrator. Glad to see that you are giving illustration a try. Good luck and keep moving forward.

[OddBerryCreations]

Yay!!! I love having more illustration family. 

[desertfoxx Posts: 9 Status: Offline Do you like green eggs and ham? WWW]

Hi Jeni!!! and welcome to the illustrator's world!..please don't hesitate to ask questions about anything we're here to give you a helping hand..and not just the hand..you can take the whole arm..lol!!

 :

[nightengail Posts: 15 Status: Offline I draw cute things. WWW]

Jen, if what I saw on your blog is you "learning to sketch" then the rest of us illustrators should watch out. My original drawings were bad. just. plain. bad. You have recognizable faces, which are among the hardest things to draw! Keep drawing but don't feel bad if you don't draw. Break times are good to!

Maybe one day this illustrator will take the plunge and become a writer!

[WordWeaver Posts: 39 Status: Offline WWW]

You guys are so awesome. Thank you so very much for all your encouragement.  Yes, I've never really tried to draw before last month.  I kept thinking about it but never did. I can't tell you what a liberating feeling it is to start doing something that I've always considered impossible. 

Thanks for welcoming me into the community everyone!

[Artemesia Posts: 4,014 Status: Offline WWW]

Wow! really nice sketches, Jenni!

[Debbie Ridpath Ohi Posts: 58 Status: Offline Twitter: @inkyelbows - Instagram: @inkygirl WWW]

Welcome, Jenni! Nice sketches. As nightengail said, keep on drawing. I'm relatively new to pro illustrating and have really found that constant practice (and experimentation) is a huge help.

Good luck!

[stacebee]

Welcome to the family Jenni !   

[WordWeaver Posts: 39 Status: Offline WWW]

Welcome, Jenni! Nice sketches. As nightengail said, keep on drawing. I'm relatively new to pro illustrating and have really found that constant practice (and experimentation) is a huge help.

Thanks Debbie. It's funny... I've typically read picture books and studied the style of writing. Now I have to go back and re-read all those great books to study their style of art.  There are so many different directions that artists take things. It's pretty exciting to "discover" things in a whole new light.