So, I used my Tax Refund this year to sign up for a few MATS (Make Art That Sells) classes and learn and evolve and become better at my craft. The first live class is happening now, this month, and it’s the Illustrating Children’s Books class. Last week was week 1, we are on week two and it’s been really good times. It’s been forcing me to be social on facebook and the hermit i tend to be on that platform. It’s also really great getting to talk to other illustrators and learn from their struggles and victories, a community is a really nice thing. Basically what I’m saying is that it’s pretty great and worth the money. Week 1 started off strong for me, or at least I felt good about what I was producing. I thought I had a real original idea for my character and accessories, I might even say I felt a bit cocky, maybe, I don’t know if I ever truly feel cocky, ever, but, maybe there was a slight feeling of cockiness about me… THEN the Universe stepped in and said ‘slow your roll Rach, this is how the illustrating shit is done!’ Oh, how quickly things can change. I’d submitted my final assignment for the week and then went on FB to share when I saw that someone else had the same idea for their character, and there assignment #1 had crushed it!!! It was flippin’ beautiful!! So, I told myself it was okay, but it was really bothering me, it made mine look sorta crap (or at least in my eyes). I started this week feeling a bit down and lacking in self confidence, but after a few hours of being unproductive and moping on Monday I knew I had to bolster myself up, and go back to the drawing board; and I’m so glad I did. I’m actually thrilled someone else had the same idea and they implemented it ten times better than I had, because it forced me to go back and come up with something I actually feels represents me much better and the kind of work I want to produce. I don’t know if the teachers of the course will think its great and amazing, but I LOVE how my character turned out this week. I love my Pearl. I’m so excited to see what changes and evolves for me and Pearl next week.

First up is my Assignment #1, which isn’t the worst thing ever, and I don’t hate it… but there is room for improvement, as there always is. And, I didn’t know it at the time, but, it just not really me, and that’s why it feels a bit lifeless. Strange how I didn’t notice that until way too late. I do love her seashell “wind” chimes, those are keepers in my opinion.

And, now, my Assignment #2. Peal has changed, she is now sporting some seaweed (Kelp) Pig tails and a bit more life. And I just freaking am smitten. Every thing about it just feels more me.