These look really nice. Your style reminds me of the illustrator who illustrated Roald Dahls books, Quentin Blake. Nice work mate.

@GabeRobinson said in Feedback requested for portfolio piece:

@Laura-Hunt I just watched the "How To Fix Your Art" episode on Character Design, and I'm not sure this would have occurred to me before, but having just watched that, I feel like this could benefit from more storytelling. Right now I get from it that a teacher is reading a story about kindness and sharing to some kids, but I don't know what their reaction is to it. You said you were interested in comedic pieces, so maybe the kids could be doing the opposite of what the story says--fighting over toys or pulling each others' hair--or maybe most of the kids could be lined up neat and well-behaved like this but one could be in their own world acting out a story of being a dinosaur or...not sure, but for me, seeing some push and pull between what she's offering them and how they're receiving it would increase my interest in the story. I like the style and colors and look of the characters otherwise!

Thank you, that’s a great idea! The truth is, I was making this initially as a gift for my child’s teacher which is why it’s more sweet. But I think what I’ll need to do is give her a print of it a this version and then maybe do. Portfolio version where there’s more of a funny story happening.

@MimiHecher Awww thank you so much! 😊 I didn't realize they tell a story on their own, so that's really good to hear.

You're right- it's not part of the course. But I'm working on a story about a little rabbit, and I think I'm going to use them as a base for designing her house! Thank you so much for the encouragement!

@von_Nimmermehr Thanks for the flowers! 😉 It's doing "all the things Will tells us to do in all the courses about design and color management", but yet not doing them perfectly.

I just finished this class too- it was definitely tough to draw a house so quickly! Your second one looks really good. I love the cylindrical part of the building sticking out like that- it gives the house a lot of character. It's charming!

Sandcastle3NEW.jpg

WIP Sandcastle contest... Hoping this story makes sense and if I need to adjust anything? Making pieces for portfolio. This was reviewed in the Creative Lab with Aram Kim in the "Creating Picture Books That Soar" intensive in the SCWBI conference last weekend. Aram suggested I add in more color as in a beach scene. I am not sure how to do that without it becoming too busy! Any thoughts?

@willicreate Thank you so much!!! As a complete novice as far as the technical aspect of creating a website, I understand the gist of what you are saying, however I'm not sure how to do that. Is there an example of a site you can show me so I can figure out how this is done? Thank you thank you thank you 🙂 And thank you for the heads up about changing the year...

I spent the whole day yesterday online with the SCBWI virtual conference and it was sooooo enlightening, yet on the other side of that, the anxiety of my website needing more work was enough to keep me up all night! OMG... and so the last hour was an interactive panel with some big names leading the workshops, the experience was so worth the money because they chose me to be a part of their teaching and discussion. A live critique! And then got a few follows on IG, and people looking at my site, so crossing fingers I can keep the momentum going without slipping into total anxiety mode.

Another question: Do you think a blog would be too much? I often feel I want to have a "conversation" and engage with those who are checking out my work. I have heard a mailing list and a newsletter are better. Just wanting some feedback here. After listening to the 3PP episode with Kelly Sonnack (sp?) I realized how important it is to level up in the marketing skills. A zillion thoughts buzzing through my mind, thank you for letting me ramble!!!!

Here is the piece that was critiqued by Aram Kim of Macmillan Press... I am adapting some of the things she mentioned regarding this incredible sandcastle, mainly to add an adult helping build this monument, as it seemed unrealistic that young kids could build something like this. I chose to make him a teenager, their big brother, and they are sort of gloating and laughing at the puny castle the main character is building.

She also said I should add more vibrant color, like a true beach scene. I have had more success from the limited palette approach. I don't want to add too many things that might make it feel overwhelming and busy. Any thoughts? Sandcastle3Teen.jpg

@Griffin-McPherson Hi Griffen, I think this is much better. What do you think mate?
Thank you.IMG_7447.jpg

@Chantal-Goetheer Hi Chantal, Thank you so much for your feedback.I have had a few people coment on the car not fitting in. I liked the design I think It does throw the viewer by it looking so beetleish. My son said to me why did you use a VW beetle? Ill think more about the vehicle and do some other changes. Thank you!

@Cordelia-F Excellent! Glad you think so 😁

@Laura-Hunt My pleasure! Can't wait to see your work in the future. Best of luck with the picture book dummy submission. 🙂

@ArtMelC yes story is unclear I’ve been working on it thanks for the feedback 😊

@Jeremy-Ross Thank you Jeremy!!!! I'm getting anxious to drop some paint 😃

@Chantal-Goetheer thank you! I’ll continue to work on it!

@Mewie Thanks SO much! 😁

@Kim-Rosenlof So cute! DTIYS are the best when you're feeling burned out or uninspired!

One of my goals is to write more this year, so I put the (mostly) whole Photoshop process for the creation of this piece on my website's blog. If you're interested, you can read about it here.

Completely understand @Lee-White, thanks for the follow up!

I really like this piece. Well done it looks great to me x

Ah so sorry for my late reply to this, so much has been going on, I haven't been on the forums since posting this.

@Griffin-McPherson thank you! And I definitely agree with you! I've been struggling with that for a long time, and will certainly keep that in mind in my next projects. Thanks for you feedback!😊

@kirsten-mcg thank you so much for taking the time to do that draw over! And aw thanks, yes I had Lee's voice in the back of my head the whole time talking about shipping, and actually it's still in my head because I want to print this and maybe try to mail it out to some agents. Yes I was working traditionally on these and I was also completing them rather quickly, because I've been really frustrated with my inability to finish an entire story. Again, I love what you did with the "costume" piece in making the background lighter, it really helps so much!

@Nyrryl-Cadiz thank you!😊