@von_Nimmermehr I think you’re totally right. I need to figure out how I fit into the markets I see myself as fitting into and sort out my image of myself versus where I truly fit in. Like I said to Melissa, though I want to make picture books it seems my style has developed more towards middle grade a graphic novels. I think this just boils down to fine tuning style and themes. I need to clarify my style for middle grade and graphic novels and in turn clarify my style for picture books. An artist who comes to mind s doing this very well Nik Henderson. His picture book style looks very different from his usual style which feels a bit more mature. I think I’ll finish up my portfolio in the style I’ve mostly been working in and then do a deep dive into defining a more picture book friends style.
Regarding your question in the beginning about who tells me my work leans more towards an older audience; basically the people I interact with here on the forum as I don’t really know other artists in real life. I don’t see it as a bad or negative thing that this is how they see my art, it just means I need to continue working on my style.