100th Episode 3 Point Perspective Super-Appreciative winner!!!
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The 100th episode just aired, and I wanted to express my excitement and deep appreciation to Will, Jake and Lee, and everyone at SVSLearn. I CANNOT BELIEVE I am one of the winners!!!
I've been listening to the podcast for over two years now, and had been plotting back in early 2019 for a good strategic time to take SVSLearn up on their free 30 days offer, when the pandemic landed- and I suddenly had no work, and a perfect time to focus back on illustration. I've been a member for almost two years now, and I cannot say enough about the generosity of these amazing people. And, WOW, they are funny too, aren't they?
Let me tell you my situation, will you? (I'm sorry it's long, but I've lived a life!)...I have a BFA in design with an illustration emphasis earned in 1995. (I know you are doing the math!) I worked as a freelance illustrator for the first 9 years after graduation, mostly doing stock illustration for a formerly giant company called Dynamic Graphics. I did hundreds of illustrations, sold all rights, and didn't know much about marketing, so ended up gradually with very little illustration work. I then taught K-12 art in public school for 7 years (without an official teaching degree)...and before the pandemic, I had spent about 6 years as a contract (self-employed) art teacher for our local art museum and city arts council. I even created murals and art installations with kids as an artist for a group called Placeworks!
BUT- I never stopped dreaming my original dream (the dream I've had my entire life) of illustrating for children. Picture Books!!!
So, with the help of SVSLearn, I have been learning digital illustration, and I have been working on a dummy that I hope to submit to agents for representation soon. I have a portfolio that needs more appropriate samples (coryleick.com), and I also want to develop an instagram presence...
In the past (for years) I lacked the confidence that I could deliver professional digital illustration, but now I know that I will be able to.
And I want to also thank the SVSLearn forum community! I have learned SO much from the other artists on the forum- most recently Carlianne Tipsey (check out her beautiful instagram and youtube tutorials!) thanks Carlianne!!!
I had been wondering how I would be able to pay for another year of SVS, (I still have not started teaching again) and now I have another two years!
AND- I am most excited about the opportunity to have a critique from these illustrators who I admire so much!!! Wow!!!!!! You guys have given me real hope that I can still create the career of my dreams.
Thank you Will!!! Thank you Jake!!! Thank you Lee!!! -
Congratulations @cory-leick! Wish you the best on your next steps to making your picture book!
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You are so lucky! Congrats!
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Congratulations Cory! And best of luck on your amazing journey to becoming a picture book illustrator!
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@cory-leick aww I'm so happy for you!!! CONGRATS!
And you're so sweet to give me a shout out
️I'm so pleased to know the tutorials are helpful. I never would have started doing them if it weren't for SVSlearn as well
️️️️Check out my art and tutorials :)
Instagram: www.instagram.com/carliannecreates/
Youtube:
https://youtube.com/c/CarlianneCreatesShop: www.carliannecreates.com
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@cory-leick Wow!! Congratulations, Cory! This is such a great story! Best of everything moving forward with your goals! I agree with you, those SVS folks are funny and very generous.
FYI: I also graduated with a BFA in 1995. I need not do the math. Which is good, because it hurts my head. Ha!
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Congratulations Cory.
Wannabe Caricature Artist and Illustrator.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/doodlemick/
https://www.instagram.com/doodlemick619/ -
@jeremy-ross Thanks Jeremy!
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@asyas_illos Yes- feeling lucky and excited! Thank you!
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@neha-rawat Thanks Neha!
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@carlianne Carlianne! You've been a tremendous inspiration for me this last couple of weeks. Thank you! CONGRATULATIONS! on being signed with the Andrea Brown agency! WOW!!!! I'm looking forward to seeing your yeti book!
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@jessicalinnevans Hey, awesome! Go 1995!!! Thanks Jessica, I appreciate that, and best of luck to you as well!
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@doodlemick Thank you Mick!
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@cory-leick Thank yoooooooooouuu that makes me so happy!!! I'm very excited to start writing and illustrating my own books.
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@cory-leick That's great Cory, I had a similar experience where I gave away the rights to my images for a decade. I've got the same dream, creating my own picture books! Let's go for it! Here's to the future.
