Hey, y'all! I've been trying to work with more simple shapes, just to break out of my comfort zone. The challenge is that I always seem to fall back into the familiar, which means more detail. Totally defeats the purpose! Anyone else? How do you break free of the familiar??

The advice has been given to " be okay " with your work going through an ugly phase. This can be a real struggle for me. Does anyone else feel the same?

Thank you so much,@nadyart !

For those of you who sell prints of your work, do you print them yourself or have them printed? If you have them printed, do you have a favorite printing company and are there huge minimums? Do you scan the originals (those who work traditionally) or have them photographed? Do you sell through Etsy, some other site, your own website? Looking for any and all suggestions and information. Thanks!!

Critique piece.

Hey, y'all!
You may not remember, but I had previously posted about foreshadowing in an illustration without creating an eye trap and about a critique with a Scholastic art director. Well, here's the update: The critique went well and it was awesome to be surrounded by other artists asking questions and giving advice/opinions. That's not to say it wasn't daunting and that the skies opened and the angels sang, but it was such a cool experience!! As for the contest, I did not win, and that's okay, too. The winner was deserving and the competition was fierce. It was wonderful to see my work hanging in a public venue and to have people tell me they enjoyed it. I even had several people tell me they wanted to take my critique piece home! I was hoping to meet @Lee-White in person. Maybe next year. 0_1537230922591_emma (2).jpg Contest piece.

@chip-valecek ~ you never know if you don't try!! You did a great job!

That's my intention! Last year I did all my drawings 4 x 6", which made it much more manageable for me. Can't wait to see everyone's work!

@kathrynadebayo I have family all over that area. My parents met at Centralia High -- are you anywhere near there?

@lee-white that's awesome! Hope to see you there! I'll be in the illustration intensive on Friday -- I'll be the one shaking uncontrollably (I'll keep the whimpering to a minimum). JK, looking forward to getting a different perspective and learning how to improve.