Just under the wire! As requested, my real name is Meredith (or MJ) Pinkstone.

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!!

Kentucky, just outside Lexington.

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!

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.

Critique piece.

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?

Has anyone else had difficulty accessing the supplemental materials for the picture book class?

I like it very much -- reminds me of Chris Van Allsburg.

I have signed up for a critique along with several other illustrators, which will be conducted in a room full of people. Part of the instructions were to not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try a new technique for the final art. Does this sound like a reasonable approach? I'm having trouble getting onboard with that.

Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice -- and laughs!

@NessIllustration Thanks! That is really well worded, tactful, and much better than anything I have come up with.

Thanks for doing this -- very useful information!

I just got a DM from a woman who I haven't heard from in at least 5 years (the last time was to ask for free artwork, which I provided without even a thank you) asking for free artwork. The sticking point for me is that it is for the benefit of childhood cancer patients. Opinions? Suggestions? I need a lifeline please. Thanks!

I'm watching on Facebook, but where is the Zoom link? And is it easier to hear Lee on that link?

Just curious... what do you do with your "attempts at greatness"? Those of you who work in traditional media, do you just throw out any piece that doesn't turn out the way you intended?

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!!