@danielerossi thanks! Good to know how you use it. In theory I should probably read up on how to use the system. But... sometimes it’s just easier to ask direct questions to people who use the app!!!

@danielerossi sweet! So when you wiped off your computer, did you save it somewhere else besides Dropbox?

Hi guys!

Currently I have drop box and I like it. Have you completely put all your files onto it? Right now I just have my artwork.

I just got an iPad Pro. I was wondering if I save the files from there to my drop box if I could then go straight to it on my computer without having to send it to the computer. Is that how it works? Or do you guys use the cloud?

Also, I need to update my macOS thing. Is saving it to Dropbox enough of a backup? They said I needed to back up my computer before installing a new one of those. Any advice on that? I can’t run illustrator on the system I have.

Can they use the illustrations for sales or specials? Like $1 PBR night? Or something like that? I’m sure they will be used for something. They’re pretty clever. They could go in the little clear things that are on the table? Especially if it’s a half sheet.

@Amanda-Bancroft - see @davidhohn‘s reply to the same question I had a while ago. Hope that clears it up. I probably wouldn’t make a big deal of it with your friend for this time. Maybe going forward when you gift something you can just throw in, hey, glad you like your gift, but I still own the copyright and rights of reproduction and using it for other products. You’re welcome for your awesome original painting!

@demotlj right! Every time we were in the shop, “are these cute enough to be a one dog pair of leggings?”

Okay, I love y’all, but “having a rich spouse” creates its own issues. It is not a lottery ticket. I have a husband who has a good job and provides for our needs. Including insurance (yeah, sorry guys, that’s a nasty beast for the self employed!)

There is a beautiful term I’ll pass on from Whitney Winkler. It’s creating in the “margins.” I know this applies to so many of us here. It was a great way to express how I was feeling. I was allowed to have my “little hobby” as long as it doesn’t interfere with my responsibilities with the family. My awesome husband has realized it’s not going anywhere. So yay! But I still can’t let it overwhelm everything else. Which I’m sure that all of you also deal with.

So the “rich spouse.” Having to fight for your dream and letting go of the idea it can be a major priority in your life. Letting it be known that you’re serious about it. Letting go of the resentment of your spouse going to work and having 10 hours a day to let their business grow.

I do appreciate all this times, especially this episode, reiterating that you guys don’t sit and daydream and draw beautiful pictures for 8 hours a day. I think preparing us artistically is wonderful, but adding to the reality of this job helps us really prepare for what it takes to be a successful illustrator!

On a side note, I totally paid for all the food on our Disney trip a few weeks ago! With my money from painting 70 dogs this Christmas! I felt so awesome to be able to contribute in such a tangible way to our family’s fun. I can’t believed I reached my max amount. Seriously, Minnie’s holiday buffet with costed 9 dog portraits! Don’t ever go to a “holiday” buffet. That was more than the normal one and I have two kids over 9. 4 adults and 2 kids! It was nuts. But the star wars rides were so worth it! And I get to say I rode it one day before @Jake-Parker did! Anyways, it felt nice not to hemorrhage money as far as food goes after paying for hotel and tickets.

I entered this competition back in 2016ish and didn’t get in. I was completely devastated, but understood. The following time it came around I couldn’t come up with a good idea for the theme. I didn’t really even try. So I have been waiting for the next one to come up. They aren’t every year. I think it’s like every 3 years? I don’t know. But it’s here and I’m totally going to go for it! I’m going to use as much as I have learned from all of you guys and really out thought into the process. Probably do the tried and true Lee White method. Ha! If you know anyone who belongs to this church, spread the word! I would love to see as many of the SVSers submit as possible.

Not a member of this church? Check to see what competitions are out there for your denomination, or that fall in line with what you believe. I’m sure there are lots out there. Being able to illustrate thing you hold dear can be really beautiful. I would love to see anyone’s work related to this.

Here is the email I just got:

@BichonBistro you can do it! Especially dogs. Draw 100 dogs and it won’t be scary anymore. But the other commissions are still scary! Ha!

40 orders. I got 40 orders today. Well, 9 of that were preorders. And some of that is people ordering multiple paintings. I’m floored and humbled people chose to shop small and shop local. You know those moments in your journey where you feel like you’ve made it? This was kinda one of those days. It’s not a major licensing deal, but it was a ton of business for this girl! I’m still floored. I used to hate commissions. I’m still not sure I like them. Ha! But the joy from all the people when I showed them their pups. All but one. I did one more try making one dog thinner compared to the other. Then they were super happy! Connecting with people that want what you create. Just an amazing feeling.

Happy creating guys! Best on luck to you all on your journey!