Welcome! We are somewhat-neighbors, I live in Arkansas near Missouri's border. I can't wait to see some of your art posted on the forums. It is a great place here at SVS.

@deborah-Haagenson ooooh I will check it out ! I think I saw something else like that - it was a sketchbook library - it might be the same thing - - anyhow good suggestion. Also - I totally ❤ my long stapler - it's got the power of She-Ra or something like that ❤

Thanks a lot @theprairiefox for your suggestion :). Yes, finding a local community is really helpful. I will look for this way 😃

@Emily-Engh welcome glad you came to join us!

@Washu "Geeky Chic" works for me too... 😉

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and words of encouragement 😊
I have just finished my first course and am about to start the next one.
Hope you all have a lovely day!

Welcome! I think there's no way to avoid the initial awkwardness, so come on in

@cortney-mahone It's good you're realizing that now. Deciding what your priorities are is vital to a healthy life.

@NessIllustration thank you this is really helpful 😊

Welcome! Love the diversity of skills you have. Definitely inspiring for me. 💪🏿

I bought affinity designer and photo in their sale last week after a little play around with the trial. I don't have a graphics tablet yet though (on order) so I'll have to wait to try them out properly. Itching to paint something!

Until now I've just been using a super old version of Photoshop with a mouse for some basic filtering of scanned work.

Thanks for tip about different terminology.

Welcome! I like your style. It's very colorful and cheerful.

@todd-wilson having a baby is no excuse!!! 😂 Congrats on the baby, now you are out numbered. There is no going back.

I think the changes you made are great! I am really liking how the mood of the piece is coming together. Keep sharing your process!

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome!

@Judy-Elizabeth-Wilson Thanks! Just had a peek at your Instagram and it's super cute, again lots of joy!

Welcome!

@Chip-Valecek thanks Chip!

@Daisy this forum is good for anyone who practices art. I am primarily an art teacher and I use all that I am learning to help my students with their own art. The forum also gives me like minded people who encourage me and challenge me in my art which up until recently did not include any children's illustrations. I did portraits and dabbled in comic book art and novel writing. Even so, it was a big help because art principles apply across all the genres of art.