@MichaelaH I used the PDF list from the SVS class "How to Perfect Your Children's Book Portfolio" as a guide, and then created a personalised actionable list for myself.

I opened up a blank word document, and in it I wrote, for instance:

Toy Demon format: stand-alone illustration emotions environment (interior) kid creature Forest River Scaffolding format: double-page spread emotions animals environment (outdoors)

This way I know what items in the checklist I'm able to incorporate into each portfolio piece. And then my next step would be to determine when I would finish each illustration, as @NessIllustration said.

Thank you for reminding us that small steps are ok! I like the "to be continued" 5 pages story. Sometimes it feels that you are not skilled enough to climb the mountain but there is also a view to admire mid-hike. I will listen again to this podcast when the shade of the mountain becomes too dark!

Thanks for this one guys! I'm about to finish a children's book and wanted to take a whole month to create at least 31 illustrations for my portfolio and social media and see if I'm able to reach more people to get more Children's book stuff, and and the list Terry gave us is just perfect. Cheers!

@maibutterfly2277 The rabbits are from their assistant Tanner Garlick: https://www.instagram.com/tannergarlick/
I think you should probably just ask him directly 🙂

@ThelmaKat seriously I cannot listen at work. I will get weird eyes for what I am laughing at.

@jaepereira I have 8 different Mini-Comics and 7 different sketchbooks that I print on a 15-20 count basis and if they move fast then I make more, if they move slowly then I just don't make more when I run out. I never make them again, but that's okay because I make a new book to replace them.

That's not to brag, it's just to say that the more options you have for at your table for a reader the more chances of you having "That Thing" they are looking for.

Yea, having the ideas and needing to execute is tough. but I believe in you! keep it up and slowly chip away at your stories!

Good luck

Lee’s figure drawing class sounds amazing. That’s a very good approach to the concept and what Lee described in seeing the differences of male v female was really interesting.

As an aside, I remember when i had a figure drawing class. I gave my wife fair warning that it was coming and so from her I heard, “ok so just look really quick and then stare at the paper.” Meanwhile, my teacher was in class saying, “Really look at the figure and don’t look at the paper so much. Take in the pose and the form.” I had to laugh at my predicament.

I need to inject more emotion into my imagery, and make full scenes. I’m starting on this with a couple panels in my four page story. But I always try to improve.

@Chip-Valecek True that, but they are real quality though, even their lower tier tablets. My first tablet ever was a 200$ Wacom Bamboo and that thing lasted 12 years! It STILL works perfectly and if I hadn't upgraded to an Intuos I'd still be using it. My Intuos is second-hand and it's good as new. With a cheaper brand I'd be worried it would crap out on me after a year...

@Sas thanks sas!

Lee "Oh, i haven't heard of that book? I will look it up..."
TAKATAKATAKATAKATAKATAKATAKATAKATAKATAKA

Recently, Lee White mentioned that he's been busy with a tricky book project. This got me thinking, what makes the project tricky and how will he handle it? This might be a good podcast topic for all three - what tricky projects have you had, and how did you complete the project or solve the problem?

I just heard the music for the 2018 podcasts in a commercial for The Good Feet. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
So glad you changed it. 👍

@Coreyartus

"If I had defined my path by what came easy, I'd be a professional food sampler and mattress tester."
So wise and soooo funny! Thanks for the perspective and thanks for the laugh!

Very cool as always! Thank you !
Also I have to say I absolutely LOVE how you guys tease each other :,D I love your sense of humor and how lighthearted yet informative these conversations are. :))

Does anyone know when the next episode will be up? I keep checking and the latest is the "10 things..." post still.

Great episode guys! Thanks for keeping the inspiration and information coming 🙂

I JUST found this podcast... derp. I lost my login for the forum even though I have been a long time supporter of SVSlearn - so I didn't see the podcast. NICE guys! This was my first episode and I see, in the content, the folly of many of my contracts. The pitfalls are real. I wish I would've listened to this years ago to save the heartache!
That being said, the worst day as an illustrator is still better than the best day digging a ditch.
Time to marathon some podcasts!

@geoffrey-gordon Welcome! I’m a beginner here too. I have been watching the introductory SVS courses. The thing I know I should do better at this point is spending time practicing. I think I will start doing the monthly contests and posting work-in-progress images. I’ve seen that the forum users give great feedback on work-in-progress images. Since I’m just a beginner I don’t think I need a website now, but in the future I might be interested in your website design offer. Thanks!

@geoffrey-gordon Check out SCBWI, they have two huge conventions for that purpose every year and many smaller local ones.

@whitney-simms your suggestions are really practical. I looked at the 2 artists you mentioned-and can definitely see specifics of why you have collected them as references or inspirations.