It had to start with an S and have an S in it.

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So cool!

First set of digital brushes I've paid for, very reasonably priced at $9.

I have 200 books to sell and I am avoiding it, I think. I need to draw attention to my store somehow. I got a lot of response at first from the people on my facebook page and frieinds and sold quite a few in the first month or two but now I guess I need to promote it. I do not have it listed on amazon or anywhere else because >>>>ah! I don't know. Fear I guess. I wonder hwo much it costs to have someone else do all that selling and promoting for me? I've lost me zeal lately.

My understanding as well is that it's not imperative (unless it's in your contract) but highly encouraged. It's not just for the benefit of the publisher, but yours too because of the sales you can make.

I as well would be incredibly nervous to do one - I'm definitely not the 'teacher type' and would have no idea where to begin creating a lesson plan, or how to deliver it in front of an audience (complete with stage fright and all).

One thing that I've noticed some do (Tara Lazar for example) is that if they want to do the school visits but can't/don't want to travel there, they set up Skype visits with classrooms. She likely arranges with that school ahead of time some sort of an order form that the kids can take home to their parents so that if they want to buy a copy of her book, a bulk order arrives directly to the school before the Skype visit takes place.

I don't think there's a hard and fast rule on anything - if you don't want to do them but can be creative about it in other ways to get your book out there, at the end of the day all that really matters is that your book is selling well.

@Eric-Castleman I agree, there are million of questions I would ask them too. If you go through all their videos, they talk a lot about how they got started and their experiences, it is a great resource. What you realize, though, is that when they started the market and the way of working was very different - so there is not so much that is applicable. But there is a lot nonetheless! Also, I have mailed questions to Will Terry, and he answered thoughtfully - I think he does try to answer all e-mails he gets, which makes him really a great teacher and person! I have written to quite a few artists actually - and a good portion answered (though they may take weeks to come back to you) - so it is always worth a try.

@Eric-Castleman haha you'd probably surprise yourself!

I submitted mine today as well. Haven't received a confirmation email or link either. Guessing it will come. See you Saturday!

Answered in private message. Sorry for the mix up Russ!

So great to see thank you for sharing!

I absolutely love studying ancient art and architecture. I find it fascinating that almost the entire collective knowledge, beliefs and social conditions can be understood and interpreted by art and architecture alone. The classical and ancient styles of architecture are my favourites (aside from Art Deco), and I'm constantly building a library of stuff from these times.

I find studying traditional and vernacular design not only helps develop your potential to create but also to interpret the environment and contextual conditions differently. Where I live (South Africa) there is so much traditional art and influence on contemporary design in the creative disciplines, (architecture, fashion, interior design, industrial design), which it is quite exciting.

@ZackracK Thanks for posting, Zack! You have really great work!!

Awesome - I'm going to take part also! It'll be my first time...

@artspreadsjoy Thanks for the input! You're right, I need to decide. I still have more to learn with traditional and not ready to move away from it yet. I love painting and rendering. My digital skills are really beginner so I know I'll need a lot more practice till I feel like I'm on track with it. Good call on the fire. I was thinking it was to be an accent to add interest but not draw the eye too much. Thanks again!

@Kevin-Longueil I just did too, and agree! (But I'm not going to attempt the Russian word or pronunciation.) HA!

Here's my latest update to this wip. I'm working on other things too, so it's kind of slow going, but I'm trying to incorporate the things I'm learning from the SVS vids I'm watching, so I'm learning a lot with this one. I still have to do the water, the fishing pole, the fish's tail fin, the rest of the reeds and the rest of the bear, so any input is appreciated! 🙂

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I really like this a lot. Haven't seen the show, but I love this style of illustration!

This piece is awesome! You did a great job on this - playful and creepy at the same time 🙂

Looks great!