All sounds pretty regular. 35% is normal for art reps .As mentioned, there is a subtle distintion between “art rep” and “agent”, and an agent normally takes much less (15% is typical) but does not seek any work outside of publishing. Now, since it seems they also specialize in publishing, that is a bit confusing. There is much more jobs outside of publishing for an illustrator - how about those? They would not rep any of that? One important step is to get a full list of all the things they do rep for and those they don’t. If they really only rep for publishing, you should consider getting a literary agent instead - a majority of them has a mixed list nowadays, with writers AND illustrators. My agent is also fine with contracts that involve no royalties - but I have to admit that she does not focus a lot on usage rights - so maybe a rep specializing in illustration would have a keener eye on that kind of things.
Publishing is not a black-and-white definition either. Is it only books? Or also apps and software? How about e-books? Board games? Do they take a cut on all royalties and collaterals too? What if the company you end up working for does work that falls into their area of representation? Remember that an agent/rep will take their percentage on ANY job you do, no matter if it came through their mediation or not. Another item to discuss is for how long they will still take the cut after the contract is terminated - there is always a grace time and in the publishing industry this can be very long (because the industry is super slow). It may be up to a year after termination before you are actually “free”.
You can discuss anything with them beforehand - arrange a call if you haven’t done so already and don’t be afraid to question anything and everything. This is a business relationship and needs to be advantageous for both sides.
As @SarahLuAnn said, a good rep or agent can be totally worth their commission. I’m not always happy with my agent, but she is a great negotiatior and always gets considerably more money than I would have dreamed of asking. This is great at the beginning, when you’re not sure of your value. Also a good agent is in for the long haul and will be concerned with your reputation, career and workload management - that is precious guidance when you’re new to the business of illustration!

Just checking in about the fall classes because I am thinking about planning a vacation this year for September, but as of last spring there were at least two live SVS classes that I wanted to take in the fall, which would make things quite busy (in a good way!) at home.

Any update on the classes, particularly environments and children's books? When would they start? I just took a week-long brick and mortar workshop and am realizing how much good live interaction does one artistically, how much synergy it brings to the illustration process, and how hard one works under a deadline. Turbocharging was like that too. So I'm looking for other such occasions.

So yes, as weird as it may sound, I am planning my vacation around the fall SVS classes! It's worth carving out the time. Besides, as I discovered last week, my travel backpack is way too heavy with both a Cintiq and a laptop in it. 😛

@pam-boutilier I nave had alot of problems with my printer this week I printed with canon software in JPEG format instead of Photoshop and PSD and it did come out much better with no banding and a better colour so it might be worth a try

@WILL M

I agree with pretty much what everyone else has said, however I would like to add, you should first and foremost make art for YOU. I know that pretty much all of us want to see those follows, and likes and everything associated with it, but if you're truly doing art because you love doing it then social media shouldn't matter. Do it for yourself and be happy with what you're creating before you ask anyone else to like it.

Which, by the way, you have some good stuff there. Keep it up. 🙂

@artbytra Yeah pretty much. 🙂

oh, I saw this video somewhere too, I cannot find it rn. But I remember that page 1 is an intro, 2 is a hero assembling, 3 a culmination, 4 a plot twist, and on the 5 you continue the plot twist or bring the finale

There are print specialists that take care of that - depending on the client of course, but normally it´s a separate person, especially if it´s offset printing (anything above 5000 copies is generally offset print). The AD will review the proofs and approve them, or require changes in calibration if needed. In books, you as the illustrator get to review the proofs as well.

@aftermyhat Yes the guys over at SVS are amazing. So much to offer. And everyone on the forums are amazing. So helpful and supportive of each other.

@juliekitzes I think you're right. I'm definitely my own worst critic.

I'm not sure if a person can be artistic without wanting to try everything...as demonstrated by all the art supplies I have and don't use. 😃

@misteralexdavid I pad would be cheaper unless you already have a decent computer and unless it is a laptop then you can't travel with it.

@larry-whitler Hey Larry thanks so much! The kickstarter is live now in fact! Cheers!

@judy-elizabeth-wilson I think you need something. Your description of Larry isn't indicated in his art OR any of the art around the ring of of the illustration. Its cute and all but you aren't doing enough to sell the concept of Larry Lying.

Wow, beautiful. Maybe give the photo a bit of a twist or a corner curling to make it feel more naturally like it's blowing in the wind? I think if it doesn't line up with the house perfectly it might be ok, and perhaps even more believable. I know you've done a lot of iterations of this work based on suggestions, so there has to be some point when you feel finished with it, even though other brains have more ideas. If you're still going though, there's my idea to throw into the pot.

@gary-wilkinson Thank you! I will find out how to do that.

Thank you everyone. Good advice and feedback. Good to hear that it is handling that many paintings stored on the device.

Thanks Simona! That's good advice!

I forgot to mention a few easier to use and free 3D programs as well now we are on the subject 🙂 : Magica Voxel for 3d voxel art. This is easy to use and fun. @tessaw There is also an Open source software a bit like Sculptris I found called Dilay (digital clay). Don't know why, but that doesn't seem to be well known either.

@smceccarelli thanks for your response - you’re right about getting stuck in one’s head - can definitely relate to that!
I shall look into the SCBWI in my area although I suspect there won’t be one nearby. I know there is one in Toronto but the commute there for me is ridiculous!

@jason-kilthau Good luck!

@art-of-b Good advice, maybe my art's just not good enough to get the attention I think it deserves. Haven't brushed up on basics for a long time.