Hi all! (formal intro)
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Hi!
I have been on the forums for a week or so now, but never formally introduced myself.
I am Tom and am from the SE US. I have been at this illustration dream for the past 8+ years. I had a few years' hiatus in between then and now when my now 4yo third child (surprise) was born. A little over a year ago, I discovered Instagram while showing off my (beginner) handcarved wooden spoons. Along the way, I began drawing again, and soon the draw of illustration overtook me (and spooncarving). I found great encouragement in the artists I met and viewed on IG, videos from @Will-Terry, @Jake-Parker and others on YouTube, and the many childrens books I have read over the past couple years to my youngest. My goal is to have a portfolio done in the next month or so, and cards to mail out sooner after.
If I have learned anything during these past 8 years, and feel it worthy of sharing here, it would be patience. Patience with myself. Patience when the sketches aren't turning out as planned. Patience with daily life. Patience with the needs of others before myself. Patience to developed my art enough to where I am comfortable sharing it with publishers. Is it easy? Of course not! But I am much more content to wait now. I get excited when I look at whatever I happen to be drawing at the time and realize "I'm pretty good at this". That's what keeps me moving forward.
Cheers! : )
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Welcome Tom! Spoon carving, eh? That's so cool! Good luck with your portfolio building. That's really exciting!
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Hi Tom, and welcome!
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Hi Tom
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@tombarrettillo Welcome to the forums!
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@Chip-Valecek Thanks dude, it's a pleasure to know people like I've found here.