Finally finished my hardest project
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I just wanted to share a sweet, sweet victory with you all. I was hired on to illustrate a self-published title in July of last year. Well, that's when I actually started drawing. There were a few months of contract negotiation before that. As of this morning, I turned in the final version of the last illustration of the project.
I don't think I have ever worked on a project more difficult than this one. Just drawing the book took around 200 hours over the span of 15 months. I started this book after I had moved to a different city, started a day job, and got demoted from that job. Juggling everything was a feat in itself. The people I worked with treated me very well, but were sometimes hard to work with since they are technically amateurs in the field, just like myself. It seemed like we were largely figuring out things as we went. Although it was frustrating and borderline insufferable at times, it was a HUGE learning process and I now know not to repeat many of the mistakes that were made.
Do I like how the book turned out? This is a difficult question for me. I like it enough. I think I'll maybe warm up to this one once there is some distance between me and it. This was my first truly collaborative project, and with that, came a lot of compromise. Ultimately I think the book is good and I'm often too hard on myself.
Now I want to totally revamp my portfolio and try and break into the traditional publishing field. After this experience, I'm realizing that I would much rather work with Art Directors and Editors who know how to properly guide me and navigate each project with industry knowledge and experience. I'm a little scared of working on these new portfolio pieces because the fear of not being good enough is often paralyzing, and I just really, really want to get it to an industry standard. I'm grateful that I have the SVS forum as a resource I can go to whenever I need help.
Anyway, I just wanted to share that because I'm very proud of myself, I'm excited to end this chapter of my journey, and I'm anxious to see what new opportunities await me after this.
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@ChloeGreenbergArt Congrats! That's really awesome
🥳
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@ChloeGreenbergArt congratulations! This is a big deal, as anyone will tell you finishing a project like this is no small thing. After a few months when you look back on the project with fresh eyes, I'm sure you'll find joy in it again.
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@ChloeGreenbergArt congrats! What a huge project, that is an amazing achievement
it sounds like you learned a lot through the process 
I just had a peek at your website and your art is lovely. Can’t wait to see your book illustrations when it comes out!@harlequinspaceopera
Www.harlequinspaceopera.com -
@Ellie thanks so much
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@ChloeGreenbergArt Chloe, huge congrats on finishing the project!
200 hours is no joke, especially while juggling so much- seriously impressive. I totally get that mix of feelings after a big project, but give yourself credit for all you’ve accomplished! btw I really like your art style! 
Yogita Chawdhary
Portfolio: https://www.yogitachawdhary.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogita_illustrations/ -
@Yogita-Chawdhary thanks!!!
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@ChloeGreenbergArt
Yay! Congrats!
Remember that you accomplishing this huge project is proof that you can get through anything. Good luck on your portfolio pieces!
