Where are you from and what projects are you busy with?

ZackracK

I'm from Pennsylvania and work full time as a Multimedia Specialist at Penn State University (designing graphics and software interactions for online trainings). Most of my time away from work is dedicated to a 1-yr old and now 3 week old...but when I do find some free time late at night, I am trying to improve my drawing skills here through SVS, as well as building lamps and other décor items that I sell at a local café (and on my website). Check them out- always interested in comments/ suggestions!

Camomilla

@ZackracK Love your lamps! And the fact that you find inspiration in used items others would consider junk

ZackracK

@Camomilla Thanks!

Doha

Hello, everyone!
My name is Doha Koma, I live in Brampton, ON, CA.
I used to be an interior architect but a few years ago I decided to follow a career in art.
For the last two years, I was working as a freelance fashion illustrator using watercolors & gouache.
Last month I decided to start working digitally, that was when I discovered concept art and character design, and I instantly fell in love with this new domain.
Ever since then, I abandoned all my old fashion projects, I registered with SVS and I started practicing character design and digital painting.
My new goal now is to create a consistent professional portfolio as a concept artist and character designer.

DanetteDraws

@Doha Hello fellow Ontarian! I actually now live in BC (for over 7 years now) but I'm originally from Waterloo. I'm wondering if you went to school for fashion design? How'd you get freelance work in fashion illustration (who were your clients if you don't mind me asking)? Do you have a portfolio online? I'd love to take a peek!

I went to Seneca college (in the greater Toronto ON area) for fashion design, a 3-year program. All I could find out of school was technical jobs (which I wasn't into - I was just into the illustration/actual design part of it!) so I never worked in the industry. 5 years ago I went back to school for graphic design instead, and have been working full-time in it since. There's parts of graphic design that I enjoy (and certainly I'll be utilizing my knowledge and skills in it for a lifetime - if nothing else but to brand myself) but working full-time in it I'm finding to be a bit soul-sucking. I've taken online children's book illustration courses for about 5 years now as well (London Art College, SVS Learn, Children's Book Academy).

I feel like I've had way too many "careers" now for someone who's "only" 33 haha But I'm really passionate about kidlit and I feel like that's finally where I'll land - once I start getting contracts that is

Right now I'm writing a middle grade graphic novel. I'll be doing a few sample illustration pages from it as well which I'll shop around when ready. @Chip-Valecek Ahhhh! You must be entering the exact contest I was so excited about...UNTIL I learned that only Americans are invited to participate. I'm pretty choked about that actually. Graphix is one of my favourite imprints too - I have so many of their graphic novels.

Hi @Brad! Thanks for starting this thread Always fun to hear about everyone.

Doha

@DanetteDraws
Hi Danette! It's nice to hear from a fellow Canadian!
wow! that is impressive! I just saw your website, I love your work.

Actually, I didn't study arts in University but it was a passion of mine all my life.
I studied interior design (3 yrs), then I got a master's in interior architecture (2 yrs). I worked in the industry for 6 years, but like you said I felt I was spending most of my time on sites and doing technical plans than working on the designs.
when I moved to Canada 5 years ago (I'm originally from Lebanon), I felt it was the best time to pursue a career in art.
My fashion illustrations were always custom orders for privet collectors, I didn't work with agencies. I had my personal work too that I sold online, you can see some of it here if you like. (komaart.net)
Best of luck with your competitions!
It was nice hearing from you!

DanetteDraws

Thank you so much for the compliments @Doha!

Wow I just checked out your own site - you're very talented! I love your watercolour work. Even though I see you're doing digital work now, I could easily see your watercolour transferring well to illustration and character design as well. It's simply beautiful - so is your site too, very professional. Best of luck to you as well with your illustration adventures!

Brad

@Doha Sounds exciting!! Thanks for sharing! I find myself in a similar situation, making the transition from architecture into concept design , encouraging to hear from you! I really like your watercolours!

Brad

@DanetteDraws Great to hear from you! Sounds like exciting work you're doing!

Brad

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