I need art friends! =)x

[Kevin Longueil]

@burvantill Thank you Lisa - it is a personal project that i have nearly finished (i am actually currently struggling with trying to let it be finished instead of reworking everything I just checked out your website - some very nice work there! - my favorite piece is "Two for Mirth"

[TessaW]

Welcome Lisa! Glad to have you here on the forums. I'll be your art friend.

[Whoopidoo]

Hi Lisa, I was told the same by my high school teacher and so left school at 15. Now at 41 I'm taking my BA in illustration & animation while mentally doing a two fingered jig at my old teacher! I'm a bit of a lurker on the forums but determined to change that

[burvantill]

@tessaw Yay! Thanx!

[TwiggyT]

Welcome, Lisa! You have come to the right place!

I approve of your art dream and your sarcasm. I'm never sarcastic /sarcasm

I'm sorry to hear that your professor squashed your dreams, but it's really great that you're pursuing illustration. Better late(r) than never!

This is a great place to get critique and learn, so I'm sure you'll find lots of assistance, advice, and encouragement on your journey while you're here.

[burvantill]

@whoopidoo You are very brave. Most people wouldn't start college at 40. Well done!

[burvantill]

@twiggyt Thank you! Actually it was a visiting illustrator in a graphic design class. He was like a rock star in our naive eyes, so when he said that, a lot of us were shell shocked. I wish I could remember his name so that I don't accidentally follow him. LOL!

[TwiggyT]

@burvantill Ugh, what a jerk! I think it's terrible when professors say students aren't going to succeed...it's devastating to students. It would be more prudent to just let each student know what they need to address to ensure their success, then if the student addresses it, fine. If they don't, that's on them. But don't just haphazardly crush dreams like that. Sheesh.

Sorry, got on my soapbox there. I had an animation professor and he didn't tell people they'd never make it, but he definitely played favorites and it was really obvious (and discouraging to those that weren't one of the chosen).

[burvantill]

@twiggyt I hear ya sister!

[Miriam]

@burvantill I don't think reading is a waste of time. As Jake Parker says, we need to fill the creative bank account. But I agree, audiobooks are great! You might want to try checking your public library. Mine has audiobooks and I can even get them straight off their website, so I don't even have to pick them up or return them!

[burvantill]

@miriam hi! I don’t think it’s a waste of time either. I love to read, too much, I just have a top priority goal now, so if I’m doing something other than art I feel like I’m letting opportunity pass. I have never been ambitious in the past, but I think I have finally caught the bug.
What type of books do you like? I’m a sci fi fantasy girl. With a bit of suspense thriller thrown in. Maybe one non fiction every other year or so. Lol

[Eli]

@burvantill I read your posts and I'm like "get out of my head! Ha Ha! I am at such a similar place right now--starting late and really prioritizing art and unfulfilled dreams/goals. I have also spent a TON of time reading and while I will never regret it (totally agree with @Miriam that it fills the creative bank account), I've resolved to spend way less time reading and focus as much as possible on the art (maybe get back to writing also). And another sci fi fantasy girl here!

[Miriam]

@burvantill & @Eli Yes, it seems like things often come down to balance. You are right that it's important to prioritize and be willing to sacrifice for what you really want!

That's great that you have found the motivation that you need. You might want to write down how you feel and why it's important to you, so you can pull it out and read it if ever need a motivation re-charge.

I used to really enjoy Dystopian novels (Hunger Games, Maze Runner, etc.), but not so much after my health declined (I have a chronic illness). I've always liked lighter fantasy as well (Harry Potter, Inkheart), so I've been sticking with more of that in the last few years. One of my favorite genres is retold fairytales (like the movie, Ever After). Have either of you read the Lunar Chronicles, by Marissa Meyer? That series is one of my favorites! It's set in a sci-fi type future, and based on several classic fairytales. The first book is called Cinder.

[surfshineart]

@burvantill Hi and welcome!

[Eli]

@miriam I hear you. I love dark stuff but have to really be careful what I put in my head. I have not heard of that series but will check it out. I love SO many writers.
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett are favorites of mine. And Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke is my favorite book. I'd love to illustrate some images from it when I up my game a bit more. It's full of the most amazing imagery.

[burvantill]

@Miriam iriam & @Eli I'm glad we have similar mind sets. =)x
I have read Cinder and have the rest of the books in my to do list (Goodreads) but other books got on the way. Heartless, by Meyer, was good. The lead fem character was a bit wishy washy at first. Once she grew a backbone the book was way better. ALL of the other characters were good so that made up for it.
I hear you @Miriam about being more selective after health issues. I am one of the lucky breast cancer statistics and I feel the same way about movies that I watch now. Its just not worth the downer that some movies give you. Give me Pixar any day! Lol!

[burvantill]

@surfshineart Thanx! I like your art. You look like a fun person. =)x
I love the bear and crab meditating. Too cute!

[Miriam]

@eli I loved The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman! I'll have to look up the other ones you mentioned.

@burvantill Congratulations--I'm glad you survived & made it through!
I like to use Goodreads, too.
I think I listened to the Lunar Chronicles on audiobook. Heartless was a pretty creative retelling / spin-off. I agree about the main character. That one was different to read, since you know it isn't going to turn out well--and I kept wanting it to anyway--ha, ha! Yes--Pixar movies are awesome!

[surfshineart]

@burvantill Haha thanks. I live in a surf town in Canada so the illustration was inspired by the beach life here...with a playful take on it Glad you like it. I just checked your instagram- your art is great! And you add a beautiful presence on this forum already. Happy days!

[burvantill]

@surfshineart Thank You! There are surf towns in Canada?! I saw that you lived in Canada. From your pictures I thought Hawaii at first. I was surprised by your location. I guess we are breaking stereotypes all over. California girls don't all live in sunny L.A. LOL!!! I think we have our roles reversed. I'm in the mountains and your on the ocean. =)x