My decision to participate in Ilustration Friday each week came with a lot of "lack of self-confidence" in my work and my abilities. Working alone as an illustrator without peers who can help guide or give you that extra "yep, that's looking better" can put you into a place of "it's not good enough, yet." And so, this is how I've felt about my work for so long...never ready for the world to see.
So, this blog, and most importantly, feedback from all of you, has definitely given me the courage and confidence needed to get on with my quest. I am more determined now to persevere, practice, practice, practice, paint and paint more and try new things without worrying about the end result so much, and keep on going....you're all helping me to do this, so THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, sincerely. And I do hope that you'll keep popping in now and again - I will keep visiting all of you! : ) Happy creating, everyone!
Shirley
Oh my, how wonderful for you. I know first hand about not feeling that your work or God given talent is good enough to reveal to the world. And I too, have been extremely encouraged by all of the wonderful artists and illustrators (and that includes YOU!) who have stopped by my neck of the woods and left encouraging comments. Because of this, I now know how rewarding it is to affect the world with drawings and writings that make people smile. This is the affect your work has on me.
ReplyDeleteSo, Ms. Shirley, you are quite welcome and I also wish to thank you for your support and encouragement.
I can relate to that. I've been blogging since August 2006 but after I started participating IF I met so many wonderful people, giving comments and giving me the drive to go on and, like you say: practice, practice.
ReplyDeleteSo I want to say "thank you" back to you and I hope to see more of your work.
Cheryl Lynn, Brigitte - -THANK YOU! You gals rock! I tell you, it's so wonderful to "meet" people like yourselves via this blog world..glad that we are feeling the energy to keep practicing and doing what we love to do! : )
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Shirley! You shine!
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Shirley your stuff is great! It has a wonderful energy and sense of spontaneity(sp)! SO often the energy that I have in a sketch gets lost when I go to finals. But you maintain that energy throughout all that you do! I'm on the same road as you and I'll be sure to help you along as long as you'll do the same for me!! ;)
ReplyDeleteYour work has a wonderful sense of movement and energy. If you push yourself and truly believe that there is a place for you in this mad industry we call home, then your dream will come true. Illustration is a roller coaster ride, but if you stay positive good things will come.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly how I feel about my own work. After not being creative for a very looooong time I started drawing again at the end of last year and started blogging since February, it's really changed how I feel about my work and it's been so wonderful to meet other artists just like yourself who are on the same adventure as me. I think it's wonderful to be able to see each others work and get the much needed feed back from each other. I'm so looking forward to other things that you produce!!!! You should be very proud!
ReplyDeleteOh man, these are familiar words... the whole "lack of confidence" thing. I had the same experience... blogging and then finally Illustration Friday, meeting such wonderful, kind, talented folk, who are willing to take the time to give you a gentle critique or an atta girl.
ReplyDeleteAnywho, that said, I just love your style and I think there are great things in store for you!
Mighty Kwan, Peter, Nicola - Many thanks for stopping by! I will contact you on your blogs now...! : ) You all are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAh! I see you Sketched Out...thank you for popping by and leaving such kind words...I shall contact you now too...: )
ReplyDeleteHi Shirley,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and for your kind words! I am glad you found me! Your work is lovely and I can't wait to see more!
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my work, too! It is a fun journey, and having all these wonderful people as support keeps the fire burning to continue.
ReplyDeleteLove your "idle" illustration BTW!
It is a wonderful creative journey and there are so many amazing people that we meet through blogging!!! nice to meet you!!!
ReplyDeleteYour work rocks and so do you, what a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your very kind and generous comments my dear bloggy friend!
Hey I just celebrated a lovely 2 month anniversary on my blog!
ReplyDeleteHop on over- dip in the fun. It's a pardddy!:)
I have a blog award for you. Come and visit my blog to see.
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