See, Even Illustrators get Rejection Letters...lol.

[[deleted user]]

Bidding on projects &/or providing fresh samples based on a project's description rather than past work is part of the business.

In illustration you learn to develop a speculative look at your work much like I would assume an author has to.

Critiques are actually known for being very public & at times disappointing, much like a review is for an author.

My two latest works were as a result of an unknown amount of submissions to a publisher looking for an illustrator for a soon to be released children's book.

The job was to choose two scenes from the book, illustrate them & submit them for judgment.

The publisher then (with the author having a large part in the decision making process), let's you know you do wonderful work but someone else (thankfully) must make the decision.

Much like an author, each new character becomes a part of them. Each new illustration telling a story not only about the book, but about the artist too.

So when the letter comes saying the invisible "other artist" was chosen, there is always a little voice that asks "Well why wasn't mine picked". You begin to wonder what they did different to get them awarded to privilege to put their name in the illustration by line.

There is always that fine line with an artist as to how much is enough & how much is to much. You must balance how much work you want to put into something that may not even be used & you may never get paid for with the unknown "other artist" in the shadows who may be willing to offer more work at a greater risk of wasted time, effort & skill.

Well, as I am sure you have guessed, my two drawings were not chosen for a reason I will never know. But that is OK. Because that time needed to add fresh work to the portfolio just never seems to be available for those of us that use our craft to earn a living. There really is no time for "personal work" unless you are either "a hobbyist" or are simply "not working" or "between jobs".

I am lucky to have the security of a position at a PH that keeps me busy & fortunately little rejection letters don't mean my kids won't eat.

So my reaction is...

Oh Well,Two New Illustrations to Add to my Portfolio!

For those illustrators & authors out there that are working hard and seeing entirely too many rejection letters, take a moment to pat yourselves on the back for sticking with it and follow my rejected characters' advice.



Read a good book & take a nap... now we can start fresh!

Let me know which one you like the best!

Aidana WillowRaven and WillowRaven Illustration & Design Plus

Now offering Author Agent & Marketing Management services Website: http://www.willowravenillustration.com
Email: willowraven.illustration@yahoo.com
Blogger: http://willowravenillustration.blogsp...
Guru profile: http://profile.guru.com/856440
iFreelance profile: http://www.ifreelance.com/pro/30655
Book Marketing Network: http://bookmarket.ning.com/profile/Ai...
Children's Book Writers... Illustrators... and Publishers: http://childrensbookwinp.ning.com/pro...
Author Book Bag Club: http://mgroupmanagement.ning.com/prof...

[Miss]

Glad you don't let it get you down. I'm afraid I go to the other extreme sometimes...lol..

Good to see you here...

MM