Put yourself out there

With all this time at home, I’ve been crossing off items on the to-do list that have been there for quite some time. One being organizing my illustrations. My files are a disaster. Seriously. I save everything, but they are in one gigantic file vs a system that would make finding them easier. I started cataloging them into folders and came across some of my first pieces. It’s not uncommon for me to go back to an illustration and draw it again, tweaking things, making a few changes, etc. But what shook me when I came across the above illustration, was how much I’ve improved in the last 3 years, not to mention how PROUD I was of the illustration on the left when I first posted it. I was proud of it because I did it. I was pursuing something new and sharing it with all of you.

And that’s my point for today. You have to start somewhere. We all do. You also have to put yourself out there. People will respond. They will support you. Believe it or not, they also want to see you succeed. If I never posted any of my early work, I most likely wouldn’t have improved. I also wouldn’t have gotten the encouragement and support I’ve needed to push myself. When I look back at some of my first illustrations, I can’t even believe I was sharing them. But, people responded. You responded. And when my work got better, you told me! And what a great feeling that was. Knowing you were on the journey with me.

I continue to learn new things everyday. I’m constantly improving my technique, testing new things, taking classes, hungry to learn more. And you know what, I don’t think I’ll ever be at a point where I say “yep, I’m done. I’ve perfected this”. Because the joy I get is in the journey. Scroll down for a look at some of my first illustrations. This is your reminder to stick with it! Don’t give up and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know what you might get in return.

Sara! I don’t know how you were so enthusiastic of this first illustration! So much support!!

A favorite look from the Sezanne catalog.

An attempt to catalog OOTDs.