My Decision to Illustrate

I started thinking about illustrations back in March, around the time I wrote Nothing You Can’t Do (first draft). I met an incredible illustrator from Italy and started working with her. But shortly after the pandemic hit and we had to hold off.

I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. Deep down I always wanted to do my own illustrations. But with what time? It just seemed like such a huge undertaking.

Then, one day, I found myself in my car driving to Michaels. I walked in and bought nearly everything I could - brand new watercolours, pastels and acrylics, paper and brushes. I went home and painted for hours.

I’ve always loved that hand to paper feel, but wondered how long it would take me to paint 22 pages - and what about changes. At the same time, I was doing graphic and digital artwork, and wondered about digital painting.

Enter the Wacom.

It took me forever to make a decision but I finally did. Of course, this has been a huge learning curve for me. I’ve had to learn how to use the Wacom (drawing tablet) and Corel Painter (software), plus all the digital painting learning. But worth every penny of it, and I am loving it all.

What I’ve learned - go after your dream, do it your way, learn, grow, struggle, overcome. We all deserve to have a little time for ourselves, to make something great. Whatever that means to you, go for it!