TSG82. Ciao Ciao April

Dear sketchbookers,

I am so happy to have finally had the opportunity to be a full-time illustrator for a whole month! It will probably sound so silly for everyone who has had the chance before, but until now, I was only making art in the evenings, weekends, and all the little time I had left between being at work and spending time with my family.

This month we drew elders, it is such an underrepresented group in children`s books! Together, we can change that and spread all those untold stories! We had a lovely session with

Robyn Hepburn

where she showed us how she draws elders, and I brought a bunch of books and showcased how other illustrators solve that same equation.

We also had the first 2 guests of the Portfolio Diaries Series:

TSG79. Portfolio diaries: Melissa Martin

TSG81. Portfolio Diaries: Milena Milak

I had a blast reading these interviews, and I learnt so much more from them than other classes and videos I have seen around. Thanks

Melissa

and

Milena Milak

for giving us awesome tips on how to make and improve a portfolio!

I have fulfilled all the important goals and intentions that I had for April, plus some others! I am still missing painting the spot illustrations, but that is something I will develop for the elder’s story. Regarding scanning all the pieces in my sketchbook, I realized that I already have a nice picture of them (even if it shows my hand), or they are probably not good enough to be part of my portfolio. Ticking this box will just lead me to be tired and not focus on what is more important: making my portfolio. I am so glad that I took a leap of faith and managed to have a nice PDF to send to agents. Even though I already had most of the pieces that are shown in my portfolio, I never felt enough or ready to illustrate a book. I am so ready now, let the games begin!

Thank you to everyone who has been part of The Sketchbook Games. I love how this community is growing together! Is there something you would like me to talk about? Is there something I can help you with? Maybe a push or just a friendly ear? Just reach out!

Next month, we will focus on drawing pets! We will have a session with

Jenni Macklin

on the 5th of May and one with

Emma Carpendale

one week later, on the 12th. I will be sharing the links to register to those drawing sessions!

We will also have 2 portfolio interviews, one with

Martyna Bielecka

and one with

Adam Ming

!! I am so excited to show you their approach to doing their portfolios. Don´t miss these interviews, they are full of cool information that will help later when you have to set up either your website or if you want to show a nice book to agencies and other industry people.

Until soon friends,

Citla