Busy, busy!

A lot can happen in a short space of time. As I continue to work on my style and evolve as an illustrator, I check back in with some of my older work to see how far my progress is coming along — or not. This example is from a book dummy I created more than a year ago and submitted to a publisher just before the end of 2008.

They really liked the story but felt the artwork was too mass-market and didn't look quite finished. They asked me to revisit the art and then they'd take another look at it. I reworked the art — as you see to the right. What a difference! Colors stronger, characters more refined and overall this is much more in keeping with my style of today. Despite an enthusiastic and positive response from the editor, the book didn't make it in.

The final comments were that my illustration style is better suited to the older picture book audience. Interesting. I've had other feedback to say my work has a younger appeal. It's all subjective. I'm okay with it. I was really grateful for the experience despite the outcome.

Redoing the art made me realize how far I have come in just a year and in fact, makes me want to see how far I can keep pushing myself. I look at artists who are well established after many years of being published. When you compare their earlier work to something more current, they too have evolved and they haven't stopped. The idea of new discovery year after year is exciting.

How do you see yourself in your process and progress when looking back?