I have codgetated for sometime on what I should focus on careerwise. I have even gone to the point of consulting a psychic to help me decide.
While there is a demand for my plasticine illustrations there is no choice to be made. But during a lull the question emerges again.
Last time I spent weeks learning digital 3D, (not wasted time, as it came in handy for the last few commissions). But is this what I really want to be doing?
The other day I sat down to start work on the front cover of my book. I gathered the materials necessary but I couldn't gather the enthusiasm. I'm excited about the book but I'm not sure about the medium for the illustrations.
Commissioned plasticine illustrations will always command 100% of my enthusiasm, every ounce of my ability, and desire to please and fullfil the clients brief. But when it comes to a personal project, It's hard to find the motivation.
My Agent said he rather liked my recent watercolour illustrations. This is encouraging to me as I found the experience of creating those images a lot less stressful and found it far easier to judge how long they would take to complete. So I thought I'd try illustrating my book in pen and wash.
My agent went with me in the first place because of my different style of illustration. But if I can create a unique style in watercolour maybe he will willing to push this alongside my plasticine work.
I feel the appeal of this blog may be waning due to the lack of artistic content. So next week I am going to post a lot more new work.
While there is a demand for my plasticine illustrations there is no choice to be made. But during a lull the question emerges again.
Last time I spent weeks learning digital 3D, (not wasted time, as it came in handy for the last few commissions). But is this what I really want to be doing?
The other day I sat down to start work on the front cover of my book. I gathered the materials necessary but I couldn't gather the enthusiasm. I'm excited about the book but I'm not sure about the medium for the illustrations.
Commissioned plasticine illustrations will always command 100% of my enthusiasm, every ounce of my ability, and desire to please and fullfil the clients brief. But when it comes to a personal project, It's hard to find the motivation.
My Agent said he rather liked my recent watercolour illustrations. This is encouraging to me as I found the experience of creating those images a lot less stressful and found it far easier to judge how long they would take to complete. So I thought I'd try illustrating my book in pen and wash.
My agent went with me in the first place because of my different style of illustration. But if I can create a unique style in watercolour maybe he will willing to push this alongside my plasticine work.
I feel the appeal of this blog may be waning due to the lack of artistic content. So next week I am going to post a lot more new work.
Comments
The commercial work versus personal work thing is an issue with a lot of illustrators. There are some though who have found the Holy Grail, and get paid to illustrate in their favoured style and the genre they love.
It can get quite complicated even if you love the medium and genre. Like when a hobby becomes your main source of income it changes in nature. Financial concerns, lack of work, too much work. Having said that I'd rather be under pressure doing something I enjoy than something I didn't, which has been the case in the past.
That said, I think having a secondary, less-stressful/time-consuming style is a terrific idea.
It's been a really odd week. I have felt a bit lost creatively and domestic matters have distracted me.
I have puposely not posted much this week, because I know the mundane would become the melodramatic.
You are right about going where the energy is.