Follow your effort, not your dreams.
This is a truth that has been resonating deeply with me lately.
We often focus on what we dream for ourselves. In my case, it's dreams for my career as a writer and illustrator. Where we are in the present moment is never good enough, there's always more to achieve, a farther star to reach.
This month (February) I have an illustration exhibiting at Foyles Bookstore in London. It is an exhibit of the most promising up-and-coming SCBWI illustrators from 2012, and I'm very (very) proud to be included. I'm excited because I'm in this amazing exhibition, hanging with all the other amazing illustrators, but also because Foyles is the best independent bookstore in London. It's like a literary mecca for bibliophiles.
A few days ago I went to see the exhibition. I admired all the amazing illustrations, and then I sat in the bookstore cafe and thought about life. You see, several years ago I had a meeting in that exact spot with two editors regarding a children's book project for a major cultural museum in London. I wanted that job so badly, and I was so nervous as I was pitching my portfolio.
Did I get the job? Yes, I did. But... the project fell through due to funding and other bureaucratic nightmares. It was going to be my first major break, and I fell apart when the bad news came.
Sitting in that cafe, several years ago, I never could have imagined that my illustrations would one day be hanging on its walls. I never would have dreamed it could be possible.
So you see? It was all those days of effort, working for the sake of working, and trying to open doors whenever I found them, that led me to where I am today. (Not my dreams)
I still have far to go; and I'm still dreaming. But I'm also so grateful for how far I have come. And I'm not going let setbacks keep me from working hard, for it's the hard work that will get you to where you want to go in the end.
What do you think?
{PS: This post was inspired by a quote I found on Erin's blog, Living In Yellow, HERE.}
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Hi Jane,thanks for your visit and your words, I appreciate them very much. Absolutely agree with your words, although there are many illustration schools, I think in our profession we have to learn the most important things by ourselves, working!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure to see illustrations done by hand, and what is more, with watercolours!
I am going to link your blog to mine, if you don't mind.
Hi Jane,thanks for your visit and your words, I appreciate them very much. Absolutely agree with your words, although there are many illustration schools, I think in our profession we have to learn the most important things by ourselves, working!
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasure to see illustrations done by hand, and what is more, with watercolours!
I am going to link your bloc to mine, if you don't mind.
Love your work, Jane.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see your SCBWI exhibition piece framed in Foyles!
Thank you for visiting my blog, Jane, and leaving such a lovely note. And it has let me to your blog and beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having your work included in this exhibit -- your piece is beautiful!
I really like what you said about following your efforts -- very true! Something else I have to remind myself is to enjoy the process of creating art and not focus too much on the final artwork. I used to get so easily frustrated when my art work did not come out as I wanted, forgetting to enjoy making art and learning through mistakes.
:-)
Thank you for visiting my blog, Jane, and leaving such a lovely note. And it has let me to your blog and beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on having your work included in this exhibit -- your piece is beautiful!
I really like what you said about following your efforts -- very true! Something else I have to remind myself is to enjoy the process of creating art and not focus too much on the final piece. I used to get so easily frustrated when my art work did not come out as I wanted, forgetting to enjoy making art and learning through mistakes.
:-)
Sketching is one kind of amazing handicraft and artwork. Like most art and artist.
ReplyDeleteThis was a lovely, and very inspirational post :) it is easy to forget that it took work to get to where we are, and it is so easy to forget to live in the moment and appreciate what we have and what we've achieved so far. Your blog is lovely from what I have seen so far, as are your wonderful illustrations. Thank you for your sweet comment on my blog :) xx
ReplyDeleteIts hearing great that effort is the best thing. Like it too much. Also love creative artwork.
ReplyDeleteI love the title to this post...and it is so very true. I have found with recent events that the path was far richer than the destination, and the true growth is in these wonderful experiences...
ReplyDeleteHow TRUE Jane......so inspirational to read. Can never give up in your efforts even when you get kicked down. Rejection is a constant part of being an artist.....just enjoy the progress. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational! And congratulations on this great honor! That's just terrific.
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