Learning, and then re-learning

I have been out of University since 2012, and although I now have some experience under my belt I still have not managed to get the illusive 'full time job'. Yes, I have been down about it. But instead of wallowing, and pretending not to understand why I've taken a hard look at what I am doing. And it's simple. I'm not working hard enough, I am not showing anyone what I can do. Simply put, people won't hire you if they don't know you're there.

I realized this a little while ago, panicked and took on so much that I couldn't cope. This meant I constantly let myself down because I didn't complete anything. My confidence shot, I withdrew again and even stopped drawing for a little bit. (Never OK by the way.) 

Without the supportive network of like-minded people I simply stopped. I run on praise and other people's approval, not good. 

Then I did one very important thing. I joined my local Roller Derby Team, Severn Roller Torrent. This crazy, fast, terrifying, exhilarating and, most importantly, supportive sport made something click in me. For the first time (in forever..) I found real self belief. And this wonderful thing has fed back into my work.

I signed up to Magic Box, an online digital art class run by Chris Oatley. (If you're interested in seeing my first assignment go to my pintrest.) I listen to animation podcasts; Skwigly, Guys with Pencils and Paper Wings to name a few. (It's amazing how inspiring listening to these amazing people is.)

I have set myself REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS  that I will complete.

And step by step, I will make myself into the artist I want to be. 

If you have read all of this... thank you. It has taken me a long time to get to this point. 

...now have some @Sketch_Dailies art as a reward.

aaaaahhhh

Now if I could create sketches that looked like these I would die a happy bunny.

more here

I think The Black Cauldron was highly under rated, don't you?

Thought of the day....

People are really nice.

I, along with a team of students, have been conducting research into the job roles and career paths of concept art. (I myself am more interesting in character design, but its good to know what to look out for.)
Anyway, the research has included emailing to people out in the industry and asking them questions about what they do.
I wasn't sure how many people would actually have time to do this, but I have managed to get 3 finished questionaires and a load more saying that they will!
Anyway... this resulted in me getting very excited!

If you havn't looked at these guys already look now!!!
http://leisha-riddel.blogspot.com/
http://pringading.blogspot.com/
http://melmillerart.blogspot.com/
http://tanyajscott.blogspot.com/

and whilst I'm linking check these guys out too ----
http://amandazima.blogspot.com/
http://inner-workings-of.blogspot.com/
http://heidschoetter.blogspot.com/