This summer has been very busy, hence my lack of regular posts. I am super grateful for lots of client work and for having had the opportunity to do a bit of traveling and to just LIVE my life. It has been great. I am true believer in working hard and I have always had a problem with slowing down to smell the roses because I am always looking ahead, worrying about what is next and how to get there. As a freelancer, you tend to do that because you never know if and when the next job is coming in. It can be stressful when you are waiting on that paycheck.
So I have really tried to make it a point this year (remember THIS post ) to try and slow down and enjoy the present, among other things. I have to admit, it is not easy thing for me to do but I keep trying and have had a really great year so far freelance and life-wise. Life is short and you have to accept that some things are just beyond your control. You can either waste your energy worrying and giving yourself an ulcer over the unknown or you can try and make the best of the situation that you are in and enjoy your life and the good people around you. You have to look at the positive side of things because that is what will get you to the next level. So that is exactly what I am doing. Much of it has to do with gratitude and I am a happier person for recognizing this.
I feel that this has effected my work in positive way. I have a promotion schedule that I had been adhering to – and I always felt like a total slacker if I don’t stick to it. But some of my deadlines these past few months made it utterly impossible. Before I would stress and feel guilty about it and then whip up something decidedly mediocre at best to send out because I feel like I HAD to or I would be “behind” and “forgotten about” as an illustrator.
I have learned that the work will always be there. No, you cannot be lazy, but yes, you can give yourself a little breathing room. If you don’t get this gig, you will surely get another one as long as you keep promoting. Don’t slack, but relax and create GREAT work, because THAT is what is going to get you the jobs. It takes a lot of self discipline to slow down and balance out my work that way without feeling like I am lazy. But it seems to be working for me.
Anyway, here are some likeness study sketches that I have been working on for an upcoming promotional piece. I have sketched the Avett Brothers before because I have always planned on doing a promotion with them. It turns out that they will be touring this fall to support a new recording, so now is the time to plan that promotion! I haven’t gotten all of the players drawn out yet but here are a few from the sketchbook.
Enjoy!