Hello Beautiful
I think it's not always clear when you make a decision vs. when a decision is made in the context of a series of events. For example, as long as I can remember, I have wanted to illustrate a children's book. Along with my other illustration and design goals, I added children's book illustrator to my list of goals. I took beginner online classes and followed a bajillion children's book illustrators on Instagram. I also joined the free membership for The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
My dream came true in 2021 when I connected with Hilda to illustrate Snow & Zoey's Big Life Lesson. You can read about that beautiful connection in an interview I did with Claire Make's Things. Since then, Hilda and I have completed another book project together, "OH, My ODDyssey," which is coming soon! I have also been contacted by two people I know who wrote children's books and needed an illustrator. They chose me. I am excited to work with them! In a moment, my illustrator dance card filled up, and it became clear to me that the vision that I had of becoming a children's book illustrator was smaller than I could have imagined. The books that I have worked on (and am working on) are thoughtful and meaningful. The authors I get to work with are beautiful people that I love working with!
In January, I decided to officially join SCBWI. I'm all in now! Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most supportive and generous people through the Michigan Chapter. I attended the Chapter conference in May - it was outstanding, with excellent workshops, networking, and portfolios! I had the opportunity to meet and chat with John Hendrix. I also had the opportunity to receive a critique from Mina Chung, art director at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. I took so many notes from both of their workshops.
My takeaway from this experience is to continue doing what brings me joy and remain open to what may come. I thought I was open. 😆 Since I became a full-time illustrator and designer, this is the first year I've had to change my goals in mid-year completely. The project management part of my mind had a mini-meltdown. Luckily, that section has recovered.
#trenabrannonart #illustrator #childrensbookillustrator #kidsbooks
Take Care and Stay Positive!