Hi there pals,
Me and my illustrator pals Katie and Tania launched The Good Ship during lockdown to share our kitchen table chats with a larger audience. It’s been amazing! We had no idea it would be the success it has been, we love seeing everyone who sails with us go on to do great things.
What great things?
Everything from drawing every day, building a website, finding confidence in their work, making a portfolio, getting onto the art school of their dreams, getting their book published, getting back into illustration after a break for kids or work or whatever life stuff got in the way, getting an agent, finding their own unique illustration voice, which is the key to a long and prosperous career. Why would a client look for anyone else when you are so uniquely you?
Don't follow the Instagram trends, it’s hard work and boring to try to be someone else, and what happens when that illustration fad goes out of fashion? Where does that leave you? Be your weird and wonderful self and everyone will see the difference!
I have had messages this week from a few illustrators asking if they are too old or if there is anything to learn if they are already established illustrators.
Well, speaking from experience (I am going to be 51 this year) and I am learning from the Good Ship everyday. It has helped me remember why I became an illustrator in the first place, it has fired me up with more creative energy than I’ve had for years. I have learned so much from Katie and Tania and the Good Ship community. It’s helped me regroup and re ground myself in who I am and the work I make.
Also the stuff I have learned from Tania about colour has blown my mind. I thought I had a natural instinct for colour and that to learn colour theory in any way would mess with my natural genius. I was an idiot. I am a convert to learning as much about colour as I can. It has changed how I buy clothes, how I decorate my house and how I make my picture books. Mind blowing! Here’s her free workshop if you want a wee taster.
So no, you’re never too old or established to learn some more stuff. Get some tasty learning down ya face!
Course doors are open until Friday 20th January at Good Ship Art Club (or until we reach capacity, just so ya know). The gangway goes up on Friday and we’re off on our 8 week adventure!
I am an idiot
😂 I felt the same way when I watched Tanias workshop. I was taught colour theory at uni and it just never sank in, my brain wasn’t ready to absorb it! But now I am so obsessed with making colour palettes! Although I still don’t fully understand it 🤣
There‘s a wonderful book for everyone who thinks it‘s too late or I’m too old. It’s called "A Glorious Freedom: Older Women Leading Extraordinary Lives" from Lisa Congdon which I can highly recommend.