So last week as a birthday gift for myself, I signed up for an online class with art agent Lilla Rogers’ Make Art That Sells #MATS site – https://www.makeartthatsells.com . Tbh, I signed up for several classes – taking advantage of the MATS spring sale (45% off). I signed up for a group of classes with the goal of helping me write and illustrate a book of my own – or at least develop a pro-level pitch for an IDEA for a book of my own. This has been a dream/goal of mine for as long as I can remember! No, I haven’t finished any more illustrations for my coloring book, but that project is on my list. That one is such a huge project, and if I want to pull it off I think that one will be a full time job.

Recently, some health issues have come up with a dear friend/neighbor up the mountain, and have reminded me that you really don’t know how much time you have on this planet. Nobody gets out alive so to speak. I don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking that I have unlimited time to accomplish my illustration career goals. I’ve been in denial. So, I’m not going to waste any more time wishing. I am now DOING.

I have 2 years until I turn 65. At that point I will make a decision as to retirement. My plan is to be making money equal to or better from making art, as I’m currently earning from teaching art. I’m not going to let anything get in my way. I will be published.

With that put out into the universe to manifest, here’s my week 1 assignment book idea – something fun and crafty that I can enjoy creating and pitching to publishers! Most of the artwork on there is mine with some books as inspiration and a couple of lovely colorful owls to spice up the look. This is kind of like an idea/inspiration board. The assignments get reviewed by Lilla and her teachers and she sometimes hires illustrators out of her courses. At the very least I will learn skills that will help me put together a great book pitch!

Here’s a free YouTube video series from Lilla Rogers on how to write and illustrate your own book! I just love this lady. She’s legit a former illustrator now art agent and has been working for 40+ years in the biz. Love it. I have to admit I am jealous of her studio space too, even tho mine is pretty perfect!

Anyways, whether you’re an artist or a writer, her free vids will help you a lot. Wish me luck in my classes and pray for my success either getting published, getting an agent, or both! I’ll post my work each week so come back next week as I journey toward my goals!