the Light at the End of the Tunnel
Just about every illustrtion job I take in has a bell curve of effort. At the beginning, it is a Sysiphian , or so it seems for me, as I start at zero, and generate with plenty of trial and error involved.
In the case of the piece I am currently working on, craftsmanship is by far more in order than the flair I may have for whimsy, music, or movement. This piece is from a friend to her best friend upon the latter turning 50, and it involves a more realistic approach in line with the sensibility of the eventual recipient. This means, I trace photographs and project them on to watercolor paper, a most laborious task. and, I work in the dark, which can be strange.
I've now been at this one for about 5 hours, and I just hit the point where I can see the end of this process coming soon (to a theater near you?). I smiled because I know the end result will justify the toil and tedium, and I know that the person this is for will be enourmously touched by it. I also fueled myself with caffeine and Little Feat. To take a break, I'm writing this here blog.
After I get this art into pencil, the hardest work will have been done, and then I'm going to do it again on another job for my new client. The major difference is that the second sketch I'll be projecting is an outgrowth of my imagination, no photos involved, and, as such will have a lot more of my personality in it, and a lot more liveliness to it. It will go easier.
All this doesn't even touch on the issue of money! Finding ways to get good compensation is always a challenge for those of us who would practically pay to do their art anyway (shhh! it's our little secret). We live to do art,and people are aware of this, and sometimes do try to use that to take advantage - "hey, it's great exposure, and I'll be sure to tell lots of people all about you". Fellow artists, don't go for that carrot on the stick, it will remain just out of reach. Where there is a job that has low compensaiton, but other good results, I say "do it". I try tofind a good balance between some better paying work and the jobs that come from the heart, and , when the two are one and he same, I've reached art Nirvana.
New affirmation: "I've reached Art Nirvana".
In the case of the piece I am currently working on, craftsmanship is by far more in order than the flair I may have for whimsy, music, or movement. This piece is from a friend to her best friend upon the latter turning 50, and it involves a more realistic approach in line with the sensibility of the eventual recipient. This means, I trace photographs and project them on to watercolor paper, a most laborious task. and, I work in the dark, which can be strange.
I've now been at this one for about 5 hours, and I just hit the point where I can see the end of this process coming soon (to a theater near you?). I smiled because I know the end result will justify the toil and tedium, and I know that the person this is for will be enourmously touched by it. I also fueled myself with caffeine and Little Feat. To take a break, I'm writing this here blog.
After I get this art into pencil, the hardest work will have been done, and then I'm going to do it again on another job for my new client. The major difference is that the second sketch I'll be projecting is an outgrowth of my imagination, no photos involved, and, as such will have a lot more of my personality in it, and a lot more liveliness to it. It will go easier.
All this doesn't even touch on the issue of money! Finding ways to get good compensation is always a challenge for those of us who would practically pay to do their art anyway (shhh! it's our little secret). We live to do art,and people are aware of this, and sometimes do try to use that to take advantage - "hey, it's great exposure, and I'll be sure to tell lots of people all about you". Fellow artists, don't go for that carrot on the stick, it will remain just out of reach. Where there is a job that has low compensaiton, but other good results, I say "do it". I try tofind a good balance between some better paying work and the jobs that come from the heart, and , when the two are one and he same, I've reached art Nirvana.
New affirmation: "I've reached Art Nirvana".
posted by Rich Sigberman at
12:34 PM
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