Evil Bears

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Evil bears dancing their evil dances under an evil moon (pretty self explanatory)

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Arts Experiment Beginning!

Watercolor pine tree grill green and reds Carmen Wood illustrator whimsical picture book art Minneapolis
Here’s a watercolor sketch from my week up at the cottage in Wisconsin over the 4th of July!

Arts Experiment: I’m actually full time illustrating/artisting as of last Monday, which is a calculated risk that I’m excited and terrified about. It’s been wonderful to just plow through work – previously, I only had one official full day a week to try and get everything done. I’m crossing so much off my list! I’ve focused on product development this week – stand by for incoming greeting cards! I’m also getting prints matted to pitch to local baby stores – I have a whole bunch of baby themed art that needs to find its audience.

I’m also working on continuing to learn coding skills, and various self-directed graphic design projects to flesh out my graphic design portfolio – I’m planning on seeking internships in that field in the fall.

I’m ALSO working on polishing picture book submissions – here’s the book ideas I’m working on. In particular, I want to up the game on the final art samples for the so-called Diaper Book.

Messy desk baby art pens Carmen Wood illustrator whimsical picture book art Minneapolis
Character design and greeting card design!

And finally, and excitingly, I’m continuing to work on some exciting commissions for some exciting clients! Next step there is cutting and stretching big ol’ pieces of gorgeous watercolor paper to begin final art. (Side note – I can’t tell you how much I love this Arches watercolor paper – it is like painting on velvet paper. Smooth and buttery. mmmm.)

Handwritten notebook page with hand Carmen Wood illustrator whimsical picture book art Minneapolis
The all-important organization notebook!

Welp, that’s a long blog post. Whatever. It’s good for me to skim some of this off my brain. Wish me luck!

Edit: Oh, I forgot to mention some of the challenges…for example, after working in a busy bakery where I was on my feet for six hours a day and talking to hundreds of random people all day, as a work-from-home artist I hit a point in the afternoon where I am bouncing off the walls of my silent studio..HAHAHAHA (manic laughter). My body has jittery energy as a result of sitting all day. I want to talk to people more than previously. So you’ll probably be hearing more from me on social media and the blog!

 

 

 

 

Lol sketches

Bear Sketch Little Red Book

Just a little something I rediscovered in my little red sketchbook. I especially like those bears in the background:)

I’ve been working on a Facebook business page the last month, so have neglected my blog! I need to get better about posting the same content both places.

I’ve also been developing my Etsy shop, which is coming along swimmingly. As of today, five people have favorited my shop, and at least one of those I don’t even know! Celebrating the baby steps, always.