I hope you are enjoying the fall weather... still kind of warm here, but it's cooler in the evening... For all our friends in the south eastern states and Caribbean, PLEASE stay safe through Hurricane Mathew... I know how aweful hurricanes can be since I lived through four of them. (Please send prayers their way everyone...)
Today is another segment of the IWSG.... Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh we can all vent our insecurities once a month. This monthly meeting certainly has helped me through many anxious times and it can for you as well. Please check out the list and join! Here's the link. And thanks to all the hosts this month!
September came in like a whirlwind for me. Not only did I finally finish my loft, but I have some very exciting news that now I can share. I am just finishing up a major illustration contract. A four color illustration for the cover and graphic design, PLUS 17 interior illustrations. I am thrilled to say that almost all the art has been approved (tweaking the last four illustration and final cover design) and the book should come out sometime later this month or early next month. It all depends on the formatting...
I was offered this job because the previous chosen illustrator became sick and couldn't do the job. I only had THREE weeks to complete this and NEEDLESS to say I was certainly anxious about it. But now that it's practically done, I feel so much better.... This project was so fun for me because the book is a collection of Icelandic Folklore tales geared toward Children.... SO I got to create trolls, giants, fairies, princes, kings, etc. It was so nice to be able to really draw again. It's been a few years since I have illustrated a cover and years since I've down scene interiors... Here is one of my favorites! The story is called Helga, an Icelandic Fairy Tale... (This is original art... please don't reproduce in any way without my consent- thanks).
SO needless to say, I am doing great this month. By Friday, I can breath again. I'll definitely keep you posted once I find out the date for release!
Have a wonderful day everyone and thanks for dropping by.
Congratulations, Michael! I love the artwork! Three weeks isn't much time to get a job like this done, but if that one picture is any indication, the time crunch didn't affect your creativity!
ReplyDeleteNot really... But I've been working twelve to fourteen hours a day, every day, for the past three weeks! I am dead... Lol
DeleteMichael, that's awesome! Congratulations. Do let us know when it comes out.
ReplyDeleteWe're hoping Matthew blows out to sea, although at the very least we will get a lot of rain this weekend.
I hope so ... I know how damaging they can be.
DeleteCongratulations Michael on so many counts ... what a tremendous happening or two! Cheers to you ... and yes let's hope everyone is safe with Matthew barrelling in - Hilary
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilary.... I appreciate it!
DeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity for you! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteI have an event this weekend, so I'm hoping the hurricane doesn't interfere.
Thanks L. Diane... wishing you the best this weekend.
DeleteCongrats, Michael! Awesome that you got the job and could do it on such a short timeline.
ReplyDeleteThanks Natalie... it wasn't easy... I still have the cover to complete. Hopefully by tomorrow all will be squared away.
DeleteGOOD FOR YOU!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shelly!
DeleteSo cool! Can't wait to see the finished project!
ReplyDeleteJust finished yesterday... They look pretty amazing.
DeleteThanks!
That's awesome Michael. Your illustrations remind me of Shel Silverstein. The imagery tells its own story. Love it, and love that you are enjoying your work. Who can ask for more than to get paid for what we love doing??
ReplyDeleteThanks D. That's the whole point of a good illustration... it needs to TELL THE STORY.. You're so right!
DeleteCongratulations on your successful completion of so many illustrations, Michael. The one you display is amazing in its detail.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail. Children's illustrations must be detailed to trigger the their imagination...
DeleteAmazing drawing! A man of many talents, I can see ;) Definitely want to see more and so glad your loft is DONE!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Marcy.... Thanks. The rest are so cool. Once the book is launched, I'll let you know.
DeleteAmazing drawing - you are very talented.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sally!
DeleteI am so happy for you that that job came to you out of the blue. I imagine the pressure of getting it all done in time must have been impressive! Have fun with the rest of the year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Roland... it was totally unexpected. I am very thankful even though the time frame was INSANE!
DeleteLove the illustration. I'm so happy for you, Michael. It's great that they thought of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane. Timing is everything. I had just posted my illustrations on the SBCWI site, and I got the instant message from an author needing a illustrator.
DeleteCONGRATULATIONS on getting that deal to do the illustrations for that book. Judging by the one you shared with us, they were darned lucky to get you!
ReplyDeleteIn all modesty, you are right Susan, very few illustrators would've taken on this job in just a 3 week time frame. I work 12-14 hours a day for all 21 days to get it done. No days off... today I am RELAXING... lol
DeleteSo glad to hear about your latest creative work! Congratulations and I'm loving the drawing you shared.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lee!
DeleteAgain, so beautifully rendered. You are the magician!
ReplyDeleteYes, prayers for the southeast. Matthew is a unique storm, and that's not a good thing!
True... Watching the news now... So far, Thank God, it isn't as bad as it could be....
DeleteCongrats on your artistic job. The illustration you shared is nice and quirky. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Olga...
DeleteCongratulations, Michael!!! You amaze me!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathrina... what a nice compliment!
DeleteA truly beautiful piece of artwork, something to be proud of. No need for insecurity here. Best wishes.
ReplyDeleteNone, this month.... Thanks Faraway...
DeleteWhat a great picture! The kids will love it!
ReplyDeleteGlad things are going well for you. :)
Busy month, now I can breath for a while ... will be starting on the IWSG piece this week. Only three weeks to get it done.
DeleteMichael!! That is beautiful. Is there any limit to your talent? Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Elizabeth... God was very good to me when it came to multitasking my creativity...
DeleteMichael, that is GORGEOUS...simply STUNNING!! Definitely no need to feel insecure about this!
ReplyDeleteNow I have to find another title to add to your other two: The Blurb King and Doctor-Take-It-From-Drab-To-Fab
Mmmm. I'll think about it...
Thanks Michelle! You are too funny... but.... I do love my titles... lol
DeleteWahoo! That's so awesome - and the art is fantastic!! Congrats on it all! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jemi...
DeleteI'm only in Oct for a few days and I'm running amok. May have to give up sleep to get it all done. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from elements of emaginette
Been there... last month was my running amok! LOL.
DeleteMichael, it's wonderful!! So much to look at and get lost in. Congrats on nearing the end of this big project. Methinks we need to get together to toast this accomplishment. I know I've said this before, buuuut - after next week I should be looking pretty good. Please message me at the end of next week if you haven't heard from me (I find that nudging is the best way to deal with me, hehe).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicki... will do.
DeleteCongratulations, Michael! Honestly, you are so freakin’ talented, you blow me away. The short time-line certainly didn’t hold you back. The example illustration is awesome, a story in itself. So glad you had a great (creative AND profitable) month. Wishing you many more ahead!
ReplyDeleteVR Barkowski
Too short, but thankfully I made it. It's amazing how sometimes pressure and deadlines produce incredible art of all kinds.
DeleteThanks VI!
Congratulations Michael, so happy for you. I am a huge fan of your writing and artwork. Wishing you loads of good luck.Finish the PB fast, I want to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachna. I appreciate your confidence in me.
DeleteWonderful drawing, Michael. Congrats on getting this commission. It looks like a fun project although you had to create the art quickly. Sometimes that's best!!!
ReplyDeleteIt truly was. Thanks, Mary.
DeleteCongratulations on landing the job! The pic looks great 😊.
ReplyDeletewww.damyantiwrites.com
Thanks Damyanti!
DeleteReally awesome artwork.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rasma.
DeleteHi Michael! Congratulations on doing the illustrations for "Helga!" The picture looks fabulous, and I know you'll do an exceptional job of bringing the story to life! I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks, Julie!
DeleteCongratulations to you on the awesome illustration deal! Yay! I am sure it was stressful, but you did it! So excited for you. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Glad it's done, and I am thrilled to have such great pieces in my portfolio.
Delete21 illustrations in 3 weeks! You're the man! Congrats on that and finishing the loft. I hope your allergies are getting better too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Holly. They are running good and bad. The weather here isn't consistent so that drives my sinus crazy...
DeleteWow, what an awesome commission!! Congratulations on getting all the illustrations completed!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deniz!
DeleteCongratulations!!! So happy to read this and see that you are feeling so excited and upbeat. Yay! The art is excellent of course!!
ReplyDeleteI am, Julie. I just wrote my first PB. And now I am penning something for the IWSG anthology. Having a bit of a hard time here, but I still have a few weeks to work out the kinks...
DeleteOMG! Huge congrats on getting the illustration contract! I'm continually impressed by how talented you are, and in so many different areas. That cover is scary with the three-headed troll thingie. Brave little girl to be sitting at that table. It will be exciting and a great lesson for kids. Go you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice thing to say! Thank you, Lexa. I really appreciate it. Plugging away at this for as many years as I have, it's nice to reap some of what I've sewn.
DeleteI hope you're breathing now. That's awesome. I had to do a project which involved drawing a little while back, and I was shocked at how using my hands boosted my mental output. There really is benefit to using all aspects of our creativity.
ReplyDeleteWhat a crazy, awesome project.
LOL. I am. Thanks Crystal... working on my new PB now. Just wrote it. Now for the illustrations. They'll take a while.Since I am not under a deadline, I can take my time. Although I do work great under pressure.
ReplyDeleteHey Michael, it is awesome news about the illustrations and the one you shared is beyond awesome. It looks like such fun! No wonder it's put a smile on your face! And great getting your loft finished. I can only dream!
ReplyDeleteDenise :-)
Congratulations, Michael. I agree with the others, you're the man! Your work is outstanding.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! You have such nice artwork, and it's always nice to get back to whatever kind of art we do after having some time away.
ReplyDeleteMay we display your header on our new site directory? As it is now, the site title (linked back to your home page) is listed, and we think displaying the header will attract more attention. In any event, we hope you will come by and see what is going on at SiteHoundSniffs.com.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that's so wonderful about your illustration work!! Yep, that's a tight deadline, but you did it!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your illustration contract, Michael. You are one very talented artist. And thanks for stopping by yesterday and commenting on my (I think it's the 3rd or 4th) "debut" on Blogger where I'm now going to stay.
ReplyDeleteThis is the reply I posted to your comment:
....
So you are about my daughter's age. Before her accident she was a traditional book reader, but with one bad arm among other problems she has trouble turning pages. So the eBook has become the way for her to read.
I would love to see that REAL library ... with your designing abilities it would be awesome.
I think I am now going to be happier with Blogger also. This post was one I had to barely think about it came to easily. And I feel that Blogger is "cozier" than WordPress.
My family is well, thank you. Hope you are too. Look forward to seeing you "around." :)