Updates!

Hello, ladies! Hope the first month of 2009 went well. It's been a month since I've posted, so I had updates to share: I just started taking a 14-week "Children's Book Illustration" class at an art university, went to a local SCBWI meeting, and am starting a face-to-face illo critique group (first meeting to begin in February).

Anyone else have news?

Feedback Please

Happy Holidays! I've been working on this piece for a long time, but something needs to be tweaked and I'm not sure what it is. I'm starting to play with textures, shadows and shading. Let me know what you think needs a change.

Thanks!

Galleries!!!!

Hello artists!

I'm setting my 2009 goals now, and one is to get published. So in the effort to get my name "out there" (out where?) I'm entering some work in a nation-wide project that puts ALL entries into a gallery. I'm attaching the link to the Art House Co-op, based in Atlanta, if you are also interested. I'm participating in the Sketchbook Project (which is a traveling show) and the 10,000 project, which will be shown in Atlanta only, but 1,000 will be chosen to be printed in a book. Both entries ask for small fees.

I'll post my final pieces when they're complete. I'm still in the planning stages. :)

-Lindsay

Feeedback please

Good morning! I'm having trouble with this little boy's face. He's not "cute" yet. I'm not quite sure what to change.

-Should his mouth be open? Or not as wide?
-Teeth or no teeth?
-Should the bags under his eyes be removed?
-Dimples?

I feel like its close, but not yet there. Ideas?

-Lindsay

(12/3/08) Thanks for the feedback! Revised illo found HERE.

So much activity!

I haven't done an illustration with this many pieces in a very long time--which is partially why I want to do this piece, for practice!--but I'm not sure I'm ready to do it in color yet. The focus of the piece should be the people-- the distractions happening around the table and the bewilderment of the two kids in the middle. The food's there mainly to clarify that this is Thanksgiving... and also because, well, it's a dinner table scene.

That being said, I'm a little worried that the food might end up dominating the whole picture, or at least distracting from the people and the activity. Is that something that can be achieved through color (more contrast in the people, for instance) or should I tweak the composition itself? Actually, I'd love to hear ANY thoughts! Thanks!!

Updating website--advice, please!

Hello critique-ers! I'm working on updating my website and doing a rather hefty promotional mailing in the coming weeks (months? hmm, hope not!) and I need your help!

1) I'm planning on having the above illustration on the front page--so it needs to be great! Please share any comments or suggestions, keeping in mind that I work traditionally (pastels) rather than digitally like many other contributers here. I'll change what I can, and what I can't, I'll use for future reference--so all comments are helpful.

2) What should I consider changing on my website(www.elizabeth-metz.com)? I'm already planning the following changes:
-updating the portfolio--removing a few not-great pieces and adding some newer work.
-making the portfolio section the front page, rather than requiring you to navigate to it
-shortening the "about" page, perhaps?
-possibly removing the "contact" page and just linking to my email address

Any other thoughts?

Professional Organizations

I'm thinking about joining a professional organization for illustrators. I'd like one that will hold workshops or conferences and give useful information about marketing yourself, networking, insider tips...etc. What organizations do you belong to? Do you find the membership useful?