Illoguild Shares the Power of Personal Projects
(Illoguild question #31: How can personal projects benefit your work?)
Hey there,
As we all settle into the new year, the
members would like to share their thoughts on the Power of Personal Projects. When thinking about hopes and goals for this year, consider leaving some time for personal projects. They can make a big difference in your work, as you’ll see from the many examples in the posts below.And as always, thank you to all our readers: you’re the reason we keep showing up! Thank you for your feedback, for joining us on Illoguild Lives, and for being part of this growing community. Be sure to sign up for our upcoming live here.
Illustrator Spotlight
This month we shine a spotlight on
who recently won the 2024 International Impact Book Awards for ‘Cecilia Says No.’ Check out the Q&A with Noreen below!ILLOGUILD Talks: The Power of Personal Projects
The next illoguild live session is on Monday, January 20. Join us for a live Zoom session where we’ll dive into the power of personal projects and how they can fuel your creativity, grow your portfolio, and spark new opportunities. Hear from the illoguild as we share our experiences, insights, and tips for making time for what truly excites us as artists.
Whether you're starting something new or revisiting a long-time passion, this conversation is for anyone looking for a reason to pursue a personal art project!
You’re invited to the LIVE ZOOM (It’s free) - Replays available for Paid Subscribers.
The Power of Personal Projects:
shares how personal projects have shaped her creative journey: writes about making personal projects work for you: shares how habits help him with personal projects: writes about a personal project that led to meeting Lilla Rogers: reveals a trick for finding more time for personal projects: shares tips for developing personal projects: shows how personal projects can lead to new ideas: talks about the healing power of personal projects. 
Q and A with
What inspires you?
Taking walks and being in nature.
What picture books are working on now?
Book 2 in the Cecelia series; CECELIA TAKES FLIGHT. I’ve written the story and Mithini Wathsala is doing the beautiful illustrations. (Sneak preview below.) I’m also working on school visits and marketing with local book shops in the new year.
What is your dream project?
A successful launch on this picture book and completing a Middle Grade novel that I started a few years ago.
What is the most challenging part in the creating children’s books?
Keeping up with it all: writing a good book, completing the storyboard, book dummy, final drawings, and especially with self publishing—launching, marketing and promoting the book, all while you’re trying to improve your skills with classes, wearing multiple hats and navigating social media.
Any advice for a new author or illustrator?
Find a good support group;
has been amazing!
Announcements
The next illoguild live session is on Monday, January 20. Sign up here.
- has been hard at work illustrating the Famous Five Short Stories, and The Painting Puzzle is finally available! Get yours here!
Finally! What everyone has been waiting for… the cover real of Tiny Dogs: The Best Birthday Party! This is the third book in the Tiny Dog series by
. Pre-order your copy here.
Last month
won overall winner in the “Picture It! Anthology. Her images of Walter and Scout in Lost Sockville will be on the cover. Pre-order your copy here. Proceeds go to The Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
- finished illustrating her fourth children’s book, Goodnight Barre. Here she is with all the artwork!
Thanks for reading the illoguild newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our journey.
What question should we answer next?
Anything on your mind?
And we are really happy that you have supported us along the way!!! We hope it has been useful and inspiring for you. If you would like to help others be inspired- why not share this post.
Links to Illoguild Member Newsletters and Socials
Adam Ming: ‘Ten Minute Artist’ and Adam’s Instagram
Brenda Harris: ‘On The Creative Road’ and Brenda’s Instagram
Carla Hoffenberg: ‘Carla’s Crowd’ and Carla’s Instagram
Chantelle Holt: ‘Chantelle’s Studio’ and Chantelle’s Instagram
Damjana Loddelina: ‘Lemon Tart Bandit’ and Damjana’s Instagram
Jen Gubicza: ‘Rymes with Pizza’ and Jen’s Instagram
Jennifer Jamieson: ‘Jennifer’s Newsletter’ and Jen’s Instagram
Katie Stack: ‘Katie’s Newsletter’ and Katie’s Instagram
Kavita Rajput: ‘Kavita’s Corner’ and Kavita’s Instagram
Noreen Anne: ‘Creative Canvas by Noreen Anne’ and Noreen’s Instagram
Rose Lihou: ‘Studio Tea with Rose Lihou’ and Rose’s Instagram
Tammy Angelis: ‘Tabbykat Chats’ and Tammy’s Instagram