Thank you! I have found that we always have a choice: whether we choose to make the world the way we believe it ought to be (optimistically, I suppose) or take the bummers that happen and let them turn us cynical. It is an ongoing challenge, as I'm sure you're finding out.. if you haven't already.. ... more

Thank you! I have found that we always have a choice: whether we choose to make the world the way we believe it ought to be (optimistically, I suppose) or take the bummers that happen and let them turn us cynical. It is an ongoing challenge, as I'm sure you're finding out.. if you haven't already.. But I am happy to tell you that it IS possible to survive a decade in your chosen (artistic) career AND work on projects you love, AND love your work, AND still believe in the best of people. It's not always rosy but I wouldn't trade it for how bad it feels to believe in the worst of people... :) So there you go!

And I wanted to say something else, regarding finding arenas to submit work to... when I started working as a camera assistant in Hollywood, I did what they tell you never works. I cold called all the production companies weekly (we're talking 150 of them at that time), and got to where the secretar... more

And I wanted to say something else, regarding finding arenas to submit work to... when I started working as a camera assistant in Hollywood, I did what they tell you never works. I cold called all the production companies weekly (we're talking 150 of them at that time), and got to where the secretaries knew who I was and why I was calling.. and one day, maybe a month or two into my quest, one of those secretaries was out on maternity leave, and the sub - since I seemed to know so much about that company's secretary) passed me through to one of the creative executives, and I got an interview. And the next thing I knew, I was flying to Rome to work as the director's assistant (paid and put up in unbelieveably gorgeous hotels on the Amalfi Coast) on three Ragu commercials. So there you have it. We can shape our destinies. And dreams do come true! :)

Jasmine!
You are well on your way, kiddo! I love your site, by the way. I ran it by my mom - both my parents are Art Center grads - so I grew up surrounded by illustrators and commercial artists of all sorts. What gorgeous work.. I love your Lolita cover by the way - so much to comment on, hope... more

Jasmine!
You are well on your way, kiddo! I love your site, by the way. I ran it by my mom - both my parents are Art Center grads - so I grew up surrounded by illustrators and commercial artists of all sorts. What gorgeous work.. I love your Lolita cover by the way - so much to comment on, hope to chat about it later! Thank you, thank you! And never give up. I know you can do it!