Link to one of the published works : https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=50130

Yesterday was a good day , I had two hits (as I call them) for some future work , one is the design of a new business logo , business cards etc .That one is in" - now my brain is thinking around the concept .. before I begin .
Today however I finally go for that full medical check-up that I have been avoiding for so long .After two car accidents (from behind I might add) and injurys to my spine and neck I sometimes feel very old and dread this kind of thing as one never knows what else they may find .I am also going to fetch my Eish Studio greeting cards from one of the shops that was selling them but charging me (and others) far too much rent . So Im back to square one with my vision for the greeting cards I've designed .
Perhaps however Im ahead of my time trying to introduce black greeting cards here in South Africa ... (not much has changed here in ten years ...)
So a lot to do and places to go today .
Wish however this hermit could stay at home and just draw . :)

Being a educational (and "other"type of illustrator on occasion) illustrator in South Africa, my present thaughts and ramblings :

In this (I believe) little known world of the Freelance artist , it's called "The Waiting Game" amongst us the creatives , we are the little known but very much needed entity that finishes off a book that has been created by the writer, editors etc ... We are then responsible for bringing the vision to a reality and not always an easy task ...
Suddenly there are those months where your client may need you RIGHT NOW, as their deadlines are then back on, and their livelihoods depend on it !

Well I guess their livelihoods do depend on it in reality, the bosses have spoken ..and its there turn to show they can do their jobs sucessfully . We the Freelancers scramble in all directions , work through nights , eat badly or not at all , do research for reference when none is given or on occassion bad briefs are supplied . (and do not ever say that to some of your clients .. Improvise and then just redo it if its wrong!)

We also know in the back of our minds, that when the work comes you hit it with all the gusto of a gale force wind as the cycle begins and we know comes to an end again . I often wonder is there no plan in action by publishers that books are done in a steady flow so that we as the illustrators can get more streamlined and know that each month we could earn at least something .Why is it in this industry especially with educational books that everything happens at once . I just can't figure it out ?? So the cycle ends and we hit those months which can be 3-4 months where nothing happens ,we almost feel forgotten. We then wait eagerly for that one email that will offer
us hope again and yes.. food on the table , but also the opportunity of feeling like a valued productive member of society again .

I've often been thrown with -" get a normal job". Does one go get a office job that us as artistic people cannot even comprehend ? Just imagine sitting behind a desk all day doing paperwork for some bald boss man, who has no knowlegdge (and who doesent even actually care or give a s@#t ) that you have a special talent. I have heard so many people say to me they have a job but its not what they want to do ..
I was once told do what you love and you will succeed ...well Im definatly going to persevere and see if this is true !
I am happiest illustrating and being creative , ok stress is a big factor when there is no work , but as a mother in my case it also gives me more opportunity of being with my children .
So I shall remain a dedicated illustrator and keep my eye on my inbox .........