04-05-2013, 05:02 AM
One year ago today I left a toxic relationship, set out on my own and have put all my focus into my illustration and concept work. I live off my art at this point which is a true blessing I am thankful for everyday. I make my own hours, I work on games, films and stories I love, I run, I bike, I work hard as hell, but I can always do more.
The reason I got back into art was through DnD. I went to art school from 99-03 at a fancy institute and got very burnt out. I worked in the art world for years not making a dent and dealing with very nasty, vapid people. After 5 years of struggling, I gave up on art as a viable career, besides some random personal projects. I started working as a carpenter, contractor, then a decorative finisher. It was turning into a very good living in nyc, but it did not feel right. In the midst of this career change I got back into DnD and was reminded of the art that made me want to draw in the first place. I found online tutorials, communities and went at it.
The same month I set my mind to a new career my dad got very sick and I spent a lot of my free time with him in the hospital drawing on my laptop. He passed away as I was getting my first real gigs and had a chance to see me really happy doing my work. He was always concerned that I wasnt doing what I loved and pushed me to make my own path in whatever I did. I know I love what I do now, and I feel that I am keeping true to my vision as an artist. However, if I want to support a family, have a decent home, and a fleet of jetskis I need to step it up.
My personal goal is to land a contract with Wizards of the Coast by this time next year. Working in the DnD world would be a personal dream come true. I know I'm capable of it, but I need to work on many aspects of my illustration.
-nailing the WoTC style down
-waaaaay better lighting in my illustrations
-polish, render, polish, repeat
-examples of wotc IPs in my portfolio (Githyanki!)
any other suggestions?
lemme have it. I want this so bad!
The reason I got back into art was through DnD. I went to art school from 99-03 at a fancy institute and got very burnt out. I worked in the art world for years not making a dent and dealing with very nasty, vapid people. After 5 years of struggling, I gave up on art as a viable career, besides some random personal projects. I started working as a carpenter, contractor, then a decorative finisher. It was turning into a very good living in nyc, but it did not feel right. In the midst of this career change I got back into DnD and was reminded of the art that made me want to draw in the first place. I found online tutorials, communities and went at it.
The same month I set my mind to a new career my dad got very sick and I spent a lot of my free time with him in the hospital drawing on my laptop. He passed away as I was getting my first real gigs and had a chance to see me really happy doing my work. He was always concerned that I wasnt doing what I loved and pushed me to make my own path in whatever I did. I know I love what I do now, and I feel that I am keeping true to my vision as an artist. However, if I want to support a family, have a decent home, and a fleet of jetskis I need to step it up.
My personal goal is to land a contract with Wizards of the Coast by this time next year. Working in the DnD world would be a personal dream come true. I know I'm capable of it, but I need to work on many aspects of my illustration.
-nailing the WoTC style down
-waaaaay better lighting in my illustrations
-polish, render, polish, repeat
-examples of wotc IPs in my portfolio (Githyanki!)
any other suggestions?
lemme have it. I want this so bad!