Trade Your Talent: 2011-05-08

Friday, May 13, 2011

Creative Challenge #2: Presenting my creative business idea

This week kept me busy with planning for my New York trip, meetings (!) and my first pitch. This stood totally in contrast to the experience I had last week - I didn't have to flee this time. At this point I have to thank my lovely readers for their lovely advice and support, it helped me to be perfectly prepared for this second challenge. I stuffed my purse with loads of business cards - thanks Sue for this great tip. I actually handed out quite a lot of them, this made me all giddy.

Again: My trip there was a real adventure and this time it wasn't because I got lost in the neighbourhood. It started with the train at my station not being able to open its doors - this led to a poor guy actually kicking the train a couple of times. Luckily I had another great Plan B and just made it there in time (with a taxi).

Once I got to the co-working house, where I was to hold my pitch, I was met by so many amazing creative people that my nervousness quickly resided and for the first time in my life I felt like I had found the place where I was supposed to be (make any sense?)

These creative people came from all over the globe: Sweden, Canada, London, Paris... and they were quite excited about my online publishing idea and gave me amazing advice. For the first time I felt really sure that I was on the right track and that maybe it is actually possible to be successful by creating something yourself.

And, most importantly of all, if you are passionate about your creative ideas you can make others believe in them too.

The next weeks will be packed with writing a business plan, finally finding a name for us (still struggling with that one) and developing our first projects.

And then there is New York.

I can't believe it but it's only one more week and then I'm off to the States for three months. Today I had a look at these lovely pictures by Belle and Boo of their New York round up - this made me all giddy and sleepless and excited. (This is why I'm still blogging way after midnight)

Can't wait to blog from there also and take some great pictures so you can also take part in my trip! (Okay, great pictures is a bit exaggerated, my camera broke last summer, my blackberry will have to do. Hope I'm excused for that one. :-) )

And for all my lovely readers who are in New York this summer, we have to meet!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

"Be yourself" Tahira Lubrano

"Inspiration for me, is literally everywhere." Tahira Lubrano is an illustrator from the Netherlands. Tahira and I are constantly developing new ideas for creative projects, whether it is a children's book or a creative get-together in her hometown Rotterdam, we never run out of ideas. Tahira enjoys working with watercolor, pencil and ink. The drawing style she uses for her illustrations is called chibi, a word used for a Japanese drawing style and in general means cute little people. With Trade Your Talent she speaks about why she decided to take the plunge and chase her dreams as an illustrator.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Inspiration for me, is literally everywhere. It’s in the way people talk, in my music, in other drawings from fellow artists, in a smile of a child. Every little thing can spark an idea for a drawing. Some ideas I really have to draw immediately, others are ideas for the near future. I have a folder filled with ideas and sketches that I may or may not finish. It’s also good for reference though and to see how I change over time.

Why did you choose to become an illustrator? Is it hard sometimes?

I had to chase my dreams of being an illustrator. I came on a point in my life where I was seriously doubting all I did. All my years of studying seemed useless. Not that they are, but I knew deep in my heart that I wouldn’t be doing a whole lot with it. It’s my safety net sort to speak. Of course, I don’t know how my drawing style would have developed when I would’ve studied Art. Maybe I wouldn’t be drawing the way I do now? I don’t know, all I know is that every choice you make in life has its pros and cons, as long as it’s the right choice to make at that time in your life. Then nothing else matters. You can’t predict the future. I know, that I haven’t been happier and more myself since I’m drawing full time ^_^.

Yes, it is hard. I’m not going to lie! I am working a lot and I need to pay attention to a lot of things. From blogging to networking, from commission work to own projects, from making sure that my administration is up to date to trying to have a social life on the side. Sometimes there is not enough time in a day! I try to break it up in pieces, so I have actual a moment to breathe. But I’m just starting out and nothing is easy in life. Which is a good thing, because I’m determined to work hard for what I want and I know that the reward will be so much better and fulfilling!

When did you know you wanted to become a full time illustrator?

I’ve always known that I would do something creative. I just didn’t know what. I love to dance, I love music, to draw, to write and bake. So was I going to be a baker? A dancer? A singer? There are a lot of options, but without knowing I did, I always came back to drawing and writing. So in a way I already knew what I was the passionate about. It has been quite a long journey before I had enough courage to say to myself ‘You know, I will take the plunge and chase my dreams!’. Applying for an Art study has always been an option. When I graduated from high school, it was at the back of my mind.

So in a way, I think that the determination I have now, only strengthens my passion and my need to be an illustrator. The competition is hard and most blogs I follow from other artists are from people with an Art degree in their pocket. This can be discouraging at times, but then again it only motivates me to work harder.

Do you have any creative advice for artists that are just starting out?

Just be yourself! I know it can be daunting to start illustrating and designing. It’s a competitive world and the talent that wanders around is huge. Just remember there is an audience for your work and when you find who they are, focus on that. Also, if you have a creative block, don’t get too annoyed or scared. It is normal to have them and over thinking things or trying too hard is often the cause of it. Let it go and focus on other things. You will see that it comes back sooner than later and you will be more inspired than ever!