2019 has turned out to be a very productive and busy year. With the new year upon us, I thought it would be nice to reflect on the year that was and share my goals for the new year.
Going into 2019, one of my goals was to start and complete three self directed projects. I knew trying to balance the time needed to get each project to a level of quality I expect of myself and my work would be a challenge. With the year now over, I believe that perhaps three projects was stretching myself and time too thin. Between finding the time for contract work, I have worked the most on two of the three projects. My Orchid and Harris's Hawks illustrations are almost complete, while the third project has been comfortably moved to a 2020 deadline.
Contract work picked up as well. The year started off with some illustrations for the Canadian Welding Bureau, which would be used for their modules for students who are entering the trade. Later in the year, I did some graphic design work for a local realtor, which was a break from the norm and a great learning experience. The year ended with a commissioned illustration for a book titled "IMPACTS" (https://impacts.to). I ended up being responsible for the artwork depicting the Protoplanetary Disc. This was my first illustration for any kind of publication and I was really happy with the finished piece (image below). After I completed my illustration for the book, the author asked me for further assistance on two others, this was mostly refining other illustrations but I was happy to help!
Of course I also updated my website and I started this blog. This space has been a great way to chronicle my experiences and share what's going on in my career. I also wanted to do more sketching this past year, which I can say I was fairly successful at, as stated in a previous post. Sketching has always been very important to me as an artist, it takes the stress and sometimes complications that can arise from major projects and allows you to just focus on drawing. This simple act not only allows your mind to refocus but the time spent is invaluable to improving skills.
The beginning of a new year is always exciting and I'm looking forward to the plans I have.There are two major projects I want to tackle, both traditional pieces. I will be sharing progress pictures on my social media, so be sure to watch for those. Sketching of course will continue and I also want to get back into watercolor painting. I'm also planning on adding a store to my website. I would like to give people the opportunity to purchase art prints of selected pieces, I'm hoping to have this added early in 2020. I will also be entering two art competitions. One taking place during the orchid show at the Royal Botanical Gardens. The other is for the David Shepherd Wildlife Artist of the Year, I'm hoping to have my artwork exhibited this year at the exhibition, which takes place in London and helps bring awareness to conservation.
Thank you to all my clients for the opportunity to work with you on your projects. I would also like to thank my wife for her patience and continued support. I look forward to what 2020 will bring!
