I’ve been drawing since I was a little girl, copying my dad’s old comics and creating my own characters. My biggest art fan was my grandfather who always thought I should pursue my art. My grandfather was a scholar, a state senator, a teacher and a philosopher. He put great importance on academics, but I think he was moved by art and saw value in it. I lived with my grandparents in high school, they were my protectors from a rough childhood. Two months before I graduated from high school my grandfather died.
When the time came for college to start I chose to major in art. I love art, but my inspiration was my grandfather. I wanted to do it in honor of him, because he believed in me and I know he wanted me to do something I loved. Sadly, somewhere along the way I forgot about my art, taking jobs to get by; meanwhile, time really does fly. Not only had I never shown my husband my art in the 7 years we had been together at the time, but on Christmas of 2005 I found out that the majority of my family did even know I could draw, including my mother and siblings. How could they not know this significant part of me. I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Art...? I knew it was time to bring my identity back.
It was at this time that I was searching for a career that meant something to me. I turned 30, the deadline I had given to myself to move to the next phase. I had spent my working life worrying about money, or staying in a job that was breaking me because it paid well. I never gave my passion a chance because I was afraid of instability. I spent a year fighting my desire to be an artist, Trying to be practical and responsible. After hoping for an answer to what I should do with my life, I stopped waiting for a magical job that guaranteed creativity, fulfillment and financial security (wouldn’t that be great), and took the risk. I’ve been told that if you do something you love, success will follow. I’m taking that chance. |
All I need from you is a good quality photo, either a print or a digital file (the better the photo, the better the
drawing). It is important that there be as much detail as possible so my translation is life like.
Digital photo files should be as big and as clear as you can get them...the best option is the original file from the camera. It helps to have a high resolution. If you don’t know what that means exactly, contact me and we’ll figure it out. If you’re using an actual printed photograph, the best option is a print where the face is as clear and large as possible.
Hopefully, in either case you will be able to e-mail me a scan or copy first, so I can let you know if it will work. Once we decide on a picture, I’ll be able to adjust size and shading in my computer, change my copy to black and white, and arrange the figures the way that you want them. I will then show you the photo I will be working from to make sure you like the layout before I start. Below is an example of the stages of my process. Remember, I’m here to help in any way I can to get your pencil portrait perfect!
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