My next picture book, Road Work Ahead, will be coming out this Thursday. I'm celebrating this book in a special way because this book is my first, honest-to-goodness, 32 page hardcover trade picture book. Yes, its got a dust jacket and everything, with my name and bio on the back flap.
I think I've waited 10+ years for this.
As an aspiring illustrator, I would walk through the children's section at Barnes & Nobles, looking through all the books, wishing someday, just one day, I'll have a book with my name on it. The idea of having my name and bio on the back flap was a huge deal to me.
For the past 5 years or so, I've gotten a chance to work on some amazing projects: books, games, puzzles, apps. Time flies and I am still in disbelief of how my body of work has grown with a portfolio I can be proud of. I'm grateful for all the people who gave me a chance- art directors, editors, designers, fellow illustrators, and most of all, my rep. I'm even grateful for the naysayers- yes, they are out there but they only pushed me to work harder to prove them wrong.
I've been getting many emails these days from other illustrators asking me for advice. I'm always really flattered and still in a bit of disbelief that I'm now on the other side, to be considered knowledgeable enough to be giving out insight. After all, I'm just like most artists out there- I still struggle with creativity, have insecurities, and always looking for the next gig.
But I want to say dreams do come true. Work hard. Believe. Is there enough cheesiness in this post?
Ok, let me get off my soap box. I'll be back on Thursday with more Road Work Ahead updates!
37 comments:
Hurray for reaching your goals!! I'm proud of you, Jannie! I have that same goal, so I completely understand your excitement. Congratulations, and may you have many more hardcover books with real bookjackets to go along with them! :D
That is wonderful! Congratulations and to many, many more!!! :)
I think it is terrific and you should enjoy every moment of it all!
Great Jannie!!! :) Congratulations! And I absolutely think this is just the first of a long series!! Really really happy for you! <3
Congrats on this great achievement!
Congrats Jannie! Thanks for sharing this with us!
I don't think you have nearly enough cheese! Congratulations on this HUGE milestone!! Best wishes for many many more!
a : )
Yay! You're inspiring us all. Can't wait to see it in stores.
This is so fabulous Jannie!! I agree with Andi, not nearly enough cheese!! I have the same dustjacket dream!! You are an inspiration!!
So wonderful Jannie! Congratulations!!
Rock on, Chickengirl!!! You're awesome!!!
congrats, jannie! i'm so happy for you to have reached your goal - so exciting! you really are an inspiration!
Hurray for you Jannie!! It must feel so amazing to see that dust-jacket and pinch yourself to see that is IS real!! May this be the first of many!! You inspire us all :)
Congratulations, Jannie! Letting out a big cheer for you over here! :-)
'Grats!
Agree with everyone. You are fabulous, Jannie and I am SO happy you are finally getting to reach this milestone! Enjoy the joy and giddiness you feel right now. ;)
Congratulations, Jannie! I've always loved your illustrations and I'm excited to see this one at the bookstore!
SO awesome Jannie! You really are a fantastic artist and all your hard work is paying off with the realization of one of your goals! Hooray for you! : D
Congratulations!! It is so happy to hear that and gives me so much hope... thanks!!
CONGRATS JANNIE!!!! You deserve it with all your hard work. I you ARE an inspiration to everyone around you, and may this be the first of many dust jackets!!
xoxoxo
Congratulations!!! I am very happy for you and wish you tons of luck!
Thanks a lot for enjoying this beauty article with me. I am appreciating it very much!.
CONGRATULATIONS to YOU! I am so happy for you! YAY! You are very inspiring!
Oh I love this post, sappiness and all! Thanks for being such an inspiration to meee! :D
YAAAAAAAYYYYY! What a dream come true! So happy for you Jannie! I can only imagine what you are feeling! =)
Lovely and inspiring blog post to read, as an aspiring book illustrator myself, I fall into the category of simply dreaming of seeing my own name on a book one day - fantastic to read about dreams coming true, congratulations!
This is so awesome. A heartfelt congratulations. Look forward to adding this to our library.
Aw, I love this. Like I said before, you are living the dream that I want! I do the very same thing when I walk into book stores now. It is my passion and it is something I continue to strive for everyday. This is SUCH a great accomplishment...congratulations!!!
Congratulations, Jannie! And thank you for being so inspiring.
You should be proud of yourself! hard work pays off! Congratulations and keep up the good work! I am sure this is the beginning of only bigger and greater things!
I can only hope to be writing a similar post one day...
It is a HUGE deal! Savor it, do a dance, buy yourself something to commemorate it, whatever works for you... heartiest congratulations!
Congratulations! It's a great gift after 10 years work. Great!
Awesome, awesome, AWESOME Jannie!!! I'm so happy for you... for real!! This is the first of many jackets my dear.. I just know it. :o)
xoxo
Ali
I have to add another dollup of awesome sauce. And a hug!
Congrats Jannie and you really deserve this:)
You have always been a positive and sunshine person to me. So happy to be here to witness your joy and happiness!
Now let's prepare the drum, yes yes...many more to come and more to celebrate!
Jannie you are AWESOME and such an inspiration! I'm suruised this is your first hard cover trade book! (What about Reindeer Rebellion? I can't locate it right now but I thought that was h/c) Regardless I'm so thrilled for your milestone!!! I've appreciated your work (and work ethic!!!) for years, and I'm so thrilled for you!!! XOXOXO
Massive congrats to you Jannie! May this only be the start of your "dreams coming true"! I'm ordering this right now for my son. He happened to walk into my office just as I had your blog on-screen and he just wouldn't stop asking questions.
Best!
-Mike
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