Rethinking

It came down to that last project, the one I was so proud of. But there it was staring me in the face...the one mistake. It was too late, money was spent, it was delivered, and the customer was refusing to pay.

What designer or illustrator hasn't made that infuriating mistake? For that matter, what person has NEVER made a mistake??...that's my inner voice, wondering what the big deal is.

Yes I'm human and I make mistakes, I would say. We all make mistakes.

But with that thought, I failed to try. I failed to be more careful and look closer...I assumed.

I can make mistakes, but it doesn't mean I will. I can go the extra mile and take that second, third, fourth look. I can dot all the I's and cross all the t's. I can and will do it perfectly, even every single time. That's just as possible as mistakes are, AND it's more in my control than mistakes are.

Lesson learned.

-April

What every artist needs to succeed

Since I have been working on my portfolio, I have come across many artists that I truly respect. I see the consistency and hard work that is needed to accomplish the amazing things they have done. Some of these artists are Will Terry, Dani Jones, and Holli Conger.

Regardless of style, medium, or end result these artists share one thing.....HARD WORK! Just like how it takes time and consistency to build muscle (I have also just started a new workout regime), it's the same with art, music, or any other well earned skill/talent.

-April

Hello!

Welcome to my new blog! I am always experimenting and trying new things with my art. I have recently hired the all-too-amazing illustrator extraordinaire, Holli Conger, as an illustration career consultant. One of the things that I need to do more of , and more than likely, "More consistently" is blog! So this is where I will share these new experiences and techniques with you. With this blog I hope to not only document my progress, but encourage conversation. Think of it like an interactive art journal and please feel free to comment!

So let me introduce myself...

Hi! I'm April Harris and I'm a children's illustrator in Birmingham, AL. I have had a 12+ year long adventure in the graphic design industry, but am looking to expand and take my work further into the world of illustration. I envision finding an artist representative and working in publishing and licensing equally. 

One of my favorite sites to visit is Print & Pattern, there you will find amazing inspiration in surface design. I also love sites like Illustration Mundo and SCBWI. I love to look at others work and be inspired and challenged.

This is one of many blogs that I have started and I hope and pray for this one to be one that never ends and becomes a life long recording of successes and adventures!

I'm having awful allergies, so I think that's it for now!

Please visit often and comment, I would love to hear your side of the story!

Nice to meet you!
April