One of my goals this year was to prioritise my professional development. Last year I was approached by an amazing author with the opportunity to illustrate a series of children's books. This was an area of design that I hadn't worked in before. I took the opportunity feeling excited although a little overwhelmed at first. It has been such a wonderful journey.
The pace was the biggest difference. Working in the surface design industry the pace had always been much faster. Influencing the materials and processes that can be applied to the design. The world of picture books has taken me back to my sketchbooks and slowed down the design process with the opportunity to experiment and develop my creative hand writing again.
I have now fallen in love with picture book illustration. Finding the Good Ship Illustration and the wonderful and talented tutors on the courses was such a highlight. I am currently enrolled on both their Picture Book Course and brand new Business Course. The cohort is very special with such a wealth of experience from all design backgrounds coming together.
My desk is now full of paints, pencils and 'creative mess' again. Prioritising the professional development of my practice is making me a better designer.
I would love to hear how you prioritise your own professional development
or maybe it is an area you would like start building into your schedule.
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