Filed under: Illustration, Shanda's Journey • July 28, 2012

Once upon a time I decided I wanted to be a children’s book illustrator! But … It’s not quite that simple :) This blog has been a long time coming, and for so long I have wanted to share my particular journey to my dream in a setting called my life where there’s a husband, a 2-year-old, financial limitations, time limitations, fear, and faith.

My first post is a simple one. Today I was watching my sweet pea play outside, so I squeezed in some drawing-from-a-live-model practice. Well, I tried anyway. She was too fast. I couldn’t even finish a one minute sketch, so I snapped a phone picture to get her still for a whole 3 minutes :)

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Then I took her upstairs and thought I might add a little color to my drawing. But painting and entertaining my squirt didn’t mix well. She ended up finishing it for me. Oh well, at least I snapped a picture of the pencil drawing before she got a hold of it :) She does love to paint! She says she’s an artist like me!

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So here’s what you can expect from this blog… my illustrations, inspirations, books, illustrators, art projects, my road blocks, my leaps, my tears, my triumphs and my life (the big and little times)! And here’s a big kiss to my sweet honey hubby, Ben who made my site look just the way I wanted it and encourages me to just go for it :)

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. -Proverbs 16:9 

Comments: »

  • You know what I am going to say “I LOVE it” you are awesome and so humble about it. I look forward to reading more. I Love that you let HJ paint the picture I bet it is perfect.

    Comment by cindy stack — July 30, 2012 @ 10:26 pm
  • Love it Shanda! Your work is AWESOME as always! Can’t wait to see what all you do! Great job!!

    Comment by Kristy McPherson — July 31, 2012 @ 12:39 am
  • Wonderful! Keep writing, and illustrating in spite of the fear and time and financial limitations – anything we give to God He multiplies to glorify Himself! Looking forward to seeing what He will do as you continue to seek Him in this venture! :)

    Comment by Nelda — July 31, 2012 @ 12:48 am
  • Shanda,
    I am so proud of you! Awesome blog!!!! And yes Harvey Jane is just
    like her mother (sweet that she already knows she is an
    artist). You are truly blessed with a special talent
    and I look forward to seeing where it is going to take you
    in life. Love you.

    Comment by Ruth Evans — July 31, 2012 @ 1:16 am
  • I am so inspired by your work, your life, your talent and the love of your family. Way to go and keep up the great work! If your Sweet pea loves to paint now, she probably will the rest of her life. Always let her paint!

    Comment by Rachel Luna — July 31, 2012 @ 1:31 am
  • Always knew you were talented the first time i met you a the shop…….this is incredible. So proud for you and your accomplishments.

    Comment by Anna Garmon — September 4, 2012 @ 12:48 pm

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Shanda McCloskey, Children's Illustrator & Author