Illo Friday- Alone

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. " ~ Calvin Coolidge

Oh, I love this quote. I have relied heavily on persistence and determination to help me move forward in children's publishing. I have seen some very talented illustrators (and authors) give up way too soon and it saddens me. This is a tough business but it IS possible if we don't give up.
The illustration above is one that I did quite some years ago as an assignment for the Susan Hartung illustration course I took. One of my favorite activities as a child was spending time "alone" reading. Funny, we don't change very much as we age, do we?

Comments

[janee]

Nice illustration, Roz. We always made our tents indoors over chairs.

[Tine]

Oh Roz,
just what I neede to hear today. You are awesome!!
That is such a wonderful illustration!! Could almost be myself with our "little" (she's still growing fast being a 4 months old golden Retriever puppy)Maya!! Oh totally.
Just gorgeous :-)

[paige]

That is one of my ALL time favorite quotes...EVER. I reread it several times a year...especially when I need a little push. Thanks for posting it!!! Today was a good day to read it.
Your illustration is very sweet and lovely. I can remember days just like that as a kid.

[roz]

Yes, isn't it a great quote? It helps me during my low times. I may not be the most talented illustrator out there, but it's my passion and I give it %100. That should count for something , right!

[AnnaCas]

that is a very professional illustration. really sweet..

[Elle]

Lovely illustration, Rozzie... and thanks for the quote - it's now on my bulletin board in HUGE letters. Passion and persistence!

[Michelle]

This is such a great post, very encouraging. Lovely illustration too.

[steve]

You are totally right. This business is not a cake walk. And I've met quite a few talented artists who dropped the pencil because it was not immediate gratification. Your illustration is wonderful and I wonder if the lil' girl is looking through one of your illustrated books...
:-)

[Maggie]

Love this illustration Roz! Great color choice and perspective. I too love to read and found myself buried in about 5-6 books a week as a child. Hmmm cannot find the time to read much any more except in the loo(whoa, did I say that??)
:)
http://www.designerm.com/blog.html

[wynlen]

Great illustration. I used to love to be by myself reading too (and I still do). It looks so peaceful and comfortable.

[Wee Ellen]

OOOH! Warm Fuzzy! I remember doing this when I was a kid. Lovely illo as always!

[Mindy Wilson]

Gosh, I feel a little un-worldly... I don't know if I have read that quote before today. Yes, I admitted it. So, thank you! I love it.
"nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent" this truth drives me batty! I hate to see people who never try to do something with the talent they have.

I really think your image is great too. Just perfect. Do you think she would mind if I look at the book with her?

Mindy Wilson

[rebeccashane]

Nice illustration and quote!! I always want to be IN your pieces!

[chicadecanela]

thanks 4 your kind comments on my illo!
i really like yours too: i would say it is both charming and very skilled.

[KimC]

You made my day, thank you for quote and illustration.

[Garth]

Very inspiring quote. Just a testimonial on that, persistence just got me a dream job as an illustrator, toy designer, animator. I can't say it was anything more than just plugging along day after day, despite the nagging doubts.

I love your work. I'm inspired by that as well. It's good to see your work week after week. Keep plugging along Roz!!!

[Li'l Wytch]

Great quote. I'm too lazy to be persistant lol Great illo too :)

[roz]

I'm so glad to read that you enjoyed this quote as much as I did...and Garth if you ever come back to read this...a big congrats on the big job!!!

[bellablue]

That illustration brings me back to my own childhood! I was an only child and spent one whole summer in a tent in my parents backyard. I would fantasize about running away with a bunch of other kids and living in tents in the middle of the woods... Thanks for the memory!

[Nuray-Tulipland]

this is perfect!.... I wanna be there too.. well then she wouldn`t be alone but ehe anyway she looks so happy and relaxed..this is what I want now :) I like your illo so much.. have a great week..