Kelly Gibbons, artist and writer, about me

Thursday, May 20, 2004

In a recent comment, Bridgett asked, "Will you do a brag blog one of these days? Some shameless self-promotion? I'd love to hear how things are going for you professionally these day. I know they're good, but I want the details! You are way too humble; brag a little! I'm interested!"

It made me feel great that someone else is interested and wants to hear what's going on. I do have a problem with self-promotion because I never want to cross the line or want people thing I am a bragger. I want people to know what I'm doing, but how far do I go? I actually think that might be some of my problem with recent offline friendships. I have told people about illustrating the book and I don' get much of a response other than, "Oh, that's great. I didn't know you were talented."

Well thanks, do you want see it? Do you want to buy a copy? Do you want to know how I happened to become the illustrator? Would you like to know what else I'm working on?

The lack of interest makes me feel bad. It also stops me from telling them about other successes because I really feel that they don't care. Something else that stops me is my constant need to justify what I'm doing. "No, it doesn't pay much, but...Hey, I'm living my dream."

That leads to another question. I don't ever remember having to disclose my pay when I was a waitress or a customer service rep. Why should I have to now. No, I'm not making a lot now, but most business AREN'T profitable in the first few years.

Now, back to Bridget. I wasn't going to respond, because there isn't much to tell. I had some great beginners luck. The first six articles I sent were published, most of them for pay, and the first time I attempted art, I was asked to illustrate a book. It has been slow since then. Very slow.

I have submitted several queries and articles for consideration and I have gotten a few nice rejections and several non-responses. Even the local magazine where I got my start isn't interested at this time. Yes, Toni, I did try again. I have sent art work to several greeting card companies. Again, more NO THANK YOU. The one positive note is that I sent artwork to an online magazine and they are keeping it on file for a possible future assignment. So, that was encouraging.

Oddly, I'm not discouraged or ready to give up. This I am seeing is the way it is. I will continue to write and draw and submit. I have said this a thousand times, and I will say it a thousand more if necessary, persistence pays off. Someday, someone out there will buy my work.

Right now, I am doing freelance web research again. It pays, I still get to work at home, and it leaves time for my creative pursuits. So, it makes me happy. I am working on two writing assignments. One is for a creative writing class and the other is for possible pay. I'm enjoying both of them and I am enjoying not having "too much on my plate." God I hate that quote, I heard that way too much in cubicle land!

I have decided not to overwhelm myself with writing assignments and instead concentrate on one or two at a time. I will work on queries and stories as they come to me and I will keep at all of it. I know with out a doubt that someday this will all pay off and doing it my way will make me a better, happier person.

So Bridgett, thanks for believing in me, thanks for asking, and stay tuned for updates. Believe me, when something good happens, I will share. I'd love to.

posted by Kelly @ 5/20/2004 06:08:00 AM

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