Here is my "Strength" illo. Kids just crack me up. You should see my son when he tries to flex a muscle. He grits his teeth and furrows his brow. I think it must hurt his face more than his bicep. I did find a nice website for new childrens illustrators. It is a group of illustrators that joined up as a group to market themselves. It is www.yellapalooza.com . They have a good questions and answer section under Miss Smarty Pants that is helpful and lighthearted. (Children's art should be lighthearted, don't you think?) I went to the Society of Illustrators website and was reminded of why I hadn't been back in a while. What a bunch of "snoots", if I can make up my own word! This is what they have to say to people looking for a career change into illustration: "The art of illustration is multifaceted and requires extensive training as well as artistic ability. At this time, the field is overcrowded with talent and the markets for illustration are either changing or shrinking. Again, local art professionals can reinforce this and college level art instructors can tell you the training needed." I am all for good training etc. If fact I would love to take more classes even now. But could their wording and tone be just a little more discouraging? Geez! Anything is possible if you really try and believe in yourself. There is always room for new ideas and new talent. And with that attitude. Good thing I didn't read that when I was starting. Anyway...on the bright side, I finished my Elle Woods book covers this morning and am taking the art to Fed Ex to send it off! Hooray! And then I am headed straight out to get away from my computer for a couple hours! Hooray! (Is everyone cheering? Please join in....)