Helloooooo? Is anyone there?
I’m sure that’s probably what some of you’ve been wondering since I haven’t posted on my blog for a week. But, rest assured, I haven’t been slacking off. In fact, I’ve been working harder at my illustration business than ever before.
Actually, that’s not quite true…
I’ve worked quite hard at my cartoon and illustration business for quite some time. The difference is that I’m working SMARTER these days. After a much needed kick-in-the-pants meeting with a mentor from SCORE, I’ve gained a new clarity and focus about my business. If you’re a small business owner and are finding yourself agonizing about how to best use your resources and time, I highly recommend you check out SCORE. It’s FREE business help from retired business professionals. My mentor is a former CEO and Harvard graduate. He’s tough but kind – I’m still pinching myself that I have lucked out to get him as my mentor!
First up…
in my “let’s get real with this business” has been a revamp of my website. It’s not quite finished, but I invite you to check out my homepage and the overall look of the site anyway. If you see anything that I’ve overlooked, please don’t hesitate to tell me. Fresh eyes are always welcome – mine have certainly gotten bleary of late.
I’ve also made new friends in the cartoon world. (By the way, cartoonists really are some of the nicest people on the planet – and I’m truly grateful for their help and guidance.) If you’re a cartoonist like me, you should consider subscribing to the Gag Recap. You’ll get a monthly email list of all of the cartoons published in magazines in the US and UK. Included with the description of the cartoon and gag is the name of the publication, editor contact info, and amount paid for the cartoon. My subscription has paid for itself several times over not only from the magazine submission information that led to these 4 cartoons getting published, but also for the contact with my fellow cartoonists.
And on the progress front…
I learned a few days ago that my portfolio on the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators site will be one of two artist portfolios featured in May!
Woohoo!!!
P.S. Also…
coming soon will be an update on a custom illustration project I’m currently doing for New York City Ballet!
Wow! Joana you are so inspiring! Time for me to get cracking, too. Congratulations on all those wonderful accomplishments! You’re on your way!
Fantastic! I’ve known about SCORE for a long time, but never thought to take advantage of its services. Great idea!
Fantastic!
Hi Jennifer, Thanks so much for cheering me on! Last night we had a mini Eastman reunion of sorts. Deirdre Chadwick, Michael Fennelly, Lydia Brown, Chris Dwyer, Chris Carbone, Julie Pilant and I all met at a bar nearby. It was lovely to see everyone, though unfortunately the bar was super noisy so we basically shouted at each other the whole time. Would love to reunion with you, too! xox – Joana
I love it! The cartoons are so adorable. Such great work you are doing.
Hi Mm,
I’m so glad you like the direction I’m going! I still have to upload the cartoons to the cartoon page and make some other revisions, but at least the “worst” of the website remodel is now behind me. XOX – J