Jamie Green
patreon
November Monthly Newsletter 🌽🍽️🍂
🕑 Added 2020-11-01 04:00:03 +0000 UTC
Please imagine that when you opened this, the smell of cooking food and rosemary wafted into the room, along with the warm familiar feeling of being around someone you trust and care for. Welcome to November!
Here's your monthly ambiance video to put on in the background if you wish. ;-)
I have been writing bits and pieces of this to you over the course of the past month, instead of doing it all in one sitting like usual. I hope that it doesn't feel too disjointed because of this, but there were so many things I wanted to tell you about as soon as they happened so that I did not forget the feeling. My October was productive, business-focused, fast-paced and, in one word: bold. I cannot say this for every month. I wonder, did you feel this too? I'll go into it more in a bit.
I hope my friends in the US are voting! I'm going on my state's voting day, on Nov. 3rd. That's it for my politics section. A whole two sentences.
As I stated earlier in the month, I'm thinking of you. Now that we're in our third month of this whole thing, I'm starting to get into a rhythm with it. Are you guys still enjoying it? I'd like to check in and see what more I can provide for this space.
I'm working on saving up to get a nice camera, tripod and mic so that video content can be more common (and easier). Currently, it's fairly difficult with my iphone 8 and half-broken $12 tiny tripod. I am a slave to Adobe unfortunately and am now paying for the Premiere Pro subscription...that's my one not-so-primitive tool when it comes to my video process.
Anywho, let's talk about that boldness I mentioned earlier, shall we?
October was a month of unexpected opportunities, bold decisions and zealous (perhaps) over-confidence. It felt empowering for me, and I did some things I normally would have been to scared to do. What about you? I'd love to hear about any bold moves that you made last month. I am not exactly into or educated about astrology but maybe it was just something about ~Scorpio Season~ that made me feel a little unhinged. Unhinged in the best way possible.
I'm going to get personal with you. Hold on tight. I swear this will tie into inspirations.
I am indeed an extrovert, but something that combats that frequently is my anxiety. I absolutely have the desire to approach certain people, whether it be because I am interested in them, or need to confront them. But doing it is another thing. What if they think it's absolutely horrible, and I make them uncomfortable? Something in me this month (perhaps too many missed connections with regrets) just decided to say fuck it. I approached strangers if I wanted to talk to them. My heart would race and I couldn't feel my feet, but I just went for it. I figured "I would think it was extremely cool if a stranger respectfully and creatively expressed their interest in me", and that others might feel the same (but we're all too shy to make the first move).
For example. I was trying to find parking in a small lot when I made eye contact with someone in a Green Jeep. I thought they were good looking, and it seemed they felt the same about me--because it was really some eye contact . They pulled out of the lot eventually to go find parking elsewhere, and I didn't see them again. However, after returning to my car a few hours later, I noticed that in the lot...was a green jeep. I had no idea if this was THE Green Jeep but I decided to go ahead and try my luck. Pre-October Jamie wouldn't have dared. And then I would have thought about it all night. So I scribbled a note on the only surface I had: a torn piece of a brown paper bag, and I tucked it under the windshield wiper. Here is said note:
I know, it's pretty cheesy. Let me have this moment.
Here's the best part: many hours later, after I could have sworn I must have had the wrong car, and I decided the note was definitely in the hands of some soccer mom, I got a text.
It was from the person in the green jeep. Yup, the correct one. I had gotten it right after all--and they loved the note.
I hate to ruin this story, but I'm going to. Because after texting with this person for a while, I do not really see us being compatible. BUT HEY...I wouldn't have ever known that at all if I had not taken the chance! I'm glad I did it, no matter what.
And then I did it again. Are you ready for this? I pulled the same shit again, in a different way. There was someone in the cafe I was working on some stuff at--they were also working (Not on art like me, maybe some school work). Once again, repeated eye contact. And do they EVER do anything about it? No, of course not. It's up to me. The domineering yet anxious ENTJ . So I decide to airdrop them something. I knew it was their phone because I had heard their name called for their coffee order. Here's what that looked like:
And you wanna know what? They declined the airdrop request without opening the image. HA. They either thought it was a mistake or did not want it. Definitely not ideal. But, I can say that I made an attempt. Maybe my boldness is a little nuts.
Let me explain how to fits into the interests and inspirations category. I think my own boldness and desire to take the reins of my romantic life inspired some much needed confidence. I felt that I had control over my life--that I was adult enough--and that I knew what I deserved. It affected every area of my life, including my artistic and career endeavors!
Some other inspiring things from October:
Snotgirl, Looking back to the past and being inspired by my middle school self (specifically taking the cringe and turning it into "wow! I have evolved a lot but what a funny kid I was!"), MØ's Forever Neverland album, SEVENTEEN's music videos (the kpop boy group--my friend Ren gave me an introductory crash course on them), talking to random people in coffee shops, The Japanese House song called Saw You In a Dream, this live performance of Andalucia by Andrew Bird, driving on mountain roads on chilly cloudy days, my three new houseplants, and rearranging my living room slightly.
Earlier when I spoke about unexpected opportunities, I was referring specifically to the fact that I am being considered for two very large book projects via my agent, and a couple other smaller ones. Let's talk about the reason why I say "considered" rather than knowing I've got the job right away.
How it tends to works is someone from the publishing company will see your work, and contact you or your agent (if you have an agent) saying "I think this artist's work would fit the project, are they interested?" with a brief summary of the project at hand. If the answer is yes, the next step is making up some samples. (I literally didn't know how all this worked until just this month!) The artist makes some samples up based on the materials given--sometimes the full story, sometimes some character descriptions, or a specific scene called out by the publisher. Samples can look like character sheets, full page mock-ups, or sketches of various scenes. From there, if all goes well, the artist signs the contract and is officially hired!
Although I cannot talk about specifics or share any art, I can say that I have been working on samples for multiple things throughout the whole month of October--nonstop. Fingers crossed!
I just turned in some samples for a manuscript I love with my whole heart and would love to be the confirmed illustrator for the project. I worked on it with a passion and my agent seemed to see that! He and I are both hoping the client loves it too. It's one of those projects where I feel like I am making fanart for the characters, rather than designing them because I loved reading about them so much and getting to know them. That's all I can say for now--maybe you'll see what I'm talking about in 2022!
I announced last month that I am working on a picture book version of Anne of Green Gables. Originally I thought I would have to sign an NDA for this, but I suppose that because the publisher is small, and working on multiple re-illustrated classics, they aren't being too secretive about the projects. I obviously won't be able to share full illustrations from the book that I am working on, but I'm glad I was able to share one of the samples on my instagram. Here's the full character page of just Anne.
As for my creative personal life (opposed to creative business life), I talk a lot about this both in my podcast and this month's secret sketches post, but it's been tricky to make time for it. Late at night is when I'll end up scribbling some things on my ipad that I don't really show anyone or end up doing anything with. It's certainly not stuff worth posting on my main social media, but I did throw some of it in my secret sketches post!
I feel an obligation to social media and showing up. I owe a lot to the online community, or at least I feel like I do. It has provided me with a platform that has lead to some amazing things, so I consider it to be another facet of my profession. Some people may understandably view this obligation to social media as unhealthy or as pressure, but I have grown to a point where I understand that it is just like showing up for work. You cannot just take off of work for weeks without warning anyone. There are consequences for that. And showing up and being active on my social media or the lack of doing so also has consequences, though they may look different. Don't get me wrong...I want to crawl into the woods, go off the grid, raise chickens and never tell anyone about it sometimes. But at this point in my career, I am here. I am present, and I plan to stay present!
Let me leave you with this:
I did four interviews this month with college art students. Usually (and I did this too) art students are required to interview a professional working in the industry and write a report or periodical about the interview. It helps artists to practice their professionalism and interview skills as well as get advice from someone who has some experience! I did a few of these while I was in college still--apparently some teachers allowed freshmen to ask juniors/seniors to interview as well. But now that I am viewed as a "professional"...hell, what a crazy thing to say. I am a freelance illustrator, working in the industry, right out of art school. I'm unaware of this fact most of the time, until I do interviews with students or introduce myself as HAVING A CAREER. What!!
My point is that I never thought this would be a given. I was extremely anxious all throughout college, especially my senior year. The goal is always, of course, to do something with your degree, but I had so much fear that I wouldn't be able to figure it out or make a decision. There wasn't one moment when I woke up and realized I had "made it", nor do I think I have necessarily done that. There was no hard switch. It was more as if I had planted seeds throughout my entire life, tended to them in college, and have been watching them slowly sprout as a young adult on my own.
I hope your November is spectacular. Let me know what you are grateful for. Let's grow like crazy this month! Love ya!
-JG
Comments
Wicked West (WkdWest)
I am so sad they didn't accept your airdrop that was SO clever and cute!! Also AHH! SNOTGIRL! I loved that comic, I don't think I've finished that one..
Dalton Doodles
Gosh Jamie thank you for taking the time to write this, I seriously love the boldness and taking the romance by the reins, there's some quote out there along the lines of "how we do one thing is how we do everything" And I feel like though that it not like, painting, there is a element of boldness that embodies all of you, which in turn reflects in your art! You are so genuine, and it's always an inspiration Jamie!
Jamie Green
Hi Parker! It's so freaking NICE to hear that you've had a similar experience. Nothing wrong with a little manic boldness. Your therapist's tip is something I want to keep in mind too. It goes hand in hand with living in the moment, which is something I lose sight of often. You've inspired me to fully feel things as well!! I hope you have a fantastic end of November. I showed Ren what you said and they said "AWWW I LOVE THAT"--I'm sure you made their day!
Parker Oberreit
i'm reading this on the heels of your December update next week, but this may be a good thing because I hit that manic burst of self-confidence mid-November! I found mine through my therapist telling me to fully feel all my feelings, which I had not been doing, and am now bursting with weirdo energy and a little less anxiety! It's thrilling! Props to you for passing those notes, that's something I hope I can do too once we're all out in public safely again, haha. I laughed out loud when you "pulled the same shit again" lol. (I also love Seventeen and followed your friend Ren through your Instagram stories a while ago! Thanks for putting such rad Seventeen fanart in my path!)
Alice Noah
I loved reading this! This month has been very intense but rewarding for me! And reading about your boldness make me feel so inspired to do something I'm afraid of too 🎉 hope you'll get the contracts, I'd love to see your illustrated books! And the Anne project looks amazing so far
Milo
Ahhh I've come to so look forward to these start of the month updates.. They make really lovely morning reads, especially just upon waking up and starting the day off in this cozy, comfy clubhouse. (It honestly almost feels like Christmas morning AHA just knowing there's going to be new and lovely things waiting for you). When I read through this yesterday morning I was so swept away by those warm and cozy Energies™ that you and your art and your patreon radiate that I insisted my boyfriend and I order some hot drinks from the coffee shop downstairs and we spent our morning reading our books we've been reading together while listening to an ambient coffeeshop sounds video on youtube in the background HAHA. It was so serene and peaceful and I owe my peaceful start of the month to you and your wonderful posts, and for That I am grateful. Thanks for doing what you do Jamie! You're truly an inspiration :')
everett
i love this!! i definitely relate to feeling kind of shocked by the place you’re in, even if you’ve been working towards it for years. i had a lot of that last year, living and working full time in a city i love doing a job i love and just stepping back every now and again and being like. holy shit. here i am. i’m doing this. obviously things have changed and since i work in the entertainment industry 2020 has been a bit less magical lol but i’m still glad to be where i am. i’m grateful for the opportunity to be studying right now because it’s allowed me to stay connected to the industry i love and to make new connections and new friends in a very isolating time. i’m grateful to my friends for being the best people i could ever ask to have in my life. and i’m glad it’s been a beautiful fall in my area. i needed it to be beautiful, and it was. cheers 🧡🧡
Shelby O'Hara
Both of those notes are super adorable and still so casual. I feel like I could never bring myself to do something like that but that might be part of the reason why I'm chronically single. Teach us your ways of confidence. I often can't even bring myself to comment on patreon or social media posts, but I'm trying 😅 That Anne of Green Gables character sheet makes me so excited to see more! It's such a wonderful story for your style and I just know that it's going to be fantastic. Recently I'm grateful for being able to step away from my super boring temporary job to focus on art full time while I get my grad school portfolio application together. Stay bold!
Miki Tillett
As the UK heads into another national lockdown, I'm grateful that my partner and I are able to work safely from home, that our loved ones are well, and that we have a cosy space to share with our two cats. I'm also thankful that we live near the woods; I feel overwhelmingly lucky every time I go for a walk and breathe in that earthy, tree-filled goodness. I hope this new month will be kind to everyone.
Bea McCormick
I am so grateful for raspberry green tea and spare time to draw and the cooler weather down here in New Orleans where I'm staying for a few weeks and these happy little monthly updates from you :)
Phine Wolff
Thank you for sharing your daily adventures! I loved the part with little notes for strangers. :D I once experienced something similar, when I was feeling very frisky, I just complimented random people on the street. A rollercoaster of emotions, but a good one :D (I think the idea with Airdrop is quite nice! We should do a challenge a la "make one compliment illo and send it to a random stranger" and then we share it here? or we exchange compliments here in this patreon group :) I'd love to send & receive some good vibes in these troubling times!) And you spoke about gratefulness: I'm currently thankful that my grandma is doing well (she fell down recently - generally, that all the people I love are healthy is something I am really thankful for). And something more random: I am grateful for fireplace videos! They help me when I have to work late into the night. In that sense, hope you all are healthy and fine and got nice fireplaces, in your heart or videos or home <3 (sorry for the long text, I felt chatty :))
