In A Nutshell

This most recent feature illustration for my blog post consumed a lot of my time; in hindsight, perhaps too much of my time. The reason was a desire for perfection.

I needed the perfect message to coincide with a perfect illustration to create the perfect blog post that would capture fall and thankfulness. This would all be neatly tied up with a bow to match my business tag line of Simple, Fun, and Meaningful.

You see, next week is the regional conference for SCBWI, The Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. In order to stay connected, I will be handing out lots of business cards. The cards will prompt visits to my site and since this probably will be my last post before the conference, this will be the landing image. Like the opening number to a musical, it needs to be exciting and have visitors looking forward to more.

The problem with trying to attain perfection is you never do.

I recently read Eliza Wheeler’s blog post (BTW, she is one of my favorite children’s book illustrators. Check out her amazing illustrations in Wherever You Go). She wrote the post after returning home from the National SCBWI Conference in LA this summer. In it she recounts emotions of being in a venue and learning from the best but also having that sinking feeling of “I Suck.”

That desire of having the next illustration be better than the one before can be a boulder or a stepping stone depending on what attitude is brought to the drawing table.

The defeatist attitude can become overwhelming with the sea of talent out there.

The comfort comes from knowing that perfection is neither expected nor attainable. Our Creator can even use our messes to help us get over the boulders and on to the next stepping stone. He meets us right where we are with poorly drawn squirrels and all to remind us of just how blessed we are and to be thankful that all we have to do is look to his perfection for daily guidance and share what he has given us in the best way we know how.

That is a good message in a nutshell.

Smiles,

Wendy

One For The Team

Honestly, Steve’s answer may come off as being a little snarky but it is a pretty good response. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend using it on your next job interview but when you think about it, you can’t extend yourself to be more.  If you do try, it’s very likely that your family time, your quiet time or health will start to falter. There is still only ONE of you and only 24 hours in a day.

So what will you add? You will add ONE person to the mix with all the specialness that God gave you and only you.

So make the decision to be the best ONE you can be today. Keep your life balanced and keep going!

Smiles,

Wendy

I Got Carded

I am officially a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators!

I know it’s just a card but it represents 45 years of network and collaboration to it’s more than 22,000 members. The Society of Children’s Book Writers started in Los Angeles in 1971 to function as a network between authors, publishers, agents, editors, librarians, illustrators, educators and booksellers.  During the 1970’s, emphasis was placed on creating and developing awards and grants to honor and assist its growing member base. The organization gained its current name in 1991 when board member and illustrator, Tomie dePaola, pushed to include illustrators in the organization. THANK YOU, Tomie!

The Carolinas chapter has already welcomed me. I look forward to having fun with them and bringing out the best in each other!

Smiles,

Wendy

Prepare

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03/06/201503/30/2015 | Wendy Elliott Designs

As I was cleaning out some paperwork the other day, I ran across a sticky note that I had tucked in a book purchased while we lived in the midwest six years prior. The note simply said, “Sometimes God has things prepared for you but He has to prepare you for the thing.”

When I found that note, I smiled because rather than a new year’s resolution our church encourages its members to choose a word and use that word as a lens to view how God is working in and through us during the year. The word I chose for 2015 is “Prepare.” It seemed to speak to me about all the things I need to be aware of this year as I embrace this new season and art journey in my life. Here are some wonderful resources I am using to help me prepare this year. Hopefully they can help you in your journey too.

Preparing My Heart– The podcasts from PC3, aka Port City Community Church, are amazing. I usually listen to one while I am running in the morning. The quiet of the early morning and the pounding of my actual heart while I am exercising are good reminders of how my life is being strengthened and renewed both physically and mentally! Learn a scripture and prep for a 5K. Do it!

Click on the message and then click on download audio. Click here to learn more about My One Word

Preparing My Body– I’ve embraced the paleo life and especially love the book, “It starts With Food” by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig. You can get it on Amazon. Remember, you are what you eat or do you really want to look like a doughnut?

Preparing My Skills– I just joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Check out the success story of Pat Zietlow Miller, author of Sophie’s Squash. Persistence pays off.

Smiles,

Wendy

Let's Get Started

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Hello,

My name is Wendy Elliott. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Blogs are wonderful. They provide an opportunity for us to share our passions with the world. Through helpful and encouraging messages and a stream of images that bring us joy, we can share our motivation for happiness with others. And if we are lucky, someone stumbles upon it (I have so much to learn about SEO), and shares in the conversation. Before long a relationship develops and both lives are enriched! Yay!

God gives us all unique abilities. I am so glad he gave me art and design geared towards kids as a means of sharing His goodness. (He knows my skills with technology – oh dear, you will not find those posts here!)

Smiles,

Wendy