Illustrating a Book

Guess what!? I'm sure you already know from the title, but I thought I'd make you guess anyway... I'm illustrating a BOOK!!! It's not getting published, and it's only for family purposes, but hey, I still get payed, and recognized on the cover, so what's wrong with that? Anyway, here's how I found this guy (the one that I'm illustrating for, if you didn't guess that already). One day, I get home from school, and my mom tells me that there's a guy from Salem, UT. who wants to come and talk to me about illustrating a book for him. Personally, I thought she was joking. I'm only 14. Why the heck would someone want me to illustrate a book for them? I don't think you'll be able to guess why, so I'll just tell you this time. Mrs. Hunter, my art teacher, recommended me to him. That's right, she recommended ME!!! How insane is that!? Out of all her students, past and present, she recommends this nerdy little 9th grader, who's not all that good anyway, and who has NEVER had experience with this kind of thing!!! What an insane woman. I still love her, but in my book, she's definitely crazy :) So anyway, that night, I met with Max Walters. I was extremely nervous, and was really afraid of embarrassing myself. I didn't though, so it's okay. When he got to my house, we sat down, and he told me a little bit about himself, and the book he wrote. It's called "The Castle House", and it's a collection of stories from when he lived in this magnificent house in Rexburg, Idaho. You would not believe some of the silly things he's done! Anyway, he told me how much he'd be willing to pay me, had me show him some of the previous stuff I'd done, and asked me if I thought I could do it. I wasn't sure. It's kinda intimidating when you are being asked to do something you've never done before. I didn't think I had the amount of creativity needed to illustrate a freakin' book. So I, being a little insane myself, decided to tell him, "Sure. I think I can do it." What a good decision that turned out to be. In order to determine whether or not Max thought I was good enough, he had me do a few sample pics over the next few days. The results were happily to his satisfaction, and well, the rest is history. I am currently doing one-two pictures for Max a day, and he is impatiently waiting for me to finish his precious drawings (sorry Max! I'm hurrying!!). It's been an AMAZING experience, and I've learned a LOT!! So, here's a bit of advice for y'all. If any of you ever have the opportunity to do something that will help you grow, TAKE IT!!! It will help you to discover your likes, and dislikes, and you will get experience you never dreamed of having. Never turn someone down because you are scared, or because you've never done anything like it before. You will make friends (yes Max, you are my friend), and even if you don't enjoy yourself while doing it, there's one thing I can guarantee you; You will always be blessed for listening to the spirit, and doing the best that you can! I love you all!

Wow, this is a long blog... AH WELL!!!