secret design section on illustration website

I spent part of Saturday and most of Sunday working on my website. I added a couple of pieces to my illustration portfolio and made a few other small changes. Mostly, I worked on adding a design portfolio. Because I promote my website as an illustration site, and I don't seek out freelance design work, I didn't want to treat the design section in the same way as everything else on the site. I decided to create a secret link to my design portfolio, that way if I need to show it to someone I can direct them to the link without it being obvious to people looking to hire an illustrator.

I still need to add a couple more pieces, but I've uploaded what I have done so far. The link to the design stuff is the 3 small flowers in the top right corner. Check it out and let me know what you think: www.jacquelinehudon.com

Because I'm not an expert at building websites, my site doesn't run perfectly. It can take a moment for it to load. Clicking the main button a few times seems to help it load faster.

old cabin sketch

©2008

Finished lily pads

©2008

This is a gift for my friend Emily who is moving to Vancouver at the beginning of next month to go to school.

Here's some of my painting process:

Ost Est Ima gig poster

©2008

This is a gig poster I just finished for a local metal band. They wanted a Russian propaganda poster and this was my take on it.

1 down, 9 to go

I taught my first children's book class tonight and I think it went well. Tonight I mostly talked, but next week we draw. I can't wait.

Sketch of my hubby's hand

©2008

New Challenge

One of the possibilities that I was referring to in my last post has become official. I have accepted a teaching position at the Alberta College of Art and Design for an extended education class on Children's Book Illustration. I'm really excited for a new challenge. I feel like I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience over the years and have a lot to offer other people who are interested in children's books and the whole process.

It's an evening class, two and a half hours a week, so I'm keeping my day job and of course I'll be continuing my freelance pursuits. I start this Thursday. Wish me luck!

naked lady

2008 is off to a great start. The future seems to be filled with so many possibilities and it's exciting. I feel good and I feel inspired.

I really want to draw more this year. I'm always trying to draw more but it can be tough to find the energy when you have a full time job. Last night I went to a drop in figure drawing class with my very talented friend, Karen Klassen (to anyone who hasn't visited her blog, you must. It's amazing: www.karenklassen.blogspot.com). It felt so good to exercise my people drawing muscle. The model was great, lots of variety in her poses and she had a very round and curvy body that was fun to sketch. Here are some of my drawings from last night:


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lily pads

©2008

The good stuff from 2007

• I've felt more motivated and creative than ever before
• steady increase in illustration clients and work
• got my first illustration client outside of Canada (Utne Reader)
• illustrated and designed my first children's book
• my closest girl friend returned after spending a year in Australia and stayed with me for about a month and a half which was so nice
• saw parts of BC that I'd never visited
• discovered my new cooking specialty: spicy pineapple-lime chicken
• made some important decisions about what I want to do in my life and have started to take steps to get there
• married my best friend.