Sometimes I wake up and don't quite believe my life.
It all started with a wonderful unexpected email that as if by magic appeared in my inbox at the end of 2007, it was my first book project! I will never forget that day or what I felt. It was like winning the lottery but better. Someone liked my work and wanted me to illustrate a book!? Me?
The funny thing is, it never occurred to me how my life would change after that. Almost 5 years have passed and 13 books later I still can't get over the fact that I get to illustrate children's book for a living.
I am truly lucky to be able to do what I love and to work in such a gratifying field. All the book people are amazing, talented and humble. It's a warm and friendly community. Visitors who come to this blog and comment, have no idea the impact it has on me. This tends to be a solitary field and meeting people here and on twitter definitely makes all the difference. I see twitter as my own magical wardrobe, juts open my laptop and a whole community of co-workers is in reach.
So this is a thank you post. I'm thankful for my life and for what I do. I'm thankful for my husband and two kids, for always supporting me and encouraging me. I'm thankful for my sis for believing I was any good when I thought I actually sucked.. hee. I'm thankful for my agent, for always watching my back and making sure I don't go crazy overworking myself. I'm thankful for kids books and I'm thankful for all of you visitors and wonderful twitter friends.
And how can I forget the kids? I'm specially thankful for them. Working for kids is a wonderful gift to me and honestly, is the closest thing to never growing up anyone can ever get. :o)
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22 comments:
I like this story, Ali.
Very cheerful and happy:)
I've not done works for published illustrations yet, but I believe the day will come to me too:)
Thank you Juri! It is happy, at least for me. :o)
Oh your day will come I am sure Juri. Keep at it and keep on dreaming. Make it happen!
Such a heartfelt, beautiful post, Alicia. The world is a sweeter and more tender place with you in it gracing your precious illustrations on so many wonderful books. Here's to a very very longggg career!
You really deserve it, Alicia!
Your work is so charming and heartwarming
and my grandson adores your work.
Isn't it fun that we 'met' through blogs so long ago when I lived in Morocco.
I'm so very thrilled things are going well for you!
oxox
Thank you for this inspiring post filled with humble gratitude. It is wonderful people and posts like this that help me keep my dream alive as I continue to work towards receiving that same magical email one day. You are the best and brightest.
:) wow- 13 books! amazing!!! I am glad that you have a blog too because its nice to know the person behind the artwork!
keep it up Alicia! You rock!
Wonderful and inspiring! 13 books, though I'm not surprised of your success, your artwork is fantastic!
Beautiful post, Ali. I'm thankful to know you and have you as a friend.
Aww Shirley.. you are too kind, really! Thank you so much for your sweet words! xo
Yes I do remember it very well Elizabeth! I fell in love with your blogs (New York one too) the first time I visited. Makes me so happy to know H enjoys my books.. there is no better reward for me than to know kids enjoy them. Thanks so much for your kind words! xo
Thanks Jennifer! Yes, never stop trying, working hard at it and dreaming. it will happen if you set your mind to it! :oD
Mai thank you! I'm glad you enjoy my blog as well. Sometimes I feel I neglect it a bit but ultimately always come back to it. I love interacting with you guys! Hugs :o)
Thank you so much Michaele! To be honest, I am. Haha it's been a ride I have to say. :o)
Aww sweet Ggina.. so am I! I hope you know that. :o) xoxo
Lovely words and work Alicia, you have a soft style just right for children, I'm hoping my book turns out OK, it all seemed quite rushed to me? I would probably still be working on it now, a month later on? Hope you do many more lovely books, I'm sure you will. :)
I'm so happy to see your successes build, Ali! Your work is beautiful, and you deserve it. (Also can't believe it's been so many years since we first met in blog land!) :-)
Inspiring story and you deserve it to the fullest!
Fantastic post :) I wish you continued success. Your artwork is just gorgeous.
Thanks Julie! Oh I'm sure your book turned out great. Yes a month is rushed. You'll see that some books are more rushed than others. Maybe your second one will be at a more enjoyable pace. I'm very happy for you, you'll see how exciting it is to receive your book for the first time! Congrats :o)
I know Jen! Time flies huh? Thank you so much for everything. :o)
Thank youuuu JS! :o)
Thanks so much Dawn! :o)
Que bonito mensaje Alicia. Gracias por ser una inspiración para mi. Me gustan tus personajes, los munditos que creas y la ternura de los momentos que capturas. Felicidades y gracias por compartirlo
your work is just so sweet.
Muchas gracias a ti Maria, por visitar y por tus palabras tan lindas! Abrazos :o)
Thank you so much Patti! :o)
Hi, Alicia! I just found your website and blog today and love your sweet illustrations. I know I will enjoy perusing your blog and your work. I see "A Doodle a Day" in your sidebar but can't find anything about it. Do you provide a list of words for daily doodles? I want to make it a habit to draw up a storm. :o) Greetings to you from Colorado, Debora and New Avenue Crew
And I just love your story. God has definitely blessed you--so glad you enjoy what you do...you do it so well!
Hi Deborah and thank you for your sweet words! I came up with A Doodle a Day a couple of years back actually. I don't really give out words or a topi is mostly and inspiration or reminder to do just that, doodle everyday. We have to keep on moving forward and sketching daily is a wonderful way to do it.
Thanks again for your comment. They brought a smile to my face. :o)
How wonderful Alicia! What a beautiful post, that is so touching to me right now as I struggle with my dream of doing the same thing. I'm so glad your's came true. You are an amazing artist and a very sweet person. :)
Al the best to you,
Christina
Thanks so much Christina! Keep at it, don't let go, OK? I wish you the best of luck! *hugs* :o)
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