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In Her Own Words: Diana Evans
I am always fascinated by people who are living their dreams, and making a living at it, so naturally when I came across Diana Evans’ website, my curiosity was immediately piqued. Diana is a full time artist and illustrator, dividing her imagination between her extremely demanding career, an etsy shop, and a blog which she updates regularly. Recently she’s illustrated a childrens book called “I Spy a Dragonfly”, written by author Carla Burke, soon to be released. I’m really looking foreward to it!
What inspired you to become a professional illustrator?
All my life I was inspired by my surroundings and my wonderful family to create. I learned about art at an early age from my Dad. He used to paint outdoor scenes, weld sculptures in metal and I always seemed to follow him around the garage and the backyard while he created wonderful things. He always had faith in me and anything I would create would be just perfect in his eyes…
My formal training is in technology and I worked for the Government for a15 years before I took the leap of faith and started living my creative dream. I never let my passion for art subside…in fact work was a way to keep up with creative projects and in this day and age technology allows us to create and share art instantly. I share daily work on my blog. . It was simple to see that I was drawn to art in every form. I always wanted more paint, more brushes, more canvas, and more paper. I also started to think about life in a different way. When I am gone will there be anything around to remind people that I was here….and it was evident that I needed to pursue what my heart longed for me to do…
What do you love about it?
I love everything about creating new art each and every day. I love seeing my work published and it doesn’t matter how many times you get published…each and every time it is as exciting as the first. I love sharing my art with family and friends and it seems that whenever I am stumped at what to get someone for a gift…I give them something I created and they love it…
I also have to say that because I work a lot in the Children’s market, I love the way I see myself through a child’s eyes…they look up to me when they hear that I draw for a living. I also love that I walk to my studio each and every day versus a long commute to a busy and stressful city core…I also love knowing that people truly enjoy my work.
And what do you find the most difficult?
In this field you have to get used to some rejection. Not everyone will love your style. It may not work for some people and they may be very blunt about it. The key is not to let it bother you. Keep moving forward and keep believing in your dreams. They will help get your through these little rough patches.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I try to look at everything around me for inspiration. I also try to see things through the eyes of a child. I find that children are so positive and have a special way of seeing the best in everything. I also try to take the time to enjoy all the nature around me…I like to slow down and really take things in. I am also inspired by many of my wonderful Artist friends that I blog with. You can meet so many talented people that are so wonderful and giving.
What part of your workday do you love the most?
I love blogging about my new projects. I add something new to my blog each and every day throughout the week. I also love visiting all of my friends in blog land to see what they are up to. Having that special connection with people is really important when you work in a studio all by yourself …it makes you feel connected and you can learn so much from some very talented people.
Do you have any advice for others still in the “dreaming” stage of starting down the path towards professional illustration?
The most important advice I can share with people that are thinking about taking the plunge and living their creative dream…would be to “Stay True to your self” I say this every morning. Never second guess your work or what you’re doing. Like I said before, you will meet people that will love your work and people that just don’t think it’s a good fit. Just keep working and moving forward. When you believe in yourself and your work, the success will follow.
I also think that you should get a portfolio started. You can even start this while your working at a job somewhere.
Find your style and let it flow
Take 15 minutes each and every day to create something
Brand yourself – get people to know you
Start a blog – they are free and you will get connected to people that are like you.
Later you can set up a more formal website
Participate in weekly challenges like Illustration Friday
Join groups that you can learn from like SCBWI (The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
Set goals and set a date when you want to go full time with your dream
Learn to run your work like a Business
Create every day
Stay true to you
Follow your dreams and passions, you only have one chance in life to really do what you love and truly want to do…so if this is something you want you can make it happen.
*Thank you so much Diana, for inspiring all of us today. I can’t wait until your book comes out!*
Hi Beth….thank you so much for the interview…It was so much fun to answer these questions and remind myslef how lucky I am to be able to create each day….
Have a wonderful day!
hugs
Diana
Wonderful and informative interview! Thanks for sharing this!
What an inspirational interview!!!!!
Loved it!
I really admire Diana and love her work, but most of all her positive attitude and the love which shines through in everything she does!
Thank you Diana…you’re a true inspiration, and I really hope your interview plants a few seeds on the minds of people dreaming of starting down the road to an artistic career!
hi Everyone…thank you so much for popping by to read the interview…I do hope it inspires many of you to follow your hearts!!!
Hugs
I have been following Diana Evans for quite some time, and am so lucky to have met her in blog land. She is a shining example of what all of us artists are trying to achieve, and she is such an inspiration. I wish you all the success that the world has to offer Diana!
Thank you for the kind words Cynthia….I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful friends via blogland…you are a wonderful artist and I look forward to many years of wonderful creativity from you!!!
Thanks for reading the interview everyone!!
Hugs
Diana
Diana’s illustrations are bright and happy, and always make me smile. Some are funny, but others are whimsical. Teri http://www.sandtcreations.com/wordpress
What a wonderful and inspirational interview. Its good to know more about Diana.
Hi Diana,
I too really love your works:)
I agree with everythings that you siad here.
I am a person that love children art just like you.
Children is creative.
Thanks for all your sharing especially 100% true encouragement for us here that living our dream to become one illustrator.
Your tips are very useful.
I am glad that you have found a very positive, colourful and cute style for your illustrations.
One more thing.
Creativeness is the income of artist.
All the best to you and your current & future undertakings!!!!
I would love to thank everyone for your kind comments on Diana’s interview. I’d love to take the credit, but I can’t. since she did all the work!
I sincerely consider myself lucky to have “met” Diana, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Thanks everyone…it is so nice to hear from you all…I hope that you all find a way to live your creative dreams…
hugs
Diana
and Beth I am so glad to have met you too…I think your web site is wonderful and I look forward to more of your wonderful posts….
What a great interview Diana! You are not only a wonderful, creative artist, but also a truly inspiring individual. Your endless energy and positivity in the world around you is a joy to behold.
Thanks for sharing. =)