Immersion was the practical next step in my creative career after 7 years of motherhood. In 2011, I earned my BFA in sculpture, with hopes becoming an art therapist. From 2012 to 2016 I had my 3 kids, and was grateful to be a mom. But with my hard work toward my degree and unfinished path to fulfilling my passion, I didn't know how to continue in pursuit of my artist dreams.
I happily discovered the Immersion course via Uppercase magazine in 2020. I finally found all these women artists with thriving businesses! Unable to take Immersion that year, I spent 2020 learning Illustrator on my own with the help of Bonnie via Skillshare. I was excited to join Immersion last year in 2021 as a student. It has taken me longer that I realized it would to fully learn the program.
I am convinced, however, after a year of Illustrator work on my own, then having Immersion to guide me the year after, that it would have taken me years to understand what I have learned in a short time with Immersion.
Progress was immediate.
I now have focus and am driven in a way I could not do without the structure provided through Immersion.
I am not earning money yet, but I am collaborating with two nonprofits to create printables for their adult and child clients who are suffering from grief in some way.
While I assist these companies, I have created my business card and logo, am designing cards to print, and am close to offering one on one art sessions before I am ready to launch my own stationery company. I am also building my portfolio to work with licensing in stationery and home goods.
The thing I loved most about Immersion was how easy it was to learn Illustrator and implement the lessons immediately into my work.
The biggest win is my daily creative habit of drawing, painting or Illustrator practice. Because of my commitment to becoming a surface designer, I had clarity about what to say goodbye to in my space. I no longer keep unused art supplies or waste time with "someday" ideas.
I am grateful for the connections I have made through Immersion too, and am thankful I am no longer feeling like I am on this creative journey alone.