About two years ago I decided to dedicate a year to submitting designs for books and magazines. I wanted to experience the process and grow as a designer. That first year quietly expanded and became two years. And really, I needed to see the fruits of my efforts. Some calls for submission are sent out so far in advance of the publication date that at the end of the first year, I only saw two of the designs in print. Almost two years later I have a better sense of that first year.
It was quite a year with eight designs accepted for four publications (click on the pictures for more info about each design). I feel good about the results. They seem pretty good for someone who just entered the submission game.
What I discovered is:
One more thing I’ve discovered is that I enjoy submitting designs, most especially when they are accepted and I get to knit them up. My experimental year, which turned into two years has convinced me to carry on with this kind of work. I’m loving it.
Well done on all your publication success. I agree with deadlines vs selfimposed deadlines. I find a period of non-stop deadlines exhausting though.
Thanks Anni. True, non-stop deadlines are also exhausting. I think the part I like least though is waiting for the yarn to arrive when I have several deadlines on top of one another. I agree to the job not realising that I’ll be waiting a few weeks for yarn. The SoHo folks are always so great at sending the yarn right away that I forget that not all publishers are able to do that.