Working on a book now has given me a new pace of working. I typically take commissions or I am creating other pieces for a series, with a quick turnaround. I love working toward a deadline, it is just in my DNA. It also helps spur me on to actually finish something. In August of 2020, I was on an individual art retreat for five days. It was such a blessing to have a break from being concerned about the virus, my kids and their mental health, raising baby chickens, school work for our son and ALL the things we were trying to figure out as artists to still make a living. I took that time to really focus on me. To get away and just work, relax, breathe in clean air… I didn’t realize I was about to embark on a super long project. On one of the days I was looking for grants, I also had this idea to start a book. Here I am, nine months later and I feel like I have been on a fun journey with this project. Applying for a grant and receiving money was a dream come true. It gave me the extra push to start a calendar for my project and get to work! Thanks to Kentucky Foundation for Women for providing space and help to female artists who are working and living in Kentucky!
I have since scanned in all the illustrations for the book and contacted some publishers (hey, anyone out there have an “in” with good children’s book publishers?! ; ) ) I have also designed all the pages. The only progress I need to finish is the cover and end pages. I am so stoked!
This baby should be on the press by fall and I plan to do some workshops with kids and parents. I am so excited that the first book I will publish is for kids to learn more about art and explore their own creativity. It was a challenge to narrow down exactly what I wanted the end result to be, but it will be fun and educational at the same time.
Let me know (via email or on IG: melissamannbeanartwork) if you want to be on the email list to get an update when it goes to press and pre-purchase your book! This will be a great book for art teachers, kids who enjoy art - ages 7 through 12, home school moms who need an educational art help book or anyone who wants to learn more terminology about art.
After this gets published, I have other ideas for more projects. Feel free to cruise around in my “For Sale” tab and buy some artwork! If you see anything you like and would like a print, email me and I can get you one.
Keep on creating art, buying art, enjoying the arts and welcome back, art friends! The future looks bright!