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It's been quite a while since I've participated in an Illustration Friday challenge. I can't explain why I suddenly, out of the blue, checked out the website yesterday to see what the prompt was after so many months....or why I immediately started quickly doodling something for "MYSTERY" in a meeting at work when I have so many other art projects I *should* have been doodling....as far as doodling goes. So it was quite the surprise to learn one day later that today marks the 4-year anniversary of the day I stumbled upon Illustration Friday and participated in my very first challenge! 4 YEARS!
It was always fascinating to see what people would come up with, and how unique or not-so-unique my idea was each week! I actually went on a roll where I participated every week without fail for 52 weeks straight between 2012-2013! I can honestly say it was one of the most worthwhile activities I've ever participated in - because it got me drawing again, on a regular basis. It helped me build a new portfolio, and define my style. And as a result, I have since landed 3 children's book jobs. It kick-started my career. And beyond that, through it I connected with other artists, and built some truly wonderful friendships with some amazingly talented people that have lasted for several years now. You know who you are! :)
I started a this blog a week or 2 after that first challenge, as a place to easily display my entries. After years of participation, this blog is now a gallery of my work! I love revisiting it every so often...and remembering which words inspired ideas right away, and which ones were more challenging!
Which brings me back to MYSTERY....the idea for this one popped into my head rather quickly yesterday. No idea where it came from. So imagine my surprise when I arrived home from work tonight to find THIS....
Certainly not a yeti....but too small to be a dog, and the snow seemed too deep for it to be a cat or a squirrel....hmmmmm......I couldn't help but wonder if I was being watched as I examined the tracks......