To say that I overthink things is an understatement.
When I last created for art licensing, I fretted over every detail—perfectionist tendencies took over EVERYTHING.
Possibly it was because so many things at that time were outside of my control and creating was the only thing I could have a "say" over....
So I have decided to step back and take a look at older pieces I've created, pieces in the very beginning of my licensing career....what about them made me happy, excited to put paint and pencil to paper?
A big part of that was SIMPLICITY.
I was BRAND new to licensing, didn't know ANYthing when it came to technical applications, the business of licensing..I was as green as you could get.
But I ENJOYED creating because I did it to make myself happy. If the image made me laugh, smile, or just go "awww," I knew I was having a good time. I created images start to finished—complete scenes without layering (GASP!) and yet they were picked up. By my second year I had 30 garden flag designs under my name and not a single one had been rendered as psp layers. (That could be why I ONLY had garden flag contracts at that time.)
My point is: I created because I loved to create. I loved trying new supplies. I loved drawing sweet characters and using vibrant colors.
Before I knew any of the technical aspects, I got it done and out there for others to enjoy.
While I now know that layering is a MUST, I am letting up on my need to control every stroke.
I am allowing myself to not be a "brand" but a creative who enjoys the process.
I am getting back to whimsy and simple details, outlines, and experimental color palettes.
And I am trusting the Lord for the results.
Come what may, I'll just be plugging along over here in my happy little watercolor world building new collections to hopefully place with a great agent come 2026.
Rebranding
While I DID say I didn't want to be considered a "brand," I know that's not practical if you are in business.
Sadly (foolishly), I let my old domain lapse - the one I had used fr almost 20 years.
It has now been taken over by scammers for a gambling website (UGH!!), so the new domain and all my branding will no longer be under Jennifer Nilsson Art, but rather under just my name of Jennifer L Nilsson. (The domain for this blog and the user name for my IG).
By 2026 I will have a new logo to go with my new portfolio.
It's hard but not the end of the world.
Moving Forward
I hope that in taking these steps of change that I can TRULY get back on track with this career I've always loved so much. When I'm away from it, I think about it CONSTANTLY. And when I see my friends creating for licensing and I am not - I feel like I am missing out and it makes me sad.
It's in my blood, I do believe, so it's time to come back home to what makes my heart sing.
I hope that if you are reading this, that you are as excited as I am. ♥
onward and upward and back to old things....
Wishing you a creative day filled with joy!
xo
Jenn