What's Your Label?

 

Has anyone ever asked you what you do for a living, and you stuttered or stumbled over your answer? What do you call yourself?

For years, I felt comfortable with the cartoonist label. Try to call myself an artist or illustrator though, and I'd choke. I felt like a fraud just tasting the words.

Even though I'd done many illustrations for advertising, editorial, and corporate projects, I didn't feel comfortable with the moniker. It took getting an illustration representative to make me feel ok calling myself an illustrator.

Then I wrote two picture books. I felt the need to acknowledge this new found status, but every time I tried to call myself an "author," I giggled helplessly. I'm working with a literary agent now and finally feel confident enough to call myself an author. Maybe I'll just wait a little longer before I update those business cards though...

What's your label?

Comments

[ira waltrude]

I'm a freelance writer =) though I haven't accomplished what you have done like illustrating/writing two books. I hope I would be able to write my own book someday. Oh, and I've also recently updated my business card since I really looked for ways in being cost efficient in promoting myself and my work. I asked for the services of Bizcard.com. You could check them at http://www.bizcard.com/.

Ira ;)

[Janee]

Ira, I'm pleased to hear you're comfortable with your own label. Good for you! Thanks for the link.