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?