Artist Access Grant

I aim to complete all the artwork for Pollywog! Not a Frog at the highest possible quality. My measurable goals are: 1. Keep the pace of the work on track, which means painting 3 spreads every 2 months. 2. To complete all 16 spreads within one year of receiving the grant. 3. To increase my social media presence, advertising progress on the book's endeavor. I would like to grow my following on multiple platforms by 25%. 4. To research costs for the next phase of the project (scanning, printing, mailing dummy books to publishers, and the cost of self-publishing). 5. To research opportunities to share the work upon the book's publishing (talks, readings, artist and writing collectives, etc...) I aim to explore life's vibrancy through the lens of a tadpole's aquatic perspective with watercolor and children's literature, creating a metaphorical connection that is appealing and relatable to all kids who ponder their adult future or are emerging into a unique identity of their own. I will gauge my project's success by cross checking the outcomes with my goals. 1. By meeting my goal of creating 1.5 spread per month (3 per 2 months) for Pollywog! Not a Frog. 2. With one year, the entirety of the watercolor artwork for the project will be complete and I will be ready to scan the paintings. 3. With my social media presence will have increased at least 25% due to regular progress postings. 4. By having my next steps in the project clearly laid out in terms of cost and process, and being ready to begin the second phase of digitization and marketing. 5. By having made connections and a plan for how I can share my project with the wider community upon the book's publication. When all the art is rendered and I have a clear path to the second and final phase of my project, I will feel confident this project has been and will continue to be a success. I plan to use the momentum going forward to continue planning, writing and illustrating more books in a similar series to follow. On the most basic level, this project will have attained success by becoming a printed and published book. That would mark the accomplishment of all the elements coming together to create the tangible product I am hoping for. Getting to hold and read the book that my kids helped inspire to my kids would be a private and deeply moving form of success for me.