Introduction to Just One Thing!
First post introducing my publication, Just One Thing!, and my personal story.
Beginnings are hard.
Unlike many artists in the kidlit community, I started late - really late! It’s true, my journey in illustration and writing for children started in September 2018. I was 39.
You see, my daughter was 8 and I felt this unwavering pull to pick up the pencil and start drawing again. I had an idea for a Picturebook, and that’s where it all began.
When I was a kid (not acting like a kid, more specifically), you would always see me drawing and writing stories. Admittedly, they weren’t very good, mind you - but I LOVED IT! In fact, during recess when all the kids went outside, I stayed in the hallway right outside my classroom and drew comics. Sadly, as the years went by, I drew pictures and wrote stories less and less, until I stopped completely.
30 Years later, I picked up the pencil again. It was September 2018 - I was 39, and I had a lot of catching up to do…
I love to draw and I love to write, but I learned one very important lesson as I began my journey - Beginnings are hard!
Here’s one of my first illustrations after embarking on this journey (made with a #2 pencil, ball point pen and crayons, yes - my daughter’s crayons).
Why Now?
You might be wondering, “Dude, you are so late to the party!” And for quite a while, I kept telling myself the same thing. I made art, and it was bad. So, I made more and more art, which were also bad. I needed to get all the bad art out of my system so I can finally make something good. When I first started making art, I avoided social media like the plague. I just didn’t feel like I was ready for the world to watch me practice.
When I first started making art, I avoided social media like the plague. I just didn’t feel like I was ready for the world to watch me practice - Jeremy Ross
As a middle-aged husband and father, my #1 goal was to “Just Keep Getting Better!” One of the benefits of starting in this industry late is the wisdom I have gained over the course of my life, now 44 as I am writing this in November of 2023.
Back to the question, “Why Now?” I’m excited to share what I’ve learned through this publication and look forward to having my audience join me in my personal journey in getting better as I share the bits of wisdom I have learned along the way.
I’m passionate about writing and illustrating for children and I dream of being one of many well-respected Author/Illustrators in the industry.
A Community for Artists and Writers
Just One Thing! is a community publication for both illustrators and writers. Each publication will be tailored to the art of making Picturebooks and other art-related topics (e.g., Art for Apparel, Accessories and Home Decor, Surface Pattern Design, and sometimes Wood Working, etc.). Thank you for joining me in this community!
Publication Cadence
I endeavor to issue a post bi-weekly (i.e., fortnightly), specifically on Fridays. Sometimes you will receive a post weekly, sometimes monthly.
Before and After
People love before and after photos, especially of body transformations. Don’t worry, you won’t be seeing any topless photos; however, I will share a before and after of my artwork journey to show my progress after 5 years of dedication towards improving my craft.
Who is Jeremy Ross?
First and foremost, I am a husband of 19 years to an incredible and beautiful woman who has provided me with unwavering support and guidance with all my endeavors, albeit, sometimes crazy ones! I honestly feel like I am the luckiest man in the world; my wife is my rock! She’s also my toughest critic, which I greatly appreciate. Additionally, I am a father to a brilliant 13 year old daughter, who provides me with endless creativity and is always willing to watch me draw. I still can’t believe we have a teenager!
I’m a mixed-race Mexican/American and speak fluent Spanish. My Spanish writing could definitely use some work, but I can read it just fine. I dream of having books published in both English and Spanish. My mother migrated from Guadalajara, Mexico to Houston, where she met and married my father. With the surname “Ross”, we have lineage from Ireland and Scottland. While I have traveled many times to Mexico during my childhood and adulthood, I have yet to travel to either Ireland or Scottland; however, it’s definitely on my bucket list.
I have a full-time career in a non-kid-lit-related industry, Engineering and Construction. I absolutely love my career; however, I find that it is too technical, too serious, and doesn’t scratch my creative itch. As such, I write and illustrate Picturebooks on nights and weekends, like Batman - except instead of fighting crime, I am fighting illiteracy with inspiring kids to read books!
If you want to see more of my work, please visit my website at:
https://www.jeremyrayross.com/
Earlier, I mentioned that I avoided social media like the plague. That’s been true for most of my journey, except this September 2023, I created my first account on Twitter/X to connect with the kidlit community, pitch book dummy ideas and finally start sharing my artwork with the world. Check out my account and follow me if you are so inclined.
I’m also a volunteer for Make A Wish Foundation Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter, as their Resident Artist, where I get the opportunity to create artwork for amazing kiddos with critical illnesses. Learn more about Make A Wish in the below link; it’s a wonderful organization.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading my first publication of Just One Thought! Today’s One Thought was about getting to know this publication and sharing a little bit about my journey and who I am.
I’m looking forward to sending out my next publication where I plan to tackle, “Where to Start?”, where I’ll share my thoughts and experiences on how to begin a journey in writing and illustrating for children.
Please introduce yourself in the comments below; looking forward to hearing from you.
Jeremy Ross
Loved the story Jeremy. Thanks for sharing. It is amazing how a lot of us have the same type of story. I too am getting back into drawing….but I am 63. BTW, I love mustard. Especially on a sausage biscuit 😉
wow, that sounds very much like my story! Drawing as a kid and then coming back to it as a mum of two at the age of 37. All the best! :)