How I Earned $50 Illustrating a Magazine Cover When I Was 11

How I Earned $50 Illustrating a Magazine Cover When I Was 11

When I was 11 a neighbor who edited the magazine for The Briard Club of America hired me to draw his dog for the cover.  He was my friend's dad and was familiar with my drawing ability.   For the printing process they need it to be black and white so I had to use pen and ink. He gave me a photo for reference since there was no way the dog would pose for 3 hours.  $50 is a lot of money to a kid so I gave it my best shot.

It was a challenge to see the dogs eyes with his hair drooping over the eyes.  I was concerned about the result but he was really happy with it and I put some money in the bank with my eye on a first car in 5 years time. I had been saving for a car since I was 6  and people were paying me $1 a card for greeting cards.  My mom and a neighbor were my best customers.  They were saving money on store cards and I was stashing it away.

About 15 years later I was contacted by The Briard Club of America and asked if it was okay that they use the art again for an anniversary cover.  I couldn't believe they still had it.  I was thrilled.  Here is my drawing from 1983. To see a few more thousand pieces of my art visit JessPerna.com.  I hope you enjoy the art and thanks for stopping by.

The Briard Club of America Magazine Cover Illustration