Learning how to paint with watercolor was a game-changer for me, ultimately landing me the job of illustrating Curious George. It's funny how life works out sometimes. Back in college, I had to take a watercolor class—yes, a whole class dedicated to watercolor painting (and please, save the eye rolls). Initially, I was terrible at it. My attempts at painting were laughable, with the water and paint running and swirling into a blob of unrecognizable color on the paper. Determined to improve, I dedicated a significant amount of time that year to mastering watercolor techniques. I visited art museums to study the works of great watercolorists, checked out countless books from the library, and most importantly, practiced relentlessly. Slowly but surely, I began to understand the delicate balance required to control the water and paint, learning how to create beautiful washes and intricate details. Through persistence and hard work, I transformed my initial failures into a skill that not only brought me personal satisfaction but also opened up professional opportunities. Who would have thought that those early struggles with watercolor would one day lead me to illustrate the adventures of a mischievous little monkey? Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes the challenges we face lead us to the most rewarding places.