Hi!

I’m sorry to hear that some are unhappy with what you wish to do. Children’s books are pretty rad, and quite important. If that’s what you want to focus on, you should continue to do what makes you happy.

Also, it’s not like you aren’t developing your artistic skills while moving in that direction. You never stop learning and as you improve, you’re becoming a better artist. You can use those skills for many things, not just making children’s books. Children’s books do not limit your abilities :)

Take a look at Mary Blair for example. Mary Blair’s work covers so much ground. She was an illustrator, she illustrated children’s books that are STILL in print today. She designed sets for Radio City Music Hall. She worked for Disney and she worked on animated features doing concept art and design. She is responsible for the iconic look of It’s A Small World. Outside of work at Disney, she worked as a graphic designer and illustrator and did advertisements.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make children’s books. You should continue to learn, and continue to do what you love to do :)