Ever think there's not much use in going to conventions? Well I'd like to convince you otherwise.
Yes, I know, its a significant investment, but I think you may find it well worth it. If you want to get better at your craft, it requires two things: practice, and training. One of the best things about conventions is the training you can get from some of the best artists in the world.
Case in point: take a look at the photos above. They are both catwoman, but I think you can see, there's been a big improvement. The reasons why are simple. Yes I practice. I practice every chance I get. But I also took a class from world renown master painter Nick Wolfe, and he's the reason my wife's catwoman mask looks like leather.
So I urge you, sign up for a convention. Whether its local to your area (DC: Kapital Kidvention) (Dallas: BodyConDallas, I'll be teaching there in April) or whether its international (FABAIC; I'll be teaching there this May), I'm sure it'll be worth your time.
Recently, I've made some moves to make my painting kit lighter, just so that I can have a smaller bundle to carry into birthday parties and short-term events.