one illustrator's perspective

versatility should be an asset

2012-02-27T09:48:00.003-08:00

Ok, I am onto something. Something that has been nagging me for, oh 20 years.

When I went to art school to study to become an illustrator the mantra that was drilled into each of our heads was 'Have a Style'. All of us illustrators worked to develop a look that could be our own signature. I must admit I struggled with that quite a lot because I like exploring, experimenting and I think different problems require different solutions. And I don't mean just visual imagery, but the look of that visual imagery.

Fast forward to my first experience getting an agent. What did she want, a 'Style'. Fortunately I did pay attention in college and provided a big portfolio of cohesive work. Did she land me jobs, sure, here and there including an 'almost' with Disney.

Now let's fast forward again but in the real world of making a living. My portfolio is diverse, I have so many styles, so many types of work, that if I were to go seeking an agent now they would think I have multiple personality disorder. But, and this is big, I am making a living now, without the help of an agent. And honestly I make significantly more than when I had an agent. Why, because I am versatile.

What really strikes me about this is something I have noticed in the last week or so with other artistic industries. Here are two glaring examples.

1) Project Runway ; who is lauded on the show? The designer who can design a ball gown, AND separates. Yes they may have a style, but they aren't a one trick pony. Sure they have a look that seems to be theirs, BUT seriously they are versatile designers who can apply it to the problem at hand.

2) The Oscars ; yes Meryl Streep won again. But why? Oh sure she is amazing and is always perfect in every role (except that one crappy action movie 20 years ago). However throughout the Oscars they frequently state the versatility as an asset. That the actors can play any role. The actors don't have a 'style' per se, and if they do they are 'character' actors.

I honestly think that being a chameleon is NOT a bad thing as an illustrator. It has served me well and has helped me be a freelancer for nearly 10 years. The best 10 years of my working life too. Let's celebrate style diversity, flexibility and variety, not look down on it. Versatile illustrators unite. Sure let's organize our art by similar looks, but by no means should we feel bad that we do a variety of styles to suit our clients needs.

bids, estimates, proposals and expectations

2012-02-21T12:18:00.006-08:00

I hate the time I have to allot to preparing bids. Mostly because it is unpaid. Since January I have prepared two bids for good sized projects. The first bid took a lovely month to resolve into a yes. The second took all of 15 minutes after I hit send to get a resounding 'the project has been canceled' which is a round about way of saying 'No'.

Here are a few thoughts on bids. Over the years I have learned that you don't give one price. No, it is much better to give a low, and a high. If you feel like you need even more slush room, give a mid-price too. You can't just give prices though. I find the best bid follows this simple outline:

1) Restate what you understand the customer wants. This is great way to make sure you understood what they said, and guarantees you are both on the same page.

2) Explain what you are going to do for them. Don't get into the particulars yet. This is a 'I am smart and creative and this is how I think my awesomeness will translate into money for you'.

3) Now state what the heck you plan on giving them for their money. This is where you get very explicit. I call out each piece, and how many revisions, how many sketches I anticipate, color rounds, whatever... this is the place where they find out if they are buying the stock or the upgrade. If you are going with tiers, and options, you can break this down further to include the 'stock' price and the 'upgrade' price.

4) Do you have style samples or samples in general you want to show them? This is a great place to explain samples, and then I usually stick them on at the very end of the proposal on a separate page.

5) Tell them how much this is going to set them back. Refer back to section 3 to callout the pricing for any variations you are giving them.

6) Terms. Do NOT forget this part. This is your safety net. You can explain payment expectations, and time requirements to guarantee you can deliver on your promise.

Ta da! Really not a complicated process, nor difficult. Just time consuming to ponder and regurgitate.

Good luck!

PR seems like a good thing

2012-02-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

As an independent artist, I do all the roles of a small business owner. I promote myself, I do the networking, I manage Linkedin, try to update my site regularly, send thank you presents to clients for the holidays and of course do the work that pays the bills. I often think of buying a list from a reputable source to do direct mail or email or even cold calling potential new clients. But have not taken the plunge. I know from years of being in the business that PR is a good thing. I am too cheap to pay for it. Sorry PR people, I respect what you do, and maybe I just need convincing that the investment is worth it.

I will take free PR, happily. This week while working on a project for a client (the most awesome Sock It to Me Socks), I saw that my sushi sock design was highlighted last November in Seventeen magazine. Although Seventeen magazine is not my first choice for where I want my work seen, I am not going to complain. The good side is my design was chosen for the fashion pick, the downside is, no one knows it is my design.

How do I pimp this awesomeness? Of course I tweeted it, posted a twitpic, but there has to be more. Now I am blogging about it, but what else? Do I issue a press release? Or Lord dare I even attempt that? I will gladly admit that I can draw, but I am NOT a writer. Kudos to the writers out there. I will post it to my website, perhaps make a note on my Linkedin page.

But most importantly I will take pause and bask in the glow that I am a professional artist. I do make a living drawing and creating for other people. They find me, and they pay me to make things for them. How lucky am I? Thank you universe for the greatest job, and the teenage PR love.

new year new projects new to-do lists

2012-01-26T11:56:00.000-08:00

With every new year there is a moment of pause. Time to reflect on the last years work. This year I have a few big goals, big changes and revelations.

Numero Uno : Dump licensing. Seriously not worth the effort. If I count the hours spent generating art and submitting compared to the payoff - not worth it. Out with the dead wood. Besides, licensing seems more like a pyramid scheme than a legitimate way to earn a living. Well a living that you can 'live' off at least.

Numero Dos : Spend more time asking for referrals. I pride myself on being easy to work with, on time, and deliver a great product. My customers love me, and not in a weird way, but in a 'You just saved my bacon' sort of way. With that kind of relationship I need to ask for referrals. They know people, and if I can make their contacts look good, we all come out heros.

Numero Tres : Revamp the website and put the work that pays and is in demand at the forefront. Seems obvious but I get busy with paying work and the website loses out.

Numero Quatro : Be a better blogger. I know, I know I have said this before. Maybe not on my blog but in my own head. This year, more sharing of my work, my successes and my mistakes. What works, what doesn't, and musings along the way.

Numero Cinco : Be a better networker. I like people, I am chatty, don't mind meeting new people and make friends easily. Not to mention I like to snack and drink wine. Why am I NOT going to more networking events? I don't know either.

Numero Seis : Don't be ashamed to toot my own horn. I have been thriving (more or less) as an illustrator for the last 10 years, I need to stand up and shout about it and let people know without feeling all humble and embarrassed.

Numero Siete : Keep volunteering and doing good deeds. This isn't really career related but it feeds my soul and reminds me why I am alive.

definitely not alike

2011-10-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ok I finished the marathon and they really are NOT alike.

But I will say this. At several times during the race I did think "This is hard", and "Ouch", and "Can I really keep going?". Which coincidentally is similar to my sentiments on many occasions as an artist/illustrator/designer. Yes, the three thoughts have crossed my mind many times during the often difficult career path I have chosen.

So, if you are considering either running a marathon OR launching your art career, just know you will find it difficult, sometimes it will hurt and you will question whether you can keep going down that path.

How running a marathon is NOT like being an artist

2011-10-05T11:10:00.001-07:00

Ok so I am about to run my first marathon. I started thinking about all the training and time spent for the darn thing. I also was thinking 'Dang, I need to post on my blog'. Naturally the two seemed meant to go together. And, it seemed that I could really tie the whole, running a marathon IS LIKE an art career together. But then it occurred to me, they are NOT alike.

The most obvious difference is that with a marathon, you train a very specific way. Oh there are a lot of degrees of training, but everyone agrees, run, and run a long run once a week. But for art there is no tried and true way to 'make it', or train for it. Seriously. You can buy books, read blogs, but really half of making it is luck. No one wants to admit that but seriously you can make the most beautiful thing ever, but unless the right person sees it at the right time, and other people are in the mood for buying, you won't sell it.

Secondly, with a marathon you have a goal, 26.2 miles. All you have to do is run that distance and voila you've made it. But with art, there is no real goal. It is nebulous, it moves around, it is elusive and can completely make a 180 on you before you know it. Some ambiguous goal like 'success' is so hard to define that really, seems pointless. Realistically you can only hope to make art, and sell what you can, if that is what you want. But the goal line will move, whereas 26.2 miles will always be just that, 26.2 miles.

You don't have to carbo load for art. Oh sure it sounds like fun, and if you are in the mood you could even justify it "I am so busy with ideas that I need to fuel up so I can create all of them". But really, we see through that. No, carbo loading is NOT necessary for making art.

No special clothes or gear are required for making art. I suppose if you are a welder, or depending on your medium you may need a few things, but most of us can get by with non-high-tech gear.

You don't lose your toenails doing your art. Unless you drop that giant coffee mug on your toe on the way to your office/workspace.

Ah ha, I do have a similarity though. Discipline. Yes you need discipline for both. If you don't dedicate the time to each endeavor, and follow through you won't get where you want to go. So there, in that instance Yes, running a marathon and making art is similar.

Feel free to stretch after a quick warm-up when you are done reading this. However, the ice bath will not be necessary.

the value of blogging

2011-08-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I had coffee today with the amazing architect Ted Argo. Well...during coffee Ted mentioned that I have not blogged in three months. Which sadly is very true. Here's the scoop.

1) Kids are home from summer, which means juggling work and being a mom. Less time for the projects that do NOT have a dollar amount associated with them.
2) I just don't know that Blogging does much for me. Really. I have NOT gotten a single project via blogging. I have gotten comments, and yes have enjoyed sharing creative experiences, but has it generated money? No. Does it need to? Well, it would be nice.

With that said, I just don't know whether Blogging, and Twitter really have a lot of value for a small creative business person. Sure I show up in Google Alerts, and yes a few people read the posts and the Tweets, but... ultimately as a business person aren't we supposed to spend our marketing outreach efforts to garner MORE work? And if that is so, and IF most of my work is via word of mouth, then I think we creatives should spend more time drinking coffee and talking to the people who share our names. Why bother Tweeting to 'MarigoldLover' on Twitter when they will NEVER send me any work. Doesn't it make more sense as a small creative professional to call up your connection at that agency and see if they want to visit, check in and generally stay on their radar?

So, is their a value to Twitter and Blogging for us creatives? I don't know, you tell me.

sold out, now what

2011-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ok the good news is that my wine glass pattern sold out at Joann's across the country. Now what?

So the obvious is that they should reorder. But the not so obvious is how do I recreate that success? Sort of stressful to ponder. Fear of success, no, fear of failure, yes, maybe. I want to make sure I deliver the goods.

Time to bring it on home.

preparing a submission

2011-05-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Years ago I had a request from Disney to submit my portfolio for consideration on a print project. Specifically they said they had selected me and 4 other artists and asked if I had any 'underwater' work. I found out it was for Finding Nemo. Long story short I did NOT have underwater work so spent the weekend trying to put some together. When the weekend was done and I was getting my artwork boxed up, I made sure to include the new work.

I did NOT get selected. Heartbroken (thinking this was my lucky big break) I told myself I was boycotting that movie. Of course I saw the movie and have gone to Disneyland since and seen every darn Disney animation since. But I learned a valuable lesson that weekend. Just because someone wants to see a subject matter that you don't have, does NOT mean you need to create something just for them. Why? Because I was in such a hurry to just give them what I thought they wanted, that I was NOT true to my art, and sent something that did not measure up to my standard. In retrospect, I believe that was my portfolio downfall. I created two additions that were not as thoughtful, were not as well executed because I thought I had to.

The reason I bring this up is that last week I had an inquiring potential licensor. I did end up creating some new work to submit today. However I used my very serious editorial eye and did NOT submit several pieces even though they were the right subject matter. The work wasn't good enough. Lesson learned that I want to only submit work that I feel is my best work. Now, if they do not choose me I won't feel like I screwed up, I will know in my heart it just wasn't the right fit for them, right now.

plans and progress

2011-04-04T13:37:00.000-07:00

Last week was a very busy week for me. I had the great fortune to meet Susan Effenberger a talented artist who juggles a day job creating graphics for a local TV station and creating wonderful work that she sells on Etsy under the name Lemon Bird Studio. I also met with Cory Huff who has a great site for artists called the Abundant Artist.

What I got from these two meetings was the reminder that A) I am not alone in my quest, and B) there are a lot of resources for us if we just go looking. Susan reminded me that whatever angst I feel about trudging the artist's life, there is someone else out there who is or has felt the same way. Cory helped me get energized to keep digging, keep looking for answers, and above all else, not give up. Granted it is never easy, and nothing worth achieving is ever going to be easy (or everyone would do it as they say). But at least I have life that I can look back on and know that I really did try to make my life my own.

To top off my week of good findings, I got an email from Robert Kaufman fabrics saying that my wine fabric is selling well. That may be the highest compliment I have had the pleasure of receiving. So here I am on a rainy Monday, and rather then be disappointed that I have such a long way to go on my journey, I am excited to say that I am looking forward to tomorrow, whether it rains or not. I have plans to make, progress to show, and people to meet.

Getting back on the horse

2011-03-29T21:48:00.001-07:00

I have been busy. Which is a good thing as a freelancer. But...the downside is I haven't been promoting my licensing. That means no new deals.

I need to get back on the horse.

Today I finished a new piece and on Thursday I meet with a friend who is a genius marketing gal. I am hoping to rope her into the licensing scheme and see if together we can launch a new and improved 'design house'. I think that putting two people together may be more successful than one person (with a family) juggling freelance and licensing. Let's face it, it is hard enough being mom, then putting on the self-employed hat to scrounge up consistent work to pay bills, then work on promoting licensing art.

No more tomorrow. Today. I hereby promise to the universe that I will get my butt back in gear and keep pushing through on licensing my art. Even if I am busy with paying work....

success as an artist

2011-03-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

Since I was 9 years old I knew I wanted to be an artist. I knew, I just knew. I didn't know how I would be an artist, or what I would do but I knew that is what I wanted.

I am 45. I feel like I have spent my lifetime striving for this thing I call success. I don't feel successful. I don't. My husband is my reality meter and he tells me I am flat out crazy. I do pay my bills through my creative skills and talents. However to me, it isn't enough. I have fabric with my art on it for sale nationwide in a major retailer, but in my head that isn't enough. I wonder, 'Why don't I have more than one print for sale?'. And this is it, this is that insatiable need for more. My measurement for success is always one step beyond where I am. So the question is, do I keep raising the bar on myself? When I started my freelance business I just wanted to work from home if I could. That was 8 years ago. Then three years ago I wanted to start licensing my artwork. Now I have art on switchplates, socks and fabric. But that isn't enough, now I want my artwork on MORE products, I want to see it in more stores.

I am an artist. But am I successful? I suppose it is all in how you define it.

crisis and continue

2011-03-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

I don't really know where I am going with this post. I will start by saying I lost a dear friend last week, exactly a week from today. She was 47. She leaves her 13 yr old son and her husband behind. My heart has been heavy and my mind muddled for the last week. She was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on Dec. 29th and we knew she had a slim chance if any for a long term survival. She left us quickly after a short 7 weeks.

Her passing has me thinking about many things in my own life. Reflecting on what I have, what I want, where am I going, what is important. Yet those moments of clarity seem to exist only briefly. Mostly I just feel lost, not sure of my own value. Questioning my own abilities and worth. Kind of weird, but that is where I find myself these days.

Do I start drawing? Do I try to paint? It seems what always came easily and with determination and grit, is misplaced right now.

In the stores!

2011-02-14T14:26:00.000-08:00

Finally, after many months of anticipation my fabric that JoAnn's licensed was in stores. And yes, I bought 4 yards. I feel the project has come full circle, from sketch book to submission, to license, to production. Whew.

Nice to see that my efforts paid off.

why we don't stop

2011-01-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

Last week my 13 year old son had an school audition for the spring musical Annie. He signed up two weeks prior. The night before the audition he was looking for the song online. I asked him what he was doing. When he explained the audition was 'tomorrow' and needed to learn the song, I was livid. Now I am not the get mad, yelling type of mom. I usually keep my cool even under the most annoying and rebellious of situations. But this really ticked me off. I took the usual tack of how did he expect to get a part if he was just learning the song the night before. I decided to let that sit with him, and let him practice but warned him he was to audition for his dad and myself before dinner.

Dinner comes. Dinner goes. Time to audition for mom and dad. He begins to sing, makes it through the song. My husband begins to critique. His criticism wasn't harsh, but he was honest and pointed. My son gave some lame excuses, and pushed back on why he thought he was 'trying' and we didn't get it. Deep breath.

Ok, now, do you think that an artist mom who has spent 20 years struggling and paying dues is going to listen to even the tiniest bit of whining? No. No, my son didn't realize that sympathy was the last thing on my mind. Without boring you with the details it will suffice to say that he got the lecture of lectures on what 'trying' really means. I told him he would practice until he went to bed, he would audition tomorrow and he would do the best job he can. There is no half-way. Two hours later he sang for us again, and low and behold it sounded 'alright'. Not great, but decent. The next day he auditioned, and two days later he was given the role of President Roosevelt and will sing 'Tomorrow' with Annie.

The point to be taken from this is simple. In any endeavor you work towards, you owe it to yourself to give it your very best. As an artist who is constantly fighting to be seen, fighting to sell that piece of art, fighting to keep creating when any reasonable soul would question why, I realize that the reason we don't stop is because we most certainly have failed if we don't fight though it. I know when I go to sleep, I will have tried, really tried, and any successes I achieve I own completely.

Never give up, never stop trying.

motivation

2011-01-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

Ok I don't know about any of you, but finding the motivation to create new work in the middle of winter is really hard sometimes. Here in the Pacific NW, it is grey, grey and more grey. Which for me can be very tiring when I want to think about color, and spring, and life that is not, grey.

How to get motivated. I would love suggestions, but for now this is my tactic. First I try to do a little digging online for some fun artists that are inspiring. Often it just takes a few searches to see something beautiful that jump starts my brain. Second, I go for a walk or run. Something to get the blood moving. Yes even when it is pouring rain a walk can really help. Third, the library. I love the library. If I start poking around the books on gardening, art, home decor it can really get me thinking about new imagery. Fourth, the book store or a cool shop full of fun stuff. Seeing what is out there can give me the spark I need to go down my own path. And finally, I peruse old sketchbooks to find doodles that need a chance to come to life.

Currently I am in the 'idea' phase and just need a hot cup of tea and a sharp pencil to get going. Of course one brisk walk wouldn't hurt to help me move this along. Perhaps that break in the rain is trying to tell me something.

live your truth

2011-01-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

So I spend a lot of time laboring over my art and myself as an artist. Recently I completed a piece that may never get purchased, or licensed by anyone. But I had to finish it. Why? Let me tell you.

When I went to college it seemed the main difference between the 'illustrators/designers' and the 'fine artists', was that the fine artists painted or drew for themselves. If someone liked it, great. The commercial artists (as we were called back in the day), created art for MONEY. And we were looked down upon, go figure. Now, as a grown-up I personally think many fine artists are just as commercial as I am. However there are those rogue artists who whine and paint in their somber moods and never care if anyone likes their work. Oh, and the happy go lucky artists who do their art for pure pleasure.

Ok, that was the groundwork. Why did I finish that piece that will likely NOT net me any money when I am a professed illustrator and commercial artist? Because I still have a bit of that fine artist in me who sometimes just needs to get the art out. Even when I know it is just for me and the sake of doing it.

Want to see it? Ok, here is my fun pattern 'Ode to the humble cut of meat diagram'. Personally I think this pattern is awesome I would so totally LOVE an apron made from it.

how halloween is like art licensing

2010-11-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Every year I work really hard to make fun costumes for my kids. Some years I start in August because the ideas are so grandiose that it requires months to execute. This year was an easier year for me but none the less it reminds me a lot of the process of art licensing.

When I embark on my costume making, the first thing I do is come up with a concept. Which is what I do for licensing. What art will I make? Of course my kids are involved in what they want to be, but essentially we spend time deciding what will be the most fun. As an artist to license art I think more about what has a broad appeal, and what is a fun concept that I feel I can do a good job exploring visually.

Second step is devising a plan. For costume making I create detailed sketches and take measurements of my kids to ensure I create something that is wearable. As an artist creating artwork for licensing, I sketch my ideas and start to create a library of icons and images that will be good to play with in a multiple of compositions. I consider color palettes and whether the art is seasonal or everyday. But essentially both share the careful consideration of usefulness. Be it to wear to show.

Third execution. Costume making is easy, figure out the pieces and start creating. Art licensing is similar. Take all those sketches and pieces and begin creating.

The final step is bask in the awesomeness of the finished piece. Ok, maybe not, but once the work is complete both will be set out to the world. While the costume will go door to door and will receive a reward at each knock, art for licensing will require knocking on many doors, but only select ones open to reward.

Often I send out my samples, I call back and get no response. I am not alone. Many of us artists create, submit, follow-up and wait. But can you think of anything else you would rather do? I cannot. And honestly when the right door opens and gives me that king sized candy bar, there is no better feeling in the world.

how to make time to make art

2010-10-19T21:36:00.001-07:00

Recently I attended an author friend's book signing. It was a great event, listening to her talk about what it took to get published, to see her story in print, the excitement of promoting her book. An audience member asked her the question, "How do you make time to write". My friend replied that in order to make time to write, you have to be crappy at something. At first that made no sense, then she elaborated.

You see, in order to find time to be creative, you have to stop doing something else. For example, stop cleaning the bathroom, be a crappy co-worker if you have a job, or not pay attention to your pets. Something has to give. So you choose, what are you going to be crappy at today? For me it is cleaning the house. Let the dog hair pile up, let the toilet go unscrubbed, at least I got a drawing done.

I have wrestled with this for years. How to be super mom, how to be super wife, lover and friend. Now I just acknowledge that the stuff around the edges can wait. I don't really care about the dust on my bookshelves right now. I have come to terms with the challenge of what to spend time on. For now it is art. Later when I need a break from creative pursuits, I will sweat an hour or two away and have the cleanest house around.

For now, I am a great artist, and crappy house keeper.

keeping up

2010-10-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

The submissions have been emailed and mailed. The mock-ups are done. Now, keeping up with all the other details. What now?

First things first. Update my site. I know that it is easy to build your website then forget about it. But alas, the beauty of the web is that it is malleable. Websites should be current, and fresh. And although I know this, I often put web updates low on my priority list. But taking the time to go in, put up a few new pictures and post news is a great thing.

Second, taking the time to go visit other blogs pertinent to your industry and write comments. It may not seem like much but it really is a good thing, keeps you current, and lets Google know you are an active participant in your industry. So it may seem like it is nonsense, but spending an hour a week researching, and making comments really does help your business.

Lastly, follow-up emails. All those submissions I sent last week, well it is time to send a little note and make sure they were received. Remind people of my name and generally just be present, perhaps my name will shuffle up through the clutter of other submissions.

These three things aren't all that painful, really. But they often go undone. I have two of three completed, now to send those follow-up emails!

next steps

2010-10-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

I am still riding the high of getting my sample prints but I realize this is just one of many steps required to actually make it as a licensed artist.

Now what?

In the week since I received my sample fabric I have been pouring over websites of manufacturers looking for other places the pattern might sell. Then, I painstakingly applied the design to many products, for example; napkins, trivets, tea towels, and gift bags. Once the art was all in place I created a nicely branded pdf and began the submission process all over again. Now if I didn't enjoy my family, I would've done this months ago, but I actually like having a life, so find myself just now taking this next step. Two packages in the mail, and three email submissions later, I realize I need to make more work, and find more places to submit.

It really is a cycle. A cycle of creating art, mocking it up, researching markets, submitting and promoting. I pretty much suck at the promoting part, so my next big commitment is to make this a higher priority.

final product

2010-09-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Wow. I started on licensing my art nearly two years ago. I started because I had a lot of time on my hands with the economic downturn. Of course it doesn't require time alone. I happen to be an artist with a ton of art, and a few concrete skills in the real world of design. Put that together and here I am, learning a new industry as fast as I can.

The bad news is, it isn't easy. And just because I have art and the know how to make it into a mock-up to send to a manufacturer doesn't mean instant success. As I have learned at the school of hard knocks, success in life takes a good dose of luck and timing too. Much to my chagrin. Seems some folks have more of that combination than others. I tend to fall towards the mid to low end of the spectrum.

The good news is that persistence pays. I have submitted no less than 30 designs to one company in particular. They in turn show them to their clients and finally, someone bit. Being new to the process, I didn't realize wholly that it would take nearly 5 months for the check to arrive with my sample product. The gears grind slowly in this industry. Much slower than the world of graphic design where everything seems to be due tomorrow and printed or posted within the week.

So here I am, contemplating how to celebrate my first real world success story. Granted it is one product. But it is too glorious yards of the most beautiful fabric I have ever seen. Why, because it is my fabric, my art, my name in the selvage. And that very fabric is going to be seen in stores this month.

Yippee.

summers over, time to get back to work

2010-09-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

I am a lucky woman. I get to work from home. I enjoy summers with my kids, both the fun and the annoying. With Labor Day past, school days in session, I can get back to work.

First, I am relishing in the quiet. Second I cleaned my office. Third I am back to sketches, renderings and final art. Lastly, I get to start submitting art for review. Nevermind the rain, the chill of fall air.

success video

2010-07-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

So Tara Reed the awesome Art Licensing diva recorded a video of me telling my recent success story. Of course I am hoping this is one of many upcoming successes, but for now I will revel in my one really great 'Yes'.

Here is a link to Tara's blog, and the video if you want to take a peek.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thbkfYCHfb8

cycles

2010-06-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well now that the good news of my first big licensing deal has sunk in, I am working hard to leverage it into more work. I am repurposing the piece that sold into other product categories in the hopes that I can secure more licensing deals.

This process showed me that there is a real cycle to how I work:

1. Ideas

2. Ideas evolve into sketches that fill my sketch book

3. Sketches turn into finished pieces as I paint them digitally

4. Final art is put into branded pdf that will be submitted

5. Research markets to submit new art, existing art

6. Submit

7. Wait, fingers crossed

8. Follow-up to see if anything is worth pursuing

9. If yes, do more work to try and secure license

10. If no, either loop back to items 1 and 2, or jump to item 5.

I can't say that I started out with this cycle or whether it just happened as a natural progression. The real positive to me is that identifying the process will help me going forward to create better systems for tracking the work, and where I am with it. I realize that as I have more successes the process will need to be more organized so that I can evaluate what pieces are working, and where they have been, and where they have yet to go.

Sold!

2010-05-13T16:50:00.001-07:00

Woo Hoo! Well it happened. I sold my very first royalty based textile print. Yea! Technically I started working on creating a portfolio for licensed art barely a year ago. I have worked tirelessly at night, on weekends and when the paying work didn't pay. Today after many submissions I got my official Yes.

A huge thank you to Robert Kaufman Co. for giving me a break. In 6 to 9 months my wine glasses print will be in Joann's stores. Aww I see a picture perfect moment of me with my fabric in the store.

Forgive my ramble but I am a happy girl today. Champagne is due.

sketches and sickness

2010-04-20T11:59:00.001-07:00

Ok so I had high hopes to post new sketches and more about process. But alas sickness struck. First the flu last week, and that has now morphed into pneumonia. Oh goodie! Instead of posting sketches I want to talk about something that occurred to me during my sofa hiatus.

I have been doing illustration and design for clients for years. Not the licensing art, but for hire, draw this image for me type of work. With the slow down of the economy this work has slacked which opened the door for me to create work for licensing. I have enjoyed the large body of work created and the small fruits it has bore already. However, I find I am at a crossroads.

Since the other work slowed down, and the licensing is just picking up, I find both are at the same spot as far as need. I either have to dump time and energy back into promoting the 'Bread and Butter' work of the past, OR dump time and energy into the licensing work of the future. Both require promotion and follow-up. All my old word of mouth, steam ship promotions of past for the regular work has slowed down since everyone cut back their budgets. Now that I see a glimmer on the horizon of work picking up, I either have to start putting myself back in front of those people, or I lose them. By the same token, my fledgling licensing work needs the same love.

What to do? Can I do both? Can I promote both or do I need to choose. Licensing or Bread and Butter? I enjoy licensing, but I enjoy the immediacy of a payday from Bread and Butter clients. With my amazing luck of having pneumonia, I see that I can ponder this from my sofa for a few days.

start to finish

2010-04-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

So I am not the world's best blogger. Not even close. I decided to do something that sounded more fun. Starting right now I am going to post sketches of a new collection I am working on, and at various intervals show how it develops. Figured it might be more interesting then me blathering on.

Here we go, I want to do a fun series of animals. I started sketching and decided I wanted them to be sort of toy like. With more angular shapes, imagine little plastic animals you might put on a cake. That is my concept.

This is one of my first sketches. I will keep posting as I make them, but for now my first page. I don't like the lion, but I really like the giraffe. Not loving lion head. I also have some possible textures I started too.

do work

2010-03-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

It isn't enough to want to make it. I know countless people who had great desires to 'be' something. The problem is in order to 'Be', you have to 'Do'. Some would disagree with me. I would argue that if you want to just be, than yes, you can sit under a tree waiting for divination, however if you have ambitions then you have to get off your butt and do.

There are days where I don't want to draw. I don't have an idea to work on. Often when that happens I try and force the issue, even if it is just a ten minute interlude of something creative. Sometimes good art starts from that nugget of time. Many times I just slog through it then relinquish to the lack of focus. I truly believe that forcing even that ten minutes pays long term dividends. It makes me stay on track. It keeps me from putting off goals for tomorrow. Just that simple act of forcing myself to work for ten minutes on a day I don't feel like it, helps me to see that I am chipping away at a bigger objective.

Have you ever either A) wanted to get into an exercise regimen, or B) wanted to get back into shape? Did you think that the hardest part was starting? If so, than what I am suggesting buys into the logic that if you keep moving, even just a little bit, it is easier to stay moving. Call it one of the laws of motion. Call it determination. Whatever you call it, this simple act will be one of the most important skills to help you make your dreams come true.

olympics and art

2010-03-01T12:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you got caught up in Olympic fever but although I am not a big pro sports watcher, I do get sucked into the Olympics. After 16 days of winter sports extravaganza my evenings are now free again to work on art that I don't get done during the day. However I can't help myself and have to do one blog posting about how I found the Olympians similar to artists.

After watching the athletes compete it occurred to me that we share some similarities. First off, these people train and pour themselves into their sport. Most of them do NOT get paid to be a world class curler, or a world class biathalete. No they hold a day job, and then they spend hours after work, weekends, before work committed to their love. Many will spend countless hours devoted to improving their game for the hope to compete, not even making the team.

This reminds me of being a professional artist. How many of us toil away at night on art that doesn't have a buyer? How often have you poured your soul into something, submitted it, and gotten rejected? But what do we do? We keep going. We are not unlike the Olympians who give it their all, then crash and burn on some extreme slope. We get back up, battered and bruised, and make more art. Granted we don't risk life and limb, but we put our families in jeopardy by NOT holding that stable job so that we can take a risk, to be great at what we love. Some of us will be gold medalists, we will get a big payout. But most of us don't make it to the medal stand. We work just as hard but be it bad luck, bad timing, or not having that extra something, we end up world class, but unknown to most.

Here's to ALL the Olympians, gold medals or not. And here's to YOU artists, who keep drawing, keep painting, keep submitting.

finding work

2010-02-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite parts of the creative process is the research. I love the time spent at the library looking for books that fuel my inspiration. I can spend hours upon hours pouring over the stacks. Then I come home and look through the pages, carefully identifying the pages I like with sticky notes.

One of my least favorite parts of the creative process is researching manufacturers. I hate spending time cruising websites and Google searches for manufacturers of various products. Then the sorting, and the reading, and bookmarking contact pages. Carefully identifying the sites that have potential.

Funny how both are research, yet I hate one, and love the other. So how do I find what I am looking for without hating it? I don't know! I like window shopping, but really being a parent of two young boys, I find it difficult to sneak off and window shop when I want to be making art. I am ever so grateful for the internet because it does allow me freedom to research from the comfort of my own sofa while my youngest is curled up watching Shrek.

Here are a few things I am trying in an effort to make the most of my online research. One, I keep a folder called 'licensing' that I bookmark all the sites that seem like good fits. Second I create a spreadsheet and input manufactures and contact info. Third, I send query emails or pick up the phone and call manufacturers to find out who to send work to (or if they accept outside submissions). Not that this makes this part of my job more enjoyable, but it does help to make it productive. The last part is to create and send appropriate work to leads.

If you are like me, drudgingly researching markets, what do you do to be productive and get the most out of researching potential clients?

being your life

2010-02-15T12:47:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine forwarded me J.K.Rowling's Harvard commencement speech. The title "The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination" speaks to me as an artist, as a person who like many other creatives, has had to choose a road that doesn't guarantee a golden parachute but instead one that has an uncertain ending.

I won't attempt to paraphrase her message. Please take time to listen to her yourself. But what I will do is tell you that she makes me proud of my choices. If you are like me and have chosen the creative, non-corporate, unstable, make your own way road, you too may feel proud of your choice. We have taken a risk. Many of us have taken more than one risk with our careers. We forego the 9-5 for our dreams. If you are like me, you have failed along the way. I have tried many different avenues of illustration. Trying on each one like a 17 year old girl searching for that perfect prom dress. And some felt better than others. Some were ill-fitted, ugly dresses that made me look dowdy. Others seemed pretty good, but then over time I found them constricting and not playing to my best attributes. So I decided to go the prom in a dress I made myself.

What I connect to most, is that she says if she had been successful at something else, she wouldn't have finished her book. I know that I have had many artistic diversions in my life, Art director, Designer, Advertising Illustrator, Technical Illustrator. Being good at all of them enough to stay employed and bring home a steady paycheck. But, in my heart that is NOT what I want. Her message reaffirms to not give up on what you love. Remembering, failure can allow the the runway to start something new.

With that, I embrace my past, my present, and my future.

balance

2010-02-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

I have been a professional artist for around 20 years. It sounds romantic doesn't it? But I think every month I have a near mental crisis over what it means to be an artist.

I have two young boys who I adore, I am madly in love with my husband, (who is incredibly supportive of my artistic desires). However, this life with a family as at odds sometimes with my art. You see most of the artists who achieve the success I long for, sacrifice relationships, and much more to achieve that success.

Some days I don't know how to get started. I want to work on so many projects, many are speculative and don't pay. Or at least haven't born fruit yet. Then there is the marketing and the business stuff I NEED to do, but don't. There is the bread and butter work that pays the bills, but isn't always the creative work I want. As a mom I have obligations too. I am the Art Literacy coordinator at my son's school. I value that job. I have grocery shopping to do. Phone calls to make. Some days it is a struggle to prioritize. I work late at night a lot. The kids are sleeping. My husband is reading or watching sports. I get conflicted because I want to spend time with my husband at night too. Yet often I draw, draw and draw.

As much as I love my art and my goals as an artist, art breaks my heart all the time. Disappointment from the letters of acceptance that haven't arrived yet, to the art that is well loved but still hasn't sold. Being an artist is both liberating and soul wrenching. I know I can never do anything else, because being an artist isn't really a choice. Being an artist is WHO I am. I love working from home, researching what I want to create then spending hours creating. The business aspect is not fun. Balancing my artistic life with the people I love is the biggest challenge. Yet having both my art and my family is the biggest reward.

royalties

2010-02-02T11:38:00.001-08:00

Last year when the economy really took a nose dive (for me it was last January), I decided to start working on new art for licensing. I had been to Surtex twice before as an observer and knew a bit about licensing. Not much mind you, there is so much to learn. But I knew in essence what it was and the basics of what I needed to do. So I started working, sketching, writing down matrices of what I wanted to draw, categories and ideas. My sketchbook started to fill up with new work until finally I found it was time to actualize the work into finished pieces.

February was the month I spent painting and creating patterns, and repeats. I took all the time I would have spent on design work for customers (who vanished with their budgets) and took all the sketches to final art. I can't tell you how many hours I spent, but it was all of February, day and yes into the night.

March came and I decided enough images were done to put together promos and start submitting to manufacturers. I researched and compiled and started sending. Nothing happened. So I kept drawing, and painting, researching and occasionally sending. I responded to a small Craig's List ad and end up creating 4 patterns for Sock It To Me Socks.

Fast forward to July. I got an email from one of the manufacturers. They liked what I sent and wanted to look at more. I sent more. They presented all my work and said they loved it, got great responses, sent me a contract. I wondered if this was it, the big break. But no, learned that you still sit and wait for orders. Not a bad thing, just a thing requiring patience.

August, draw, paint, mock-up, send. That was September through December too. I did submit a few things during that time, including some art to Sassy Switches. Yippee they liked what they saw and I signed a contract. Now, sit and wait.

Fast forward again to February. Surprise surprise at the mailbox, I got my first royalty check! Sassy Switches just sent me my first $41.65 in royalties. To you it may not be much, but to me it is an exciting and rewarding moment in time. The beginning of something new, of a new path, another angle, another means to earn a living as an artist.

It has been a little over a year since I lost my old clients and I am still making new art and submitting. Getting good feedback, interested parties, and in general positive movement forward. Each day I find there is a lot more to learn, I have so much art yet to finish, to mock-up and submit. But it is a good day. I am a lucky girl.

cleaning out the clutter

2010-01-27T13:43:00.000-08:00

I love all my treasures, the bits and pieces from trips to the collection of kid art that adorns the fridge. However sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by all the clutter from what is on my desk to what is clogging my email in box or jamming up my living room. This visual clutter is just too much to take and starts to diminish my creative ability. Yes, I do NOT create well with clutter.

Being that today is one of the few sunny days we have had in Portland over the last few months, I am very aware that winter has started to pile up. From boots by the front door, to blankets piled on sofas, to the stacks of paper on my desk. Compound this with my new computer configuration, which is a workaround- laptop attached to cinema display. Yes I can see that my creativity will take a steep jump up once I put some crap away.

My good friend Kriss who is a textile pattern maker used to say the clean-up was required to 'clear the birth canal'. Which to a chick is a good analogy. And I must say as a visual person I don't really want to visualize that statement but...I do think there is a truth to it. I can't create when I am all stuffed up with stuff.

With that said, I am going to eject the two dogs and the cat from my office, open a window for some fresh air, and start purging!

training a dog is a lot like making a career in art

2010-01-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

Really? Do you question my post title? Well let me tell you, as both an artist and an owner of a young dog, they really are quite similar. How you ask? Let me tell you...

1) Patience ; yes it takes patience to train a dog, lots and lots of patience. And it takes patience to have a career in art. With a dog the patience required is due to the repetition, the amount of time it takes your dog to 'get it' when you try and teach him/her a trick or preferred behavior. As an artist it takes a mountain of patience to keep working, keep submitting, and finally to get accepted.

2) Repetition ; oh yes Virginia it takes repetition. For the dog it is simple, teaching them the task/trick/behavior over and over until they get it. This dovetails nicely into the previous 'patience'. As for artists, repetition in creating a style, in sticking with a genre, a system for follow through with contacts. Repetition in not giving up at the first rejection letter (yes I said rejection).

3) Reward ; this is obvious for dogs, if they do what you want they get a reward. Now as artists we don't have any control over getting a reward. I suppose you could say the reward is a contract signed. But that sort of doesn't reward us for achieving a goal that is behind the scenes but equally important to making art. So, my suggestion is, reward YOURSELF when you accomplish something. It can be a cup of coffee, a new piece of jewelry, an afternoon off. But you have to reward yourself.

Now, can you argue with that? Of course not, because you know I am right. With that said, I am going to take my 6 month old golden retriever puppy for a long walk. Get him all tired out so I can draw without guilt!

just make art

2009-12-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here comes a new year. I don't make resolutions. I refuse to make a resolution. I don't mind setting goals. Goals are good, they give me something to shoot for. So what are my goals for next year. Make art, send art.

Simple enough premise eh? Just make art. Keep drawing keep making, keep doing. I believe in order to succeed in any creative pursuit you must just keep making art. If you are a dancer, keep dancing, a poet, keep writing poems, if you are a performer, keep performing.

Often we get frustrated because we haven't gotten the big break. We haven't been found. But we can't get found if we don't keep it fresh and just keep making art. Hone your skill, stay current and keep making your art.

calling all muses

2009-12-01T09:08:00.000-08:00

I watch reality TV. There I said it. Ok, not all reality TV, but I have a few shows I like. One in particular is Project Runway. You have to give me some credit, it is artsy and ultimately creativity is the goal of the show and the reward goes to the most creative.

While watching the last season the contestants had to make a special clothing item based on their muse. Their muse being their model that they chose to wear the clothes they designed. Since that episode I have heard muse come up in various creative conversations. This got me to thinking about my muse.

I don't think I have one. Sadly. I have moments of inspiration that are launched from random beginnings. From the Crate and Barrel catalog with all its wine glasses that inspired me to draw whimsical and dainty wine glasses (seen to the left), to the 1970's enameled bowl I put my popcorn in with the funky line drawn mushrooms, to the estate sale I attended and saw a pile of old lace. I suppose my muse is life, being open to inspiration when it appears. Sometimes I am looking for it, sometimes it is looking for me.

Who or what is your muse?

Goal setting

2009-11-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Everyone is busy. I don't know a soul who is bored and has nothing to do. Except for my kids, and that is a whole other story.

When it comes to managing ones time and creating a place for oneself in an industry you can spend 24 hours a day working. Finding time to; social market, direct market, research, and follow-up let alone create art can eat up your day. After seven years as a freelance illustrator I find that I would accomplish nothing if I did not make lists of attainable goals. Let me say that again and I emphasize 'Attainable Goals'.

It is easy to make a to-do list, a daily, a weekly, monthly, yearly or more. But each list needs to be attainable. I have had goals that were so lofty that that item leapt from list to list without ever getting accomplished. What I have found is A) either take that goal off the table until you have either the time or skills to really accomplish it, or B) break it into smaller bits that you can actually do something with.

Currently I have a daily list of basic stuff that needs to get done. Then I have a more grandiose list of goals I am working towards. It has taken me years to realize that I cannot do everything I want, when I want. I know, seems pretty obvious doesn't it? However, if you have found yourself frustrated that you aren't doing all that you want career wise, I recommend a long meeting with yourself. Sit down and write everything down, then group, break apart and regroup until you have a concrete list of what you can reasonably achieve. Just the act of this may free you up to really conquer that never ending list of stuff to do.

Transition to Art Licensing

2009-10-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last 20 years doing illustration. As many of you know, the way of an illustrator is wrought with rejection letters (or 'not now' letters), door knocking, mailers, ads in big books of art, portfolio sites and an agent or two. That has been my life as an illustrator, but that was the path of an editorial or advertising illustrator. Not the path of Art Licensing. As I am in the thick of a new direction artistically, I find myself learning all over again, learning what works, what doesn't, and what is expected.

The largest difference I have found with Art Licensing is that as an artist I have more in common with writers than I do editorial or advertising illustrators. When you make the transition to licensing you will find that you spend a LOT of time making art. Making and mocking up. Making and mocking up. And NOT getting paid for this time. This is a foreign concept to me. As a freelance illustrator all these years, I have gotten jobs, and created the work for the client. We go through sketch stage, revisions, final artwork, and voila, done. But with Art Licensing, get ready to work tirelessly, and then spend hours, days researching and sending your babies out into the world and hope one of them lands in the right hands, at the right time.

Do not get me wrong this isn't a bad thing, just different. I find that even as I migrate over to licensing, I am reorganizing the way I do art, and becoming more methodical in the art I make. I now spend time trend watching, identifying markets for my work, researching the visuals that I will put my spin onto, and then creating art. Once the art is created I have to put it on a product that I think the art is a good fit. I have spreadsheets of manufacturers, contact names, and I record what they make, and if I send anything I detail responses, what my follow-up is.

Now, my art is 'the product'. I manage the art similar to a small business person manages their creation. I have to find people to sell it to, just like any other manufacturer. So in many ways, my client and I share a lot in common. Art Licensing is very much so both 'business' and 'art'.

color stuff

2009-09-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ok it has been a long summer. Full of camping, road trips and inspiration. Now school is back in session, my youngest is finally in full-time school and I can get back to work.

Getting back into the groove included an informative session this morning at the Oregon Convention Center for a presentation on the Spring/Summer color forecasts for 2011 by PeclersParis. It was fun to see the textures, colors and vision proposed for fashion. For any of you other artists out there looking for color forecasts, I thought their site was a bit challenging, but if you have the opportunity to see their presentation it is worth the 20 bucks.

Another item I am in love with is the new Pantone color app. I should rephrase, I am in love with the concept. Just saw the info in my inbox yesterday so will download it today and take it for a test drive. Anyone already have this app and have an opinion? What looks so awesome about it is that you get the matching system for coated, uncoated and matte, a well as the fashion and home for paper and cotton libraries. It allows you to capture colors from your photos and snap to closest Pantone color. Yes the list goes on and on.

Color seems to be an ongoing challenge. How to see what is hot, what will be hot and then apply it to your own work. Another resource I have used is Mpdclick. Great spot to check out high end cool, and get inspired by some wonderfully fun palettes.

I would love to hear what sources you use for color forecasting (besides general home goods shopping). It can be expensive to buy the forecast books, so tell me if it is worth the cost. Or if you can do just as well without them.

thanks mom

2009-05-11T11:15:00.000-07:00

We all have people who have helped us along the way. Helped us develop as an artist and a person. I want to take a quick moment to thank my mom for being my biggest fan.

My mom always encouraged me in every endeavor. Choosing to be an artist is NOT something that every parent embraces. Many parents would caution against pursuing that career. But not my Mom. No, she did everything in her power to give me what I needed to be an artist. She bought all the supplies, she went to every art show, she loved every piece of art. And when I said I was going to a small art college, she said 'Great!'. She never said 'Oh that is going to be really hard', 'Are you sure you want to do that?', or 'You will never make any money'. Instead she always said 'You can do anything you set your mind to'. I heard that so much that I believed her, and still do. And although I have not accomplished what I want to accomplish, I feel confident that I will. That confidence comes from her unwavering support, love, and encouragement.

As a parent I try to channel my Mom. I try to say the words that she said to me, knowing that her words have allowed me to embark on a career path that most would have discounted long before college came into view. When my sons express an interest in anything I tell them they can do it, I tell them I believe in them, and yes, that they can do anything they set their minds to. Hopefully, they will have heard those words enough growing up, that they too will believe them, and accomplish great things.

Thank you Mom, for your devotion, encouragement, and absolute love.

staying positive

2009-05-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Boy do not listen to the news. I wish I could ignore it. But alas I read and stay current. Which makes me think 'How can I stay positive?'. One thing is, I am so grateful the economy sucks as the weather improves. It would suck just that much more if we were heading into winter. Now we will most likely be heading into winter in 6 months with the economy still tanking, but for now, the flowers are bursting forth, the peas I planted are climbing, and the sun comes out ever three or four days.

One upside is that I am creating loads of new art. Heck people may not be buying right now, but I will have a trove of art to show once the buyers start buying. And yes, I am optimistic that someday the buyers will buy. It is the making of new art that keeps me positive. Often I am too busy to work on the new ideas, I am too busy keeping projects moving and doing the bread and butter. But right now the sketchbooks are stacked around my screen and the scans are being colored feverishly.

Another upside is my yard looks GREAT! No weeds, and the flowers are happy, and I planted a cherry tree, a new berry bush and am planning more raised beds. So if all else we can feed ourselves.

Thank God for spring, sunshine and dreams of future opportunity. I can't afford to feel down when so much is down around me.

how gardening is a lot like building an art career

2009-04-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

I am a novice gardener. I have spent the last 10 years and two houses developing a garden, or garden style. Both my first house and my second house had little to no landscaping and decent sized city lots. As I was working in my garden over the weekend, it occurred to me that creating a garden is a lot like building an art career.

For example, both take planning, based on what you have to work with. If you have a flat lot with lots of sun you will plant differently than a sloped lot all in shade. As an artist, if you have loads of talent with drawing characters and people you would focus your attention differently than if you are fantastic at landscapes.

Over the past 10 years in my garden I have nurtured plants, moved them, pruned, divided, and flat out removed ones that were not fruitful or didn't belong. My art career has been very much the same process. I have experimented with styles and with disciplines, seeing which would bear fruit. Some styles were pruned, portfolios were divided, and paths were abandoned.

I have planted many many seeds both in my garden and my career. Some never germinated while others flourished until I tired of them or they evolved into something else. All the plants in my garden require some attention. Either to help nudge them along, or to ensure that they have the nutrients they need to succeed. Career wise it tends to be the same. If I am not creating the art, I am promoting, marketing or working on how to bring about big bountiful blooms.

As I look out at the clouds and the rain today, I know the weather is making my plants happy. Inside as I chip away at new works of art, fine tuning, adding, deleting and planning who to send them to, I can't help but long for the sunshine. Both for my garden, and my own state of mind.

deflation and what that means to me

2009-04-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

I was reading the newspaper yesterday and read a small article on deflation in Spain. I knew what inflation was but quite honestly didn't know about deflation. For any of you who don't know, it is when prices drop rather than rise like inflation. Doesn't sound bad at first, paying less sounds good right about now. However, it is bad, it is downright terrible. The obvious downside is that if prices drop, businesses make less, pay less, hence workers make less, buy less and everything starts to circle the drain. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have been seeing deflation creeping in over the last 6 months, I just didn't know what it was called.

For me deflation is the project I lost because someone underbid me. It is the customer who asked for a discount, who negotiated a slightly lower rate due to the recession. Yes it is the projects I get calls for that pay less than they did last year for the same amount of work. Obviously deflation is bad news. And deflation is here in all of its glory. For how long no one knows. The part that really concerns me is how do we get our fees back when things start to turn around?

rudy

2009-04-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

If you have ever heard of the movie Rudy you know that it is a football movie. But if you have seen it, you know it is NOT about football. For the record I LOVE the movie Rudy. I have seen it enough times that I don't even need to see the whole thing, I really just need the last 4 minutes or so.

As I said it isn't about football. It is based on the true story of Daniel Ruettiger, and is about determination. In a nutshell, Rudy wants to play for Notre Dame, and all the odds are against him. Through hard work he manages to play on the practice team for Notre Dame and gets beat up for years, never making the real team. Finally in the last 10 minutes of the movie, he gets to dress for the last game of his senior year (see here). And through the respect of his team, against the wishes of the coach, he ends up playing two plays in the last few minutes of the game. He manages to sack the quarter back and is carried off the field.

Of course Rudy is an inspiring film. It is supposed to make you cry, make you feel good that his hard work paid off. You're supposed to get teary eyed (I do). And every time I watch it, I find it relatable. No I never wanted to play for Notre Dame, but really making a living as a professional artist, that is not what your average high school counselor advises you to do. It is a dog eat dog profession where talent is as important as timing and good luck. But beyond talent and timing, is sheer will. Because any artist can tell you, there are countless occasions to give up. Between the first 'Thanks but no thanks' letter, to the next 'Thanks but no thanks" letter. It takes an immense amount of dedication and desire to get up, dust off and keep moving forward.

I think every artist needs to have the last 4 minutes of Rudy saved on their desktop. God knows we need to remember, never, never,never give up.

sunny days and staying on task

2009-04-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

I love working from home. I love being an artist for a living. But man when the sun comes out it is so hard to stay motivated. This is how I manage it.

Rule number 1) Get up and get to work when the weather is crummy. Just hunker down and work like crazy. This means you can take a slow start or an early departure when the days are nice.

Rule number 2) Give yourself deadlines even if you are working on pieces that have not been bought, yet. This helps you to accomplish things to again justify the sunny day enjoyment.

Rule number 3) Do allow yourself to sneak out for a peek of what is to come. This lets you get a taste of the sunny glow to keep you motivated to finish whatever it is.

Really three rules. And I think these rules only apply to people who live above 43º latitude. Ok, maybe only to those of us who live in the ever so rainy Pacific NW. For the record it is really lovely out right now, and the rains are coming back tomorrow so I have to finish the post and go soak up a little Vitamin D.

artful communication

2009-03-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

I was just looking at my son's recent essay and saw he had gotten red marks for several small grammatical errors. My husband and I explained to him that it may not seem like much, but he needs to slow down and reread his essays better to avoid typos. I also explained that I reread every email twice prior to sending. This led me to thinking about my post a few weeks ago on neatness and presenting your art.

Personally I think it is very important to send typo free emails. But what is more important is how to communicate well about art. Here are a few tips that will help you create a blissful, telecommuting relationship with clients.

#1) When sending my first rough sketch I always include a detailed email describing the item I am delivering, my objective, how it achieves the goals of the project and any questions that have come up.

#2) When writing about a visual element, it's crucial to be simple and clear. For example, it is not clear to say 'the shape on the left'. It would be clear to say, 'the large blue square shape in the upper left corner'. It may not seem like much of a difference but, if you aren't in the room looking at the art with the viewer, trust me they can get confused and may not be looking at what you think they will be looking at.

#3) Before I do revisions to a file I send an email and clarify what I understand the changes to be, and exactly what I am going to do, and when. This simple email, written with precision can save me time later.

My point is, when you communicate to your client over email, take a moment to digest the goal of the conversation, then carefully detail 'What', 'How', and 'When'. Really easy stuff. Not only will it save you time, it will make you money because your client has clear expectations, and you can churn through the work and get onto the next project.

socks

2009-03-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

I recently started working on some fun new surface design for a sock maker, Sock It To Me. They are a Portland, Oregon sock manufacturer and make some really fun stuff. As I started designing I found it was so much easier, and yet more difficult. The easy part is that the artwork needs to be simple shapes and vector. The manufacturing process, knitting, colors = knots and obviously more colors is more money and more work. I also learned more colors means a tighter sock since you have more knots when more colors are used. Less really is more!

Now for difficult. It is funny to me, how often what is the easy part, can also be the hard part. Creating simple work turns out to be challenging since you must reduce ones concept to simple, digestible bits, that are tiny. Sort of like designing 'favicons', little bits that are easy to read. I find that I design with loads of color and often with odd angles. But this project required flat, straight on views, or profiles of items at the most obvious angle.

Example to the right >>

The designs will be in Sock It To Me's next sock release so visit the site and buy some groovy socks!

mom was right

2009-03-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yes it is true. Mom was right. I don't know about you, but my mom was a stickler for nagging us kids about working neat. She had to nag us because we didn't really listen and were sloppy, in a hurry and thought the mess would clean itself. I remember being a late night baker and she would get so mad at me for not cleaning up my mess as I worked, and for leaving a pile of slop in the sink with the slop covered bowls and utensils used to bake my treats.

Now working neat seems obvious to me now as a grown up. I nag my own kids about being neat in the kitchen and cleaning up their slop as they make things. Of course they don't listen well, hence why I nag.

This same principal of working neat in the kitchen is every bit as important, more so even, to working neat on art/files you wish to sell, or are contracted to make. I wouldn't have thought of making a blog post about this if I hadn't recently been reviewing some student work. The work was clever and fun, loved the concept and the style. But if I had been presented it as an Art Director I would have looked at the artist in shock. Granted it was a student, (albeit college) but the art had been shoddily put together with markers to cover up mistakes, and edges ripped. The work was finished work, it wasn't a study. What this made me realize is sometimes artist's don't realize that neatness, and presentation really counts. I am not saying you can't have a messy studio, paint and chalk dust everywhere. But if you want to give a finished piece to an Art Director, it better be labeled, clean, and ready for reproduction. The art should look like a professional made it. Otherwise, who will perceive you as a professional and want to pay you a professional wage?

Working neat doesn't stop for painting, drawing and the like. As a designer I hate picking up someone else's files to work on and not have layers labeled clearly. I can tell you a Photoshop file with 100 layers, just floating around, none labeled, none in groups, is a big, stinky pile of rancid poor workmanship. So, while you are thinking about clean papers in your portfolio, think about that digital file and make sure you are organized, and tidy before you hand it over. If not, you waste people's time, and no matter how good you are, whoever is having to clean up your mess will gladly trade you for someone else as soon as they can.

Think clean, organized and professional. And call your mom to tell her thank you.

skills I have learned from my dog

2009-03-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Often I find myself thinking how lucky my dog is. He gets fed, he gets to go for walks, he gets someone to rub his back, I mean really? I was pondering his life, and how he sees the world and realized he had a lot to teach me about being.

1) Never stop thinking this is your lucky day. Oreo never loses sight that today might just be the day. The day for what I don't really know, but he knows today could be it.

2) Be loyal to those who have always been there for you. Loyalty is paramount to being a dog, and to being true to yourself and those that help you be you (and what artist hasn't relied on someone to help them learn or evolve?).

3) Celebrate every meal. Ok, well maybe not the meal per se, but every success. It's easy to overlook the small ones sometimes, but they deserve a good nod.

4) Never give up hope that someone is going to give you attention. C'mon every artist wants attention. We all want to get noticed and get some deserved attention for all our hard work.

5) Don't be afraid to take a break from it all. Now my cat is the master at this, but this is about the dog. So, take a break.

6) Be happy. Even though the kibble is monotonous, life is pretty good after all.

On that note, I think I will go make a fresh pot of joe, and go chill for awhile.

control z

2009-03-02T09:00:00.001-08:00

I have to share a life experience that sort of frightened me. When it comes to illustration I split my time 70-30 digital work to traditional. The percentage has been migrating digital for some time but has spiked in the last year.

A few months ago I was working on a series of traditional paper and paint pieces. I had been struggling with the color for awhile and kept revisiting one section of a painting. Not being pleased I decided to shake things up and scraped off the paint, then lathered on a new layer. The new color was just so wrong. So completely wrong. As soon as I saw what a bad choice I had made, in my head popped this, 'control+z'. At first I didn't connect what I had thought. Then it struck me. Yes I had actually thought that I could use a key command to fix something in the real world. I was mortified. The lines had finally blurred. I sat for moment amazed then I started laughing at how ridiculous it was. I truly couldn't believe that I had a hot key moment in the real world.

What does this teach me? Oh, maybe I spend too much time on my computer. But it also made me think about how we use tools. I love my computer, I love painting digitally. And I love the freedom. I love that I can use Control Z, and have a 'do over'. It isn't the death of real painting but digital work has a real place. The flexibility is dreamy to me. And the speed. Digital painting is akin to using a kitchen tool to make your work easier. I am going to keep doing my digital work, interspersed with traditional painting. And hopefully I won't try to hot key my way out of a corner.

research

2009-02-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

I met with a surface art representative over the weekend, Diane B. They specialize in surface art, sweater knit downs, antique textiles and embroideries. Now being 'renewed' to licensing and surface art, I had forgotten how much I enjoy the learning. For so long I have been doing custom work and haven't had to spend hours at the library researching bugs, or plants or airplanes. But after meeting with Diane B, I got to hop on down to the library and pour over stacks of books. I have books on the history of space exploration, wood shop tools, bugs of South Africa, desserts, and heavy machinery. I spent last night looking through them then doodling fun images. I love scanning the pages, love exploring the library stacks for just the right book. This is the fun part. Pencil on paper scratches, before they are anything. Just ideas, loose thoughts that have made it from inspiration to something more concrete. But not finished yet. Sometimes I end up loving the sketch more than the finished piece. I am so excited I just want to go get more books on more subjects.

Next, the sorting after the art is drawn.

dinosaurs

2009-02-17T15:44:00.000-08:00

I met with my favorite professor from college last week for a cup of coffee. My instructor, Elsa Warnick has supported herself through art for the last 40+ years. She was a fine artist for the first 10 or so, then migrated over to Illustration as she had a knack for the narrative. Her work is light and airy, delicate watercolors that let paint play on paper. They are not complicated, they are approachable and kind. For years Elsa had a busy phone, ringing with projects. Her mailing list was extensive and the Art Directors in publishing knew her well. However, with the advent of stock art, a cheap substitute for custom art, her phone started ringing less and the mailing list was met with fewer responses. As we discussed the state of the current economy Elsa was quick to admit she is a dinosaur. That her contemplative style of delicate paintings, drawings that tell the story in one stroke, is all but lost in these new times.

I asked how she was getting by, and she told me little projects still came and went, but she lived mostly off of an IRA that was quickly diminishing. In listening to Elsa, and thinking about how she has managed to persist, it made me sad that her skill-set was going away. The same as the typesetters. I don't think she can reinvent herself now. She is an old dog that doesn't know how to begin learning new tricks, and is the first to admit it. She is an artist, she bleeds paint. Like almost everyone over 65, the computer is non-intuitive and elusive technology.

After I left our coffee, we both gave one last look over our shoulders at one another. I was met with mixed emotions, one of sadness for my friend, and one of gratitude that I embrace technology and try to utilize it in my art, hopeful that this will keep me from becoming a dinosaur someday.

stuck and unstuck

2009-02-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some new art, as well as experimenting with different techniques. I don't love the almost finished product. I feel like I am at a stuck spot. In the past when I worked in Caran d'ache I would often get my pieces to a point where they looked terrible. Then I would keep pushing to the other side until they came to life. It was sort of like resuscitating a hapless victim. The piece would be laying there, sad and lifeless, then with stroke after stroke of color, it would start to lift from the page alive. I find that the digital pieces I am working on right now need some of that love. But how do I decide if it is the technique I don't like, or that the pieces just need more love? Do I keep pushing until I either kill them altogether or do I see if they start to breathe? With all these years of painting and drawing, stuck and unstuck , this is what I have learned on how I move on when my illustrations seem stagnant:

1) Turn the piece upside down. For some wacky reason the change allows me to see the flaws more clearly, and the successes. Ok, so I will rotate my canvas.

2) Exercise. I choose to run, but whatever get's your heart pumping, and endorphins coursing should do the trick. I find that it really helps my mind get clear and I feel less bound by my normal constraints.

3) Step away from that illustration and start something else. Just taking a break and coming back to whatever I am stuck on often helps me return fresh.

4) Go crazy on it. Add colors I don't love, do some wacky line treatments, really shake it up. Now if I am working traditionally, this is a real commitment, but working digitally this isn't scary if you save the new piece as a new named file.

5) Drink a glass of wine. Ok this works if I am working in the evening, and as long as you like wine. But sometimes just loosening up a bit is all it takes to let go of the vice like grip on stodginess.

I think I will start with number 4 today. I am feeling brave and in my heart I think I just need to shake things up. If that doesn't work, I will run with a glass of wine.

Google alerts

2009-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

Ok so who has time to just read every cool thing on the internet? I wish I did, but do not. Therefore I am in love with Google Alerts. First you have to make sure you have your Google page as an iGoogle, which essentially is personalizing your Google home page. Which can be fun and time consuming if you get sucked into all the features and additions. I go fairly minimalist but have feeds to my favorite blogs, the weather, John Stewart quote, and news. I avoid the 'daily art' and anything that just sucks my load time. Now the Google Alert is simple really. You login to your Google account, then go to Personal Settings, Alerts. When you select Alerts you are taken to a simple interface where you type in the key words you want Google to scan for and send you updates. I get daily updates on things such as Manufacturers Licensing Art, Illustration, Karyn Servin (to see if I pop up anywhere unexpected) and a few other industry specific terms. Then once a day I get a handy email for each of my alerts with links. You can drill down in your Google Alert to only search for types of reference, be it video, blog, news, groups etc... I choose comprehensive to be more encompassing for my needs. This is a great way to find interesting articles, insight into what is happening elsewhere and expand your connections. As a busy Illustrator, I don't have time to read every blog, that's why I let Google help find content that is relevant. Of course I still love reading my favorite blogs and make sure to find time for them!

Illustration is art

2009-01-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

I know my posting isn't super timely, but better late than never. Andrew Wyeth died a little over a week ago. His death while not a huge news item brought up an argument that has plagued me my entire art career.

Many artists claimed Andrew Wyeth was an Illustrator, NOT an Artist. Ok, I am just sick and tired of the blah blah blah of 'Artists' professing Illustration is NOT art. It is about creating vision, it IS personal, it IS inventive, it IS smart. Yes, it entails solving a visual problem - for someone other than yourself. Illustration is aesthetic, it is about creating something visually appealing, but it also is about telling a story or conveying a message. Whereas Art as is often defined is purely aesthetics. So by that reasoning, I feel Illustration is more cerebral, more evocative, more compelling. More importantly, what bothers me most is that being called an Illustrator is a put down. As though being an Artist is so much more prestigious. Illustration is an honorable path and I for one am proud to be an Illustrator.

personality of the talented

2009-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

My family and I were watching American Idol last week with our Turkish exchange student. She likes to sing so we thought she would find it entertaining, and well we often find the auditions entertaining too. While we were watching the show, my husband pointed out that you can tell the people who have talent as they enter the room and speak their first sentence. There are traits that are fairly consistent. Now if you have watched the auditions, or seen the trailers you know that some people who try out are awful, no terrible. Some come in with brazen attitude and are 'ok' or maybe they suck. But the ones with the real talent, the ability to shine come in with no fan fare. The tend to be 'real'. They enter with a calm self-assuredness. Not easily rattled, not visibly nervous, and often with a slightly humble air. The cocky, the flamboyant, the trash talkers, the beggars, the nut jobs, they are so obviously faking, pretending to be talented. So what does this tell us? I think we can apply this art as well. When you go to an illustrators site that feels forced, over the top, contrived, self-ingratiating, it feels awkward and the art feels amateur. But when you go to a calm site, with purposeful art that is not boastful, you can tell this person knows what they are doing. Letting the art speak for itself, thereby letting us see the artist as the art.

sketchcrawl rocks!

2009-01-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Yippee! Yesterday was my first 'SketchCrawl' and it was a great time. I met fellow artists, and spent some quality time drawing. I remember when I was in college and used to survive on public transportation to get around. The best part were all the unsuspecting victims on the bus and train. I have page after page of innocents, sketched on their treks, the business man reading the paper, the tired mom with kids, the skater boys, the girlie girls, oh yes the down trodden and the bored, the drugged out, the hipped, the oblivious. I love those sketches, I remember almost everyone, really I do.

SketchCrawl reminded me to slow down, watch the world go by and of course, make a permanent record of it! My thanks to the Portland group, Alanna Randall you kick much butt. And to Antoine, the subject of my first sketch.

Looking forward to the next SketchCrawl.

sketch crawl

2009-01-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

Calling all fellow Portland artists. This Saturday is 'Sketchcrawl'. Come join me and my groovy new friends at Pioneer Place at 10am, this January 10th. Just bring your sketchbook, pencil (or whatever it is you sketch with) and meet us at the downstairs Starbucks for some coffee and drawing of randomness. Should be fun!

losing friends

2009-01-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

Goodbyes. It seems we don't often get to say goodbye to the people who have helped form us along our path in life. Twice in the last year I have lost important souls along my artistic journey. Both came without warning, both I stumbled upon the news.

I knew Terry Toedtemeier in the mid 1980's. He was a photography instructor at PNCA and the curator of photography at the Portland Art Museum. He was such a genuine and robust soul that his persona was deeply magnetic. Terry was quirky, passionate about his art, a gear-head, fine cook, and always seemed to have time for anyone with a heart. He was a very good friend of my college boyfriend so I got the good fortune of getting to know him better (being that I was an Illustration major, and my boyfriend was a photography major). I enjoyed going to his house, crazy trips into the desert, and learned a deep appreciation for basalt and geology of Oregon - specifically the Columbia River Gorge. My boyfriend was not only a talented photographer but also a talented carpenter, so I found myself at Terry's often as Terry was remodeling his home with my boyfriend doing much of the carpentry. The time I spent with him was punctuated with laughter, unbelievable quantities of obscure facts, and penetrating artistic vision.

Terry taught me about many things. But most importantly he taught me to be passionate, patient, true to oneself, and to love life. His loss will be felt for years to come. I am grateful that I was so blessed to spend time with him, to learn from him, to share a bit of his beautiful life.

another cupcake of love

2009-01-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here we go, the last of my half dozen cupcakes! I would love feedback so please send me your notes and suggestions. Not sure I love this one. Sometimes I love them, sometimes I don't. The funny thing about art is that the ones I love most, are not necessarily the ones others love. I love the sketch, but just not sure about the finished piece. I will start on repeats after I have posted all my art to the Podgallery. Need to get that up there to start the new year!

niches, and right paths

2008-12-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Recently I embarked on a new direction for my illustration. Licensing. As an art student in the 80's, I didn't have any coursework that dealt with the business opportunities of an illustrator. My college was sadly lacking in supporting Illustrators. Therefore I have spent the last 20 years trying different angles. I am not sure I have found my niche, but for now I am on a trajectory of creating work to license and I will continue until I hit my head against the wall a few too many times. How will I know when I have gone the wrong way? I don't really know.

I read Seth Godin's blog and was happy to read his post several days ago. The main premise was that everyone who 'makes it big' has put in 10,000 hours of effort into their desired field. He debunks this theory with some good examples of people who had great ideas, great timing and generous amounts of good luck. However I am nearing my 10,000 hours so I am feeling pretty good right about now. Which brings me to how his post relates to my knowing when I have gone the right direction, his book, 'The Dip'. This book delves into the mental science of quitting. Knowing when you hit a dead end, and when you just hit the 'dip' and need to keep on pushing to the promised land on the other side. Of course no book is the magic pill to success, except for maybe the author and publisher, but for most of us, they are tools to help us, nothing more. My hope as that this too will help me to decide if I am on the right track.

A great example of someone who I think has explored their art, and hit full stride, is Yulia Brodskaya. I think these beautiful paper sculptures are a great illustration of finding your path. If you look through the Graphic Design portfolio, or the Typographic, general and old stuff portfolio you can see the evolution of a niche.

As we approach the new year, I find myself taking inventory. I am entering 2009 not unlike years past venturing into new territory, but each time I do, I evolve. I bring my newly acquired experience, my past knowledge and I take a deep breathe. Cheers to being able to reinvent, cheers to freedom to try, cheers to being blessed an artist.

cold weather and a sketchbook

2008-12-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love it when we get our annual snow storm. Here in Portland we are lucky to get one a year. I have all sorts of detailed theories on what temperature and humidity conditions need to exist prior to the official call for snow flurries that will guarantee snow for more than an afternoon. Of course none of my theories are backed by science but that doesn't stop me from spouting them to anyone who will listen.

Since we in the NW are icebound, in the freezer for the week, I find that a hot cup of joe and my sketchbook on the sofa is a great combo. I am finding that the creative juices are flowing with all sorts of licensing doodles. Now that I have my handy chart created that details what work is in need of production, I just have to start producing! First out of the gate are some fun Christmas Tree images. I am anxious to post my sketches, but I will lead with this fun flickr picture, it sums up the spirit of Christmas trees that I want to create.

the value of old ideas

2008-12-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

I just spent the last 4 hours pouring over my old sketchbooks. I save them as I guess most artists do, forever. I can't imagine throwing one out. In revisiting them I noticed that there is no rhyme or reason to how I sketch in a sketchbook. I tend to open it, look for a blank page, then draw. This is a pain as I go back through them looking for a particular sketch. Organization is not one of my strong suits. However, tonight was different. I post-it noted pages, I wrote on the post-its so that I could see what I had marked, and then when I was all done I categorized the items I liked and thought had potential. Then in my attempt to really out do myself, I made a big fat chart. A flow chart type of dealio. Well more like a site map really. But none the less a handy visual aid of all the items I liked, or wanted to work on. (See my crappy picture of the chart.)

What was the point of all this besides the exercise of organizing and daydreaming of new pictures to be made? The goal is this. I want to really expand my portfolio for licensing options and want to do it in a strategic manner. I know that in my sketchbooks are many fun ideas that singularly are just a fun idea, but together have real power. Going through my sketchbooks provided me an opportunity to revisit work that was never fully fleshed out, but with the right attention could be something worthwhile. Taking the time to organize the work by category will help me to analyze the depth and breadth of my artistic interests. I found that yes I do truly love to draw food, and no I do not love to draw nature. Do I feel compelled to work on that, no not really. But it does show me that I need to focus on promoting what I am deep in. And if I am so inclined it also shows me what areas I can add to and really expand my offerings.

The lesson to this is that old sketchbooks are invaluable. Not only are they historical references of our lives, and what we see and think, but they are chock full of potential. Not unlike ourselves.

bazaar art and crafts

2008-12-08T10:13:00.000-08:00

This weekend I attended my local elementary school Christmas Bazaar. It is a funny concept, making a craft be it hats, coasters, paintings or one of the countless variations of creative product, then sitting in a school gymnasium selling your wares. I was struck by the variety, even amongst the many earring makers, scarf creators or greeting card producers. Everyone has their own hand, their own eye, their own sense of beauty. As they sit casually behind the tables each artist is a version of their own art. Kind of an inanimate version of themself. I don't think many of the crafts people who sell their work at small bazaars make any money, they are lucky to break even on costs to produce goods let alone make any money for the countless hours required to make the piece and then sit and wait in a dimly lit gym for sales. So why do it? I think it is the same reason that no matter how many rejection letters we get, we keep on making art. Because at our core we are the art. We can't help but make it. We can't help but be it. How is this different than Art?

When I was in college I remember the great divide between the 'commercial' artists and the 'fine' artists. We, the Illustrators and Designers were the sell outs. We did our art with a client in mind. But the fine artists they were the 'real' artists. Expression for the sake of expression. How would those same classmates feel about the craftsperson and their recycled-felted-sweaters-around-hot-water-bottles? Are they the real artists? They certainly don't have dreams of grandeur like many of my classmates, but every bit of what they make is relevant as an expression of self. I think they absolutely are artists. I don't think the medium or the education matters. So what makes it a craft and what makes it art? Can't the two be one? Where is that line? I think some would say Art serves a higher purpose as a social commentary. Well I think some Craft makers serve the same purpose. Maybe the line is blurrier in some artists that others. I would ask if Bob Ross and his big magic brush is an artist then. I think it is a very hard argument to make that Art is so much higher purposed, when some of that very art is a ball of string. How is that ball of string different than a ball of string on a wire that you put through your ear? Isn't it still about purpose? Isn't the earring maker still making a statement?

sorting, sorting...

2008-12-04T11:11:00.002-08:00

Ok, so the good news is yes I am going to start selling my work via the PODgallery. The bad news is I have go through mountains of work and make selections of what I want to sell. Then of course make sure it prepped for high quality printing. Not that I am complaining, just realizing I have a lot of work to do. As a good seasoned Illustrator, I know better than to count on mega sales right out of the gate, however since the opportunity has presented itself I will work hard to promote it and help nudge it to success! Which means once the collection has launched I will be emailing the crap out of everyone! Be warned.

open edition art coming soon

2008-11-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

Last week was an interesting week for a holiday. Historically I am slow right around Thanksgiving and Christmas (mostly due to my own desire for extra baking and fun). However I was contacted on Monday by a supplier of art to Art.com asking if I would like to sell open editions via Art.com and Allposters.com and Amazon.com. Now the ink isn't dry (I haven't read the whole contract), but as long as I don't see anything that would prevent me from licensing my pieces for other products, my cupcakes will be available early next year on Art.com, Allposters.com and Amazon.com. I think lots of sugar-a-holics and baked-good-admirers will be happy to support my yummy art. I am also considering selling my fun kids imagery as well, specifically my airplane, and the toy doggie, as well as some bugs. After I read the contract and sign and send, I will post more.

new cupcake

2008-11-24T14:43:00.000-08:00

I just finished another cupcake. Or mostly finished. I think it needs a few more touches but I am happy it is 96% done. The stripes caused me much grief but I knew I wanted all of them in the piece. Just getting them to play together nicely was the problem. Luckily I have a brilliant friend down the street who has a fantastic eye and all I had to do was send her the image and she was able to give me the fresh opinion I needed and the stripes became good friends. Aww such luck. Thank you Melanie!

staying on target

2008-11-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

One of the hardest things for me as an artist with a family is staying on target. There is always something demanding attention. But that isn't all. With technology changing so quickly and new ways to connect ever evolving, it seems I am always adjusting my focus. The art is of course paramount, but along with doing the art, keeping the faith and being true to your muse, comes along family and technology. Sometimes I find I just need to take small bites. Don't look at every avenue, just like you can't look at your whole house when it seems as though it has thrown up on itself. No, instead you just take one thing at a time. And then build on it. If you have read my posts you know I am working on a collection of cupcakes. I have 5 done now, and am expanding to include design elements with each of the 5. Along with making the art, I have joined the Art Licensing Forum. Which has led me to a great luncheon meeting fellow artists in Portland that are working the licensing angle. That in turn led me to Twitter. Which no doubt will lead me to the next curve in the road. All along the way there are the holidays which demand personal time. Which is my salvation on many days. I won't wax poetic on being a mom, because it is a dirty job full of mess, mediation and madness, but it is the reason I get up every morning. Art has been just as selfish, just as thankless a job but never cuddles up and says I love you. But alas here I am deviating from my message, staying on target. Essentially what I struggle with is keeping the big picture out there, working on the small steps to get me closer without getting too sidetracked. Note to self as said in a monotonous tone in Star Wars (#4 for all you nerds) - Stay On Target.

here we go again

2008-10-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Next week the Directory of Illustration should begin shipping around the country. I took an ad out this year and am anxious to see the final product. It is always a crap shoot whether the investment pays off when one chooses to advertise in the big books of art. Sometimes it feels like you just get lost in a sea of lines, colors and patterns. Other times it feels like a necessary part of promotion and the dividends are that the ad pays for itself and then some. The test in the 'year of the crappy economy' will be whether it really is good to advertise when no one else is. Not that no one else is advertising, but I am fairly certain that the book isn't as thick as when the money flows freely. Maybe that counts in my favor. Maybe not. Maybe the people who get the book and buy art won't be buying this year. Only time will tell. Thank God for itemized deductions!

forums....

2008-10-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am digitally capable. Give me Photoshop, Illustrator, yes even Flash and I can handle it. I can make things, I can even talk you through a technical issue on the phone, without being near my computer! Yes, I have some skills. I started on Photoshop when it was version 3.0. And yes there really was a Photoshop 3.0! It was an exciting time in history, Photoshop got layers in 3.0. This post really isn't about my ability in Photoshop though. What I wanted to talk about is that I have been such the loner artist. Toiling away in my office/studio. Sketchpads by the dozens in the bookshelf always at the ready. I have a website obviously, am on Linkedin, do this blog, but alas I have never joined any professional forums. That all changed tonight. I am officially on an artist forum. I had never really thought about connecting with fellow illustrators that way. I don't know why I haven't thought of it. Makes perfect sense. I think as artists, especially those of us who have had the good fortune to work our trade full time, it is easy to become reclusive, save for the client contacts. It is easy to forget to talk to other artists. We get into our art, into our inspiration, our muses and our loves and don't think about connecting with other artists. I also think it is in our nature to be distrustful of other artists. We have to have such a healthy dose of ego, to put up with all the rejection, that we see other artists as threats. Even if that feeling is subconscious. We need to exert our dominance, to feel special and unique. It makes sense, we spend our lives trying to express our own voice, the last thing we want is to meet someone else who may be better than us, or God forbid more unique! Whether we want to admit it or not, we artists are insanely competitive. We have to be. Not that we can't be nice and supportive, but there is an inkling of competition always within most of us. I think it is our nature.

I am putting aside my inflated sense of art self and publicly acknowledging that there are gazillions of other artists who are better than me, and do a better job of managing their careers. And to you I say 'Hell Yes' and hope that I can shut up and take notes and hopefully make some new friends that give me pause (and learn a thing or two).

crazy times

2008-10-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

You would have to be dead to not know what is going on in the world right now. Holy crap what a mess we are in. Luckily I didn't have any money to lose in all this chaos. Between the hate mongering of the McCain/Palin campaign, to the abject failure of our current administration, to the overwhelming sense that we American's just don't participate nearly enough in our democracy, I feel like my head might explode soon. I heard a great story by Andrei Codrescu the poet the other day, I won't dare try to paraphrase. But go check it out. I blame our level of comfort for our lack of participation. We have Wii, food in easy to prepare plastic bags, 10,000 channels on cable, unimpeded internet, hell you name it we can get it. No wonder we don't take the time to pay attention to our politicians until it is too late. Now look where we are. And, I know that in spite of my progressive bubble I live in, there are millions of Americans that can't vote for Obama purely on his skin color. That is just how shallow and pathetic so many people are. So here I sit with my music cranked up, trying to get into a cupcake state of mind, but I can't block out the inner angst, the deep disappointment that we in this place. I want to be positive, I want to believe that things are going to be different, that maybe this type of disaster is what we need to have the social revolution that will turn things around. Make us more united, and better people. That maybe, just maybe we will pay attention and realize we can't just buy crap all the time as though it will make us feel better. People, get off your asses, ride a bike, walk to the store, read the news, write a letter to the editor, call your senator, put down that remote and step away from your 52" big screen.

Halloween

2008-10-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Halloween. It is one of my favorite holidays. I love candy, and I love the thought that kids dress up in costumes, roam the neighborhoods and get to ask for candy. I mean how cool is that? A celebration of creativity, and of sugar. Two of my favorite things. If it was to knock on doors and ask for baked goods, it would be perfect! So in honor of this wonderful holiday I am trying to crank through my next cupcake, a halloween cupcake. It is stripey, and orange and shades of neutral black/chocolate. I just want to work on it all day long, but alas I have a family AND I have costumes to make. Because along with my love of Halloween comes a fanatical obsession with making kick ass costumes. And yes, my kids can request anything and I will labor for months to achieve the quality of costume that has become legend in our neighborhood. I have successfully created Godzilla and baby Godzilla, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, The Thing, Daredevil, 4 jedi's, Yoda and this year I have Darth Maul and a Jawa. Complete with glowing red eyes. Yes I have some sewing to do. But this year is easy compared to Godzilla.

All hail Halloween, sweet, sweet halloween.

why I love Photoshop and Rain

2008-09-22T22:11:00.000-07:00

I really love Photoshop. Now that I am working exclusively digital having migrated my work from Caran D'Ache I am falling more in love with Photoshop. I have used Photoshop for years, since version 2.0. Which was quite awhile ago mind you. And as with any good relationship we have grown together, learned each others quirks, loved each other in spite of our shortcomings and in the years have brought more to the relationship. A true give and take. It shouldn't come as any surprise that PS is delivering the goods. But let me tell you tonight I just fell a little more in love than I was already, and I really didn't think I could fall any harder. Let me explain my devotion a little better. Long posting short, I was working on cupcake 4 because I wasn't quite pleased with the color balance. So I called my art advisor in for a quick review (my 10 year old son with a smoking great eye, and a mean palette too). He made some very astute observations and within 15 minutes the cupcake went from 'nice' to 'perfect'. Rain (my son) gets credit for seeing what I was struggling with, and PS gets credit for making the adjustment so stinking simple. It was a beautiful moment. Now without further ado, look and see the difference to the left.

one more

2008-09-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Phew. I have one more cupcake done. I am not certain that I am all done, but I think I am mostly done. Often after I 'finish' a piece, I have to step away and come back in a day or so and see if it is really done. Use the fresh eyes to adjust colors to get maximum happiness.

Feel free to take a peek-a-loo to the left at my lemon-y goodness cupcake.

new inspiration

2008-09-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Ok I have got to get my cupcakes done because I have new inspiration. On my list are funky marine animals. My family went camping last weekend on the Oregon coast and for a day trip went to the Oregon Aquarium in Newport, Oregon (http://www.aquarium.org). They have a very fun exhibit called 'Oddwater'. The exhibit has on display a selection of sea creatures that are just so fun, seahorses, lion fish, puffer fish, clown fish, cool jelly fish.... Long story short, they colors and shapes were so stinking cool that I am ready to get to work on tropical fish and odd sea creatures!

More to follow.

politics

2008-09-04T13:51:00.001-07:00

I know this is my art blog but I can't help but comment on politics due to the current state of affairs.

I am an artist. I am a liberal, go figure. I went to art school where we learned the rules so we could break them. I had gay friends, I saw drug use, I protested. I live in Portland, mecca of environmentalism. I have been recycling since 1984. I buy organics, I pick my own fruit and have a garden. I think you get the picture.

What the heck is going on here? Where has everyone been the last 8 years? My income is down, jobs have been shipped overseas, (including animation/art-not just manufacturing jobs). Our environment is not doing well. The war in Iraq, do I even need to go there? Really and truly we need a revolution. Not a violent one, but a revolution of the spirit.

Is it really so crazy to want to protect our environment, plan for future generations, innovate new fuel alternatives, waste less, take care of those who cannot care for themselves, educate the masses and be empathetic? I won't name names, but when I listen to certain parties talk they seem to paint the above ideals as somehow simple minded, and crazy. I beg to differ. I believe that our gluttonous ways and ignorant and self-righteous attitude are very contrary to the very book that these people hold so dear. Why is it that many of the very religious are less Christian than their non-religious counterparts?

As an artist, I believe in protection of rights, the right to express oneself, the right to marry whomever I want, the right to speak my mind. It is a slippery slope when rights are slowly chipped away. If McCain and Palin are elected, we can be assured that our rights to be individuals will not be defended unless we want to carry a gun and believe in very conservative Christian ideals.

yippee and darn

2008-09-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yippee school starts tomorrow. And darn, school starts tomorrow. Somewhat bittersweet. I am happy for the quiet focus I will now return to, but I am sad that summer is over and that our sweet sunshine will turn to liquid love. Drats. On the bright side I will bake more, and make more art. Locked in my studio at night. I started working on my lovely cupcakes again and am oh so excited to be back at it. Had to get through the wistful freewheeling summery days of the last few weeks. But alas, I am jonesing for some serious art time and need to get back to it.

success

2008-08-24T22:05:00.000-07:00

As a parent I am often encouraging my kids in their endeavors. I was raised by very supportive parents who believed in me as an artist and supported every crazy idea I ever had. Including trying to house train a goat once (my dad wanted to try too). My husband by contrast had a different experience. He was told to be safe, that being a professional cyclist or a writer was too hard and unrealistic. In retrospect he has a lot of resentment of what 'wasn't'. He never really tried to do either pursuit and instead has been safe, reliable and overall unsatisfied in his career. I did follow my dreams. And continue to follow them. However, by my own measurement of success, I don't feel that I have truly accomplished that which I set out to do. He feels quite the opposite. His perspective is that I am very successful. Having been self-employed for nearly 6 years, and spending my time drawing or working creatively. Not going to work every day to a cubicle for 'the man'. This difference of opinions has caused some strife. Not that we are angry about the difference of opinion, more that it is hard for one to empathetic to another's problem when they don't see it as a problem. This brings me to the point of success. How do we measure it? Why do I feel that I am NOT successful as an artist? For me it is because the art I make, that I LOVE is not being bought or requested regularly. I do get illustration jobs, sure, but they aren't calling all the time, I still have to send off my creations and hope and pray that someone out there who buys this crap will actually want to buy mine. So in my mind, the fact that I work from home isn't enough. That I have a nice house, eat good food, have happy kids, isn't success in my mind. How messed up is that? I mean really. I find that I am not as encouraging as he is with our children. He sounds like my parents and I sound like his. This realization, has caused me to seriously reconsider my expectations. I do not want to tell anyone to play it safe, to not follow their dreams. Heck I am still following my dreams and will be chasing them to my grave. If anything I realize that I am successful. My problem is that I am not relishing the journey, participating in the experience of living my dream. That sadly I have singularly focused at some endpoint that doesn't really exist. It is a constantly moving target and that instead of aiming at that point I need to embrace the moment, and be thankful. From now on, I will be my parents to my children, I will tell them the mantra I heard through my entire childhood 'You can do anything you set your mind to". Only now I will not only believe that to be true, I will know that in spite of disappointment along the way, having a dream, chasing that dream, is far better than not having one. If you aim for the top, even if you don't get there, you will get much farther than if you just aim a nudge above the bottom.

the end of summer

2008-08-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

I know summer isn't technically over, and depending on where you live it may seem farther or nearer from ending. However here in the NW we have received our first 2 full days of rain and grey sky. Which doesn't mean summer is over, but it could mean that those glorious days of open windows, blue skies, and dry lawns are nearing an end sooner than usual. Heck it is mid August. With the end of summer comes one of my favorite things, the return of school. Don't get me wrong I love my kids, and love having them around during the summer to make me laugh. But when school starts I can get back to work. I miss it. I miss the quiet. I realize we illustrators are a lonesome sort who work from our studios, with no one to talk to for hours on end. And I like it! I like the quiet. I miss it. With summer coming to an end, I can have quiet time, and drawing time. Yes I miss the sunshine and inspiration that it brings, but I get silence which begets productivity! I can listen to music without interruption, or I can focus on that one little section of my painting that isn't quite right. I can sit and stare at the texture of the background the relationship of the colors and shapes without someone asking for something. Oh yes, summer ending is bittersweet. Our happy little ball of fire in the sky may move on to warm other parts of the earth, but as it moves it it leaves a wake of quiet that I am so excited to embrace. I can feel the rush of creation gurgling just below the surface right now!

ode to a good friend

2008-08-07T21:00:00.001-07:00

Before I knew that being a professional artist was wrought with righteous opinions I knew a generous soul who tutored me during High School. He was in college, and I was a Jr or Sr. I can't recall now. I know I had a crush on him, not because he was really good looking, but because he was an artist, and he believed in art, and in me. I practiced water colors with him, and we would talk about art, about Cezanne, about Van Gogh, and Bob Dylan. That was 25 plus years ago. Recently I decided to look Ronnie up, see what ever became of him. I found a newspaper article that said he had died in 2005. It broke my heart. I missed him. I missed keeping in touch, I missed telling him that I finished college, that I was surviving as an artist. So many conversations that never got said. Experiences I never got to share, (like seeing real Cezanne paintings in NY and Paris). I found a message board today, dedicated to Ronnie. I still don't know what happened to him. I just know I am sad.

cupcake love

2008-08-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Well another submission has been sent to an art publisher. I have finished 3 of the 12 cupcake paintings and sent them off to the one interested party. Today was the deadline for submissions for their annual new collections review. I am trying NOT to get my hopes up, but as you can imagine even after this many years of submissions, and rejections, when there is even the slightest nibble, it is really difficult not to be hopeful. Worse case scenario, I have three really cute cupcake images, and I can keep working on the other 9. There is always room in the world for more fun art. I am posting the three finished pieces and will be adding them to my current illustration site.

Fingers crossed.

Cupcakes keep falling on my head

2008-07-24T22:16:00.000-07:00

Well not really. But I am cranking away on my cupcake illustrations. I like them. I would eat them. But mostly I like painting them. All the cupcakes I am painting are all digital. I eschewed the Caran D'ache, and am working in Photoshop via Wacom tablet. Transitioning from traditional mediums into painting digital feels very natural to me. The style seems to translate, the colors are a non-issue. Heck I think I like it. The upside, I have a 'no-need-to-scan' piece of art in my computer, the downside, I don't have a tangible piece of art (God forbid I don't back up my hard drive and all that dog hair starts a fire in my tower). I do love that I can try different shading and painting, without messing up my original. I also like adding and deleting elements. It really does offer a lot more flexibility. I can dig it. Check one of my finished cupcakes to the right.

cupcakes yippee!

2008-07-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

I recently received my second rejection, but it was more like a 'Please send us more when you create it because we really like your work'. Which is not exactly a rejection, although it isn't a 'sign the dotted line here please'. But considering the world of rejection letters, I will take it as a positive sign.

I want to post a few cupcake sketches that I am working on. I have one colored but I don't have it saved small enough to post right now and I am too lazy to open Photoshop. So, without further ado, here are a few sketches.

and a one and a two and a three

2008-07-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

Several weeks ago I sent 6 or so inquiries for representation to licensing agents. So far I have 3 for 6 'no'. And surprisingly I don't feel sad. No, no I don't. After this many years, and this many no's, I sort of just feel like 'oh yeah, saw that coming'. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think that I deserve the no's. In actuality I think I deserve at least one yes. And I know that given the right product my art would sell nicely. I know that this is about business, not art. This is about making money plain and simple. And people want sure things. They want easy money. One of my rejections even told me to read a book about licensing, that he wrote. So, I bought it, (yes I gave money to one of those that say 'No'), started reading through it. This is what I thought when I started reading it: 'Man they should've used a good designer to lay this thing out'. The fonts were terrible and outdated and it looks blah. What struck me as very funny, is for a book about licensing, they used crappy art examples. Heck they couldn't even pony up to buy the rights for something decent. It was the quality of clip art from someplace like 'FreeClipArtNow.com'. Essentially the few nuggets of good information that I have gleaned, are weighted against the lack of credibility for a poorly designed book.

Long story short. To all you fellow aspiring artists, don't let the people who say No get you down. They don't define you, they don't define your art, they are just doing a job, and well, their job is to say No to most of us. And even if they said Yes, that doesn't mean they will license one piece of art that makes anyone a penny. And with that realization, I am going to scan my oh so cute 12 cupcake sketches and start working on my next group of art to be rejected. Why? Because this is for me, and I refuse to let 'the business of art' make me stop enjoying the gift of creating pretty things.

Inspiration

2008-06-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

I love farmers market. I love spring with its bright colors, the fresh green and the flowers that preview summer. And now we are about to leap into summer. Thank God. I live in the Pacific Northwest and we have had a very long, very wet fall, winter and spring. I mean really wet. And did I mention cool? Snow in June up in the mountains. T-ball games snowed out in May. This week has been sunny every day and seems to be the front end of summer, and hopefully the full on grey days of the last 8 months will be behind us for at least 60 days. We can hope. With this sun I am finding my inspiration again. I seem to have misplaced it in the last 4 months. Couldn't find it anywhere. I looked in the closet, I looked under the stairs, looked in the shade garden, I even looked under the bed in that old box of stuff I save for special occasions. But alas, no inspiration. Then, while walking through farmers market with the glorious sun beaming onto our necks, I found it. sitting under one of the tarps with a fancy little sign saying 'Cupcakes'. Yes, there with the pink tulle and rainbow colored sugar sprinkles sat my inspiration. Arranged on a plain white plate, topped in mountains of icing, dotted with sugar dust. I can feel the inspiration nagging at me as I finish projects that have to be done first, and I can feel it swirling around in my stomach as I type this posting. To hell with sending that follow up email, I think I need to go sit in the sun, sketch book in my lap, and reconnect with the muse of all muses.

Keep on keeping on

2008-05-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am back from New York. Of course New York was fantastic, it is such a great city. Great art, and great food, who could ask for more?

Prior to leaving for Surtex, I launched my new illustration site. Go check it out at karynservin.com. It is very pretty! My husband coded it and did a fantastic job making it very light weight using CSS and other acronyms that mean little to me. I do know, that it has pretty code for those who care. Now, with the site launched fresh and new. I am going to start knocking on doors, sending postcards or emails to publishers, essentially marketing. Wow, marketing my own art, what a thought.

Surtex was full of a lot of the same stuff, same agents, and same artists. But I saw that technology is having an impact. Lots of crisp vector work, and obviously computer generated patterns, designs. Still a good dose of traditional painting, but more of the flat colors, stylized, contemporary work. I saw the same broad trend in the National Stationery Show. Lots of minimalist, 2D, flat shapes and embellishments. Not a lot of painterly work in the Stationery Show, by far less than Surtex. The painterly work I saw was not traditional, lots of bright palette work. So, this can be good for those of us who work with a painterly quality, or it can be bad because the market wants Ikea, stylized design!

Next steps. Send submissions, find new markets, knock on doors.

finding time

2008-04-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

As an artist and mom, one of the hardest things to get is time. I seem to always be pushing up against a deadline. Be it personal or business. I find now I like to look through my own old sketch books for inspiration. Sometimes because I just don't have time to look elsewhere. Other times, because I have so many unrealized images yet to be created. But how do I find more time for art, for new ideas? I don't really know. Or even to create the ones I already have?