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Today, I am starting a new series called Fan Slam! Every Sunday I'll post some of my favorite, new-to-me Etsy artists. Today's theme is pet art. These folks are doing it in a way that I find is so fresh and fun! I'm a new fan of...
 | | Image: © Indigo Twin |
IND I GO TWIN http://www.etsy.com/shop/indigotwinThese two ladies, sisters out of Maine, make paper mache folk art sculptures that run the gamut of animals, paople, and characters of all kinds. They do custom pet sculptures, which are really outstanding—so full of personality, complex and quirky. They also do other custom commissions as well. I'm nuts about Indigo Twin!  | | Image: © John W. Golden |
I have come across some neat ways artists are doing what they can to help raise money to fund relief efforts for Japan. I want to share them with you. If you choose to take part, whether you're donating art or purchasing it, you're helping. That's pretty great. Please feel free to leave any additions to this list in the comments. Thanks!
Call for Art: Art for Japan
The "Art For Japan" auction will be held in early April 2011. The call for art is happening now, so if you are an artist interested in helping with your art, here's one way. All funds will go to AmeriCares. AmeriCares is a nonpartisan and nondenominational organization which uses 99% of its revenue on its charitable programs. Art for Japan's organizers did homework to find a charity to donate to that upholds certain important standards and they found that AmeriCares rated four stars on CharityNavigator.org. I appreciate that fact. Art For Japan does not a web site yetbut you can email [email protected] for more info. If you would like to contribute, deadline for receiving donations is March 31, 2011. I will be donating a couple of prints myself, so please stay tuned!
Raffle: Japan Quake Appeal by Bari J.
Bari J., a fabric, sewing pattern and surface designer extraordinaire, is holding a Japan relief raffle on her blog. The prize is fantastic - a beautiful handmade purse she made herself with her own Country Lane fabric. It is even made with one of her own sewing patterns (Hell-ooo! It this too cute, or what?!) She is also adding a pack of her Country Lane fabric as well as some cool charms to the raffle prize. Donating and joining the raffle is easy to do, and because you complete your donation before you officially enter the raffle, it's a nice feeling to know that your donation is already in the pipeline. Instructions are on her blog post (please click here and then scroll down to the second blog post on March 16, 2011.) The drawing will be held on March 26, 2011 so if you want to enter the raffle, don't wait!
Other sites: Kelly Light's Ripple Blog
the Ripple blog art auction
Fairly recently, I read " Breaking Into Freelance Illustration" by illustrator and author Holly DeWolf. I actually learned about the book before it was even published. A couple of years ago, Holly asked me if I would be interested in contributing to the book, and I was very happy to oblige. I knew Holly from the online community of illustrators, and I knew that whatever she was writing would be something I'd be eager to read myself! Her book saw the light of publishing day in September 2009 ( F+W/HOW Books) and I of course could not wait to get my copy from Amazon. When it arrived, I couldn't put it down. Three things I love about this bookIts a creative business book that's also a fun readThere is no slogging through the content in this book. It's packaged well in fun-sized, easily digestible morsels. This helps make it an addictive read. It's a flexible one, too—for the reader, it would be as comfortable to consume the entire book in a few longer sittings, as it would be to pop off a few pages at a time over the course of a couple weeks, say, on your daily commute. It features real-deal conversations, observations and advice from a variety of active, working illustrators and designersI love that there's snippets from working professionals from all walks of illustration: children's, editorial, art licensing, logo designers, and more. This not only helps to illustrate personal experiences in so many different areas of the industry, but it also illuminates how similar all of our experiences as creative professionals are, how we all often struggle with the same fundamental challenges, and how some general solutions to these problems can be retro-fitted to our own particular situation with just a fresh eye and an open mind. Though each of us may concentrate on different areas of the industry and, as such, have very individualized, specific goals for our respective work, there is more that is fundamentally similar in all of our experiences than is different. A great introductory book for young illustrators... and a good reminder manual for the establishedMany business books for creatives tout the same, classic, tried-and-true fundamentals. Good advice is good advice, right? This book shares some of the same, but also shares so much more—Holly's voice shines right through the words on the page. She's personable and honest, like a good friend who doesn't sugarcoat things. Holly acts as an invisible mentor, dispensing some real tough-love advice, but in a completely comfy, "positive-vibes" type of package. She definitely has a way with words, proving a strong ability to cover a lot of material in a way that's neither overwhelming nor disorganized, while maintaining her loose, conversational tone. All in all, it's an easily digestible book on the business of art that's great for artists who have an aversion to business books. There is a lot more to love about this book. If this mini-review has piqued your interest, I hope you will pick it up!
As I mentioned in a previous post, I visited my extremely talented and funny friend, famed licensed artist Ellen Crimi-Trent the weekend before last. I would like to share with you some of the faboo things she gave me in our fun Holiday Swap... Check it out!
Look at the snowman gift bag! The ear muffs are flocked and they are soft and velvety.
I realize that I am a super geek but I never get tired of seeing friend's/other artists I admire's names in print and on the bottom of a gift bag, for instance. I know it is very geeky of me but hey, it is a big deal. It is something I aspire to myself and I am proud to know Ellen and others who are so successful at market in this business! I think it always will be exciting for me, I will always be cheering. And, look, it had BETTER be exciting and stay that way, if I plan to be in the art licensing biz myself for the long haul -and I do!! :)
Here is another type of gift package featuring the same collection of art. This one comes with a cute red ribbon. Very snazzy.
Look at this cute gift bag with the adorable character doggie with the funny blue sweater and the gift! On one side (the top pic), there is flat art. On the other side (bottom pic) it is a die-cut 3D dog attached to the bag.(You can see the shadow where the doggy stands out.) Pretty cool! And, there are also greeting cards in this collection, which also feature the 3D design. So neat!
I love this candy cane bag - I especial
Poppets on my mantle
(L-R: Me, Ruby, Matt, Daisy)
I have admired Claudine Hellmuth's work for several years now. Ever since I discovered her work and her wonderful "Poppet" artwork, I imagined how fun it would be to have my family "Poppet"-ized! Well, time comes and goes, and before I knew it, I'd never ordered those Poppets I'd promised myself. Well, this year in particular, I've learned through personal experience that it serves no one in the end to wait on things you want to do... or, for that matter, wait on things that perhaps you simply just want. So, partly in honor of this lesson, I went for it and ordered my Poppets a couple of weeks ago. Horray!! Well, they arrived TODAY, and I could not be happier!!! Thanks to Claudine for her wonderful work, and what a fun process, too. Truly painless, streamlined, and fun. Claudine, you make it a cake walk for us to have our very own custom Poppets! You have really streamlined the entire customer experience and made it easy and fun. The final product is so absolutely charming and whimsical, they bring a smile to my face (if not an outright chuckle) every time. Thank you! My Poppet proof (from Claudine)
Package full of Poppets
Susan Abbott's painting series "Dream Tables" first caught my eye while I was casually flipping through the September issue of Watercolor Artist magazine. I sometimes like the art I see in WA, and sometimes it doesn't interest me much. But one of the things I like about the magazine is that they feature all types of watercolor art, displaying all style facets of the medium and stories about the artists. When I turned the page and saw Susan Abbott's paintings, they didn't immediately hit me over the head. Instead, they crept up on me like a chili pepper that's relatively mild to taste at first, but then quietly, methodically takes over the taste buds. Her paintings are at first a juggernaut study of composition, pattern, and shape that work well as a huge composition. Give it a little longer though and soon you'll find yourself engulfed in all the subtleties. These details don't reward a casual viewer —it feel like you have found a little treasure every time you happen upon one. The way the shadow dances on a pitcher, or the hyper-real focus of the flowers above the table, which allows the viewer to "feel" the intangible space between the long, tall orchid and the table below it. Susan's patterns and colors play beautifully across the picture scape —never overwhelming, one color, hue, texture or pattern complimenting the one surrounding it, but also harmonizing with the bigger composition. Her paintings are true ensemble pieces. The whole is made up of all the players working in concert with each other, all making beautiful music together.
By: Kathy Weller,
on 8/20/2009
Blog: wellerwishes
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Here is a banner opportunity to gain a LOT of practical information on crafting your career as a professional artist, all in ONE DAY, and for one reasonable price. There are seminars and workshops I've read about (and several I've attended) which cover the ins and outs of particular niche arts professions. But this looks to be the most well-rounded, ONE day-long seminar I've seen yet which tackles marketing yourself as a professional artist from so many broad angles. The only thing I've seen close to this in depth and breadth is the seminars available at Surtex Show and, to a larger extent, Licensing International. These shows each run for 3 - 5 days and the seminars and workshops they offer are about 1.5 hours each. But there are so many seminars and workshops over the course of 3-5 days, that you can pick and choose from many, many topics of interest. I've taken many seminars at both of those shows and I've got my money's worth. But I can tell you that it cost *mucho dinero* to take the classes alone, never mind the travel and hotel expenses involved. This workshop costs only $200 (well, $195, officially) for one full day. You get to choose four seminars out of eight offered, which breaks down to $50 per seminar, which is a good price per seminar (for comparison's sake, Surtex seminars last 1.5 hours and are $75 each). Plus, there will be time to talk shop with others in a social atmosphere at the beginning and end of the day. If you are in the Boston area (or will be September 13), and you are a working artist in need of some information, resources and a little guidance in a few key areas, OR you are a student about to fly the college coop, it's most definitely worth checking out. Great opportunity to gain a lot for not a lot of time or money! I've attended workshops and seminars with Carol Eldridge and I can highly recommend her to anyone interested in learning about art licensing. Here is a list of the titles and speakers who will be presenting:
Art Licensing: What it takes with Carol Eldridge, Carol Eldridge Designs
Art Marketing Today: New guidelines with Susan Fader, Ditto Editions Art Etiquette: The Do(s) and Don't(s) with Suzanne Schultz, Canvas Fine Art Gallery Copyright & More: Know the laws with Brian LeClair, IP Attorney Art Reproduction Today: Get the facts with Susan Fader, Ditto Editions Art Representation: Is it for you? with Suzanne Schultz, Canvas Fine Art Gallery
Social Networking: How & Why with Corissa St. Laurant , Constant Contact Speakers' web sitesCarol Eldridge (Art Licensing): http://www.caroleldridgedesigns.com/
Susan Fader (Art Marketing Today, Art Reproduction Today): http://www.dittoeditions.com/
Suzanne Schultz (Art Representation): http://www.canvasfinearts.com/
Brian LeClair (Artists' Copyright Issues): PDF bio downloadCorissa St. Laurant (Social Networking): http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp
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Art Marketing 21 Day DetailsDate: SUNDAY, SEPT. 13, 2009, 8:30-5:30 Place: M2L, 104 BOYLSTON ST., BOSTON • Participants select to attend 4 seminars from the 8 offered -- 2 from the morning session and 2 from the afternoon session) ALSO INCLUDED: COFFEE AND PASTRY During Check -In. COCKTAIL RECEPTION at the conclusion of the day. THE COST FOR THE DAY IS $195.00
Registration form PDF Email: [email protected].
Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of spending the day with my friend, art licensing superstar and all-around great lady Carol Eldridge! Carol and her hubby Kenny (a.k.a. The Captain) hosted me in their beautiful town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Carol took me to a delicious lunch at the boat club. I ordered what she ordered. Hey, I'm no copycat, but I know that Carol knows what's good there! Lobster salad and boy it was delicious. Then a mini sundae for dessert. Perfectly cute and tasty. Then we got to go onto the water! Though I live in Cambridge which is also town on the water, and I live in Massachusetts which is a state laden with beaches, I rarely get to the beach myself. I'll be the first person to admit that I need to step back and smell the roses once in awhile - in fact I can't remember the last time that I actually went to the beach. And loving the ocean as I do, well that is just a shame. So this was a gigantic treat for me. We boarded the Carol Ann, which is the Eldridge's beautiful boat. Captain Kenny was commandeering the boat when we arrived. Being on a boat really forces you to relax, and the Carol Ann is such a nice and comfy cozy, classic, lobster-type boat. I love the style of it. Boating is truly a lifestyle for the Eldridges. I can definitely see the draw. I think it just permeates your whole attitude about life, and everything in it, in a positive way. I can see how boating could go from a hobby to a serious lifestyle in no time flat. One minute, you could be taking sailing lessons, and the next minute, you could be shopping for your own boat and looking into local boat clubs! Seriously. It's just a wonderful feeling to be on a boat and so relaxed, spending time in the sun, on the water, with great company, and the gentle breezes and boat rocking, the birds flying around, the scenery, and all the other boaters sailing by. It is truly a poetic experience and I highly recommend it! Thanks, Carol and Kenny!!
 Last week, leaving the grocery store, I noticed a box filled with picture books, donated for local kids who need them. I looked in the in the box, just out of curiosity. Sitting right on top was a book called "Bears" by Ruth Krauss. Wow! My socks were knocked off. Not only do I enjoy Ruth Krauss's wonderful stories and poems and artwork, but this actual book was copyright 1948, and was in pristine condition to boot. I flipped through the book and took photos of the spreads. Oh how I coveted it! But at least I have these pictures. Check them out here.
(Now that I know that box is there, I will contribute and bring a copy of "The Months" to the grocery store, next time I go!)
By: Kathy Weller,
on 2/2/2008
Blog: wellerwishes
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 The talented illustrator and blogger extraordinaire Megan E. Jefferey wrote this excellent essay to mark her SEVENTEENTH anniversary as a freelance artist. Lucky for us, she decided to share it with us all.
I discovered this post right around the time that she first posted it to her blog (August 2006). In it, I discovered so many gems of wisdom that were so pertinent to me at the time! (Come to find out, they truly still are.) I thanked her profusely for sharing it, and promptly hung the essay list on a wall in my office.
Cut to a year and a half later. I did a little rearranging in my office studio last night, and I came across my copy of "17 Things", which fell off my wall a year and a half ago. I read again, with just as much interest and thirst for the information as I did back then. It contains such evergreen wisdom which is applicable for freelancers in their first, fifth, and fifteenth year!! I hope you get as much out of this as I did (and still do)!
Hey Meg, thank you SO much (again). :) ...And, by now -- Ta - Da!!! -- you are WELL INTO into your 18TH YEAR!! Big Congratulations, Meg!!!!
View a Video clip
Harry the Dirty Dog
by Gene Zion, ill. by Margaret Bloy Graham
View a Video clip
Inch by Inch
by Leo Lionni
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Ish
by Peter H. Reynolds
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Awesome interview :) I especially love the elephants and the top!!
Megan! I love them too! Aren't they great? And the colors are sublime. Those particular shades of blue and pink... Love them :)