We started off May with one of our best shows, Texas Frightmare Weekend in Dallas, Fort Worth. One of my all time favorite Horror Conventions, Frightmare did not disappoint. Sales were a little down from last year, but still above average.

2 Weeks later, we were off on our 2 week long trip to the Midwest. Denver Comic Con and Phoenix Comicon. Driving through Utah to Colorado was beautiful trip. I love to show rather than tell, so here are a bunch of photos from the road:

And our table and booth Setups at both shows:

At Phoenix Comicon I got to work on quite a bit of commissions. These were drawings of some of the TV actors that were guests at the show. Summer Glau as River Tam from Serenity, Lexa Doig from Andromeda , Alyson Hannigan as Willow from Buffy, Katee Sackhoff as Sarbuck from Battlestar Galectica, Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase from Buffy and Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow from The Flash:

The post May Shows Recap appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

I want to share this cute little piece I recently painted right before I went off to Keen Halloween. It is a 5″x 7″ acrylic painting on wooden panel. Just this weekend at the Hollywood Farmers market, I sold it to a very lovely couple who buy from me frequently. Just last month they had bought my original Dark Mad Hatter painting. It’s so exciting to have such loyal fans

Although I don’t have the original anymore, I do still have prints available in my Etsy store and will be selling them at upcoming shows. Sizes that I have available are 4″ x 6″, 8.5″ x 11″ and 11″ x 14″.

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One piece of advice I have heard often was “don’t spread yourself out too thin.” Spreading yourself out thin means taking on more opportunities and commitments than you can handle. It can result in overwhelm, exhaustion and burn out. I have been there myself.
About a year ago I was participating in 4-6 art shows and craft fairs a month for a whole year. Besides making products and trying to create nice looking displays, I was trying to stay on top of my marketing, online promotions and producing new art. I was also a member of an art group, attending self-development seminars and consigning with a few different boutiques in LA. It got pretty exhausting to say the least and eventually I get burned out, resulting in me taking a break and having a hard time motivating myself to get back into the game.
I think one main problem was being too afraid to miss an opportunity. I said yes to everything that came along. I have no regrets because I have learned something from this experience. The most important lesson I learned was when to say No.
Sometimes even though an opportunity seems good, you have to ask yourself if it’s going to benefit your business in the long run. Is it worth your time and energy? Shouldn’t you focus on only a few key areas that will help you the most?
However, if you are trying to get your name out there as an artist, you also want to spread yourself out as much as possible, right? Because the more places you are, the better.
I believe there is a balance between specializing and spreading out. You have to find that sweet spot between trying to be everywhere without trying to do every thing.
I’m still learning but I’m definitely getting better at it.

The post Getting Your Art Out There Without Losing Your Mind: Finding that Sweet Spot appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

Here is some more art inspired by the Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch. She is a Gothic Steampunk Witch wearing a curly hat and brown dress with a skull belt. At first this was just a simple sketch. I was working on note cards to sell at my Etsy store. But as I continue working on it, it turned into a full painting. I definitely got a lot of enjoyment out of painting her.

I have her available as a print for sale in my Etsy store. Gothic Steampunk Witch is printed on archival heavyweight 8.5″ x 11″ paper with a 1″ white boarder around the image for easy matting. Comes unframed and unmatted. Colors are bright and beautiful. Netter than on screen. Signed by me!

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Check out this wonderful collection from the talent of my FAEteam on Etsy. These are truly remarkable gifts and I wanted to share them with the world. I even have one of my own pieces in there, “Little Mermaid Steampunk Pendant”

Trinkets & Toadstools, Chapter 2′ by FAEteam

Flutter to FAEteam blog for the team’s entire springtime exhibition.

Steamy Love Charm Necklace

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

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This Alice in Wonderland Print set includes 5 of your favorite characters: The Cheshire Cat, Dark Alice in Wonderland, Queen of Hearts, Zombie Mad Hatter and the Vampire White Rabbit. Each print is 4″ x 6″ and by me. Each print separately costs $5. If you get 5, one is free. What a deal!!! I always sell out of these at shows. Each print is printed on high quality glossy Epson photo paper. Beautiful bright colors. Looks even better in person. You can frame them and hang them up as a cluster on your wall.

The post Alice in Wonderland Art Prints: 5 mini prints in a set appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

If you are planning on being a vendor at an art fair or convention, here are some ideas to consider for a more worthwhile experience. Especially when sales are slow and your expectations have dropped to just wanting to break even,  consider that time is not wasted if you are actively engaged in marketing your brand. Considering the amount of time and money you spend preparing for the event, making products, buying supplies, displays and promo materials, setting up and tearing down, it is important to get the most out of your time. You are not always going to hit your sales goals. But you can always make contacts, build relationships and gain more subscribers to your mailing list.

Engage in Conversation.  When people come to your booth, say “hello, how are you doing” and try to engage in a conversation. People will be more likely to buy something from you if you are friendly and can chat them up. You can ask people questions about themselves, where they are from or what they like. You never know who you will meet or what you might learn and often times more talk will lead you to figure out what that person likes and you will have a better idea of what you can offer them for sale. I have made more sales this way.

Personally hand them your business card/promo card. If they seem interested in your work, hand them a business card. I have found people are more responsive when you personally hand them something rather than them having to pick it up themselves. When you hand it to them, mention a deal you are having in your booth or online store.

Get people to sign up for your mailing list. You should always ask people to sign up for your mailing list when they buy something from you. Even if someone doesn’t buy anything but shows a genuine interest in your work, let them know you have a mailing list sign-up and explain to them the benefits of being on your mailing list. Ex “You will get updates on my latest work” or “I frequently host giveaways and you have a chance to win free art”. The more people on your mailing list, the more people you can promote to on a regular basis.

Network with other vendors. I’m surprised more vendors don’t do this. Make sure to bring someone with you to the event so that you have a chance to leave your booth every once in while. Most likely, during the curse of the day, there will be down time–a time when sales are slow to non-existent. During that time is the perfect opportunity to leave your booth and socialize with other vendors. You never know who you will meet or what you will learn. I’ve made great friends and learned of new opportunities this way. Some of those vendors can also end up being your best customers and fans.

Connect with people after the event. If you followed my advice above, you probably met quite a few new creative people and taken their business cards. When you get home, follow them on twitter, friend them on Facebook or like their Facebook pages. If I especially made a connection with someone, I will send them a quick email letting them know how nice it was to meet them and give them link to my social networks so they can connect with me. Building relationships is key and will eventually lead to more opportunities and sales.

There is more to do at a convention or art show besides making sales. If you consider sales to be the only important and valid payoff to get out of a show, you will be missing out on the greatest opportunity for building a fan base and creating lasting benefits for your business. Your time is important so make it count.

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I want to make new style pendants. I would like to know which style I should go with. Which would you buy? Please help me by choosing from these 3 images: Leave a comment with your vote!

1. Steampunk Mad Hatter

2. Steampunk Mad Hatter Rectangle

3. Mad Hatter Simple

1. Steampunk Mad Hatter

2. Steampunk Mad Hatter Rectangle

3. Mad Hatter Simple

The post Pick your Favorite Pendant Style! appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

For the past couple of years selling fairy tale art at various conventions and art shows, I have heard many people ask about Wizard of Oz. After seeing how well my Alice in Wonderland Characters have been received, I have decided to create a new character series for Oz. As always I like to add my own twist on popular stories. For my first painting of the series, I have the Wicked Witch of the West in Steampunk style. Because I love Steampunk and fairy tales, the idea of combining the two was irresistible to me.

I have hand-painted all of the textured layers you see in this digital painting.

The post The Wicked Witch of the West: The beginning of Wizard of Oz Art Series appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

If you are looking for some unique goods in Los Angeles, Co-op 28 Handmade is the place to visit. This fantastic boutique is filled with an amazing collection of handmade products from local artists and artisans.
I have some of my own Gothic fantasy jewelry in there myself. Come support your local handmade small businesses!

Proudly representing over 115 local, national and international artisans, Co-op 28 is an eclectic unisex co-operative boutique selling jewelry, clothing, accessories, bath and body products, infant and child’s wear, pillows, candles and many more original, one of a kind gifts located on Vermont Ave. in the heart of Los Feliz. Our merchandise is all handmade or produced by independent designers from around the world, brought to you in a warm and inviting space.

They are located at: 1728 N. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, California 90027

The post LA Boutiques: Co-op 28 Handmade & Vintage appeared first on Diana Levin Art.

Like with every artist, my brain sometimes gets plagued by a disease called self-doubt. Sometimes it’s so subtle that i barely realize what is happening. Symptoms might include comparing myself to other artists, procrastination and hiding out from the world. We all experience it from time to time, even the best of us. I just have to remind myself that thoughts in my head are not real and self doubt is only natural when confronted with pressure to perform.

So how do you treat self-doubt? Put down your phone, shut off facebook and stop looking at other people’s artwork. Go to your studio and start working. Throw yourself into your art. You will have terrible paintings. But with every 3 bad paintings, you will create that one good one. We all have those bad paintings that we don’t show anyone. Bad paintings are a sign that you are taking risks and pushing yourself beyond whats comfortable. If you never have any bad paintings, you are not challenging yourself enough. Let yourself evolve. Take risks, fail miserably and be extraordinary.

Now that I’m taking a stab at Ebay, I’m committed to posting something new everyday. So today I posted Fox Spirit Animal, a little ACEO original painting. I have been painted on mini canvas for a while and wanted to see how they do on Ebay. They are quick and fun to make.

Next I relisted a pendant on Etsy.

Cute Baby Unicorn Heart Glass Pendant

Cute Baby Unicorn Fantasy Jewelry -HEART GLASS PENDANT is a lovely necklace perfect all of those who love of beautiful mythological creatures. Show off your unicorn pride.The Baby unicorn has a little ladybug perched on his rear. He is looking intently at the insect and I wonder what he is thinking. Set against a hot pink background. The glass cameo pendant is set in a 1″ x 1″ antique bronze heart shaped bezel. 3 Colors are available to choose from: Green, Hot Pink and Light Violet. It comes with a Antique inspired bronze chain. The chain is 24″ in length but can easily be adjusted to any length.

Selling Art on Ebay; Is it worth it? Is it possible to make any money? These are the questions I want to answer. I remember about 5 or 6 years ago I tried selling on Ebay. I dreamed of making a living off my art by selling artwork online.  I remember selling 2 original drawings and a few prints. I got frustrated because I kept making new listings but could not seem to sell anymore. Deciding that it was not that market for me, I stopped and did not try again until much later. Throughout the years I have attempted to step into the Ebay world from time to time only to get discouraged by seeing so many talented artists selling their originals for pennies. Who can compete with that? Certainly not me.

Now I know what they were doing. It seems that the success to selling original art on Ebay ( art sold directly from the artist, not a well known artist),  is by starting off with horrendously low prices. Than eventually when you start growing a following, getting your name out there, yada yada,  you can steadily raise the prices as the market value for your art increases. Now that makes sense, right? By that time you have people hooked.

I am curious again. If had stuck it out with Ebay for a while longer, stubbornly listing artwork over and over with cheaper prices and being patient that someone would finally get interested, would I be able to eventually make sales and carve out a niche for myself? I hear of artists who have done just that. They were persistent and eventually it paid off. So I’m wondering that perhaps I might give it one more chance and allow for more time before making any decisions about it.

So to make this fun, I decided to think of this as an experiment or even a game. Already I have subscribed to a basic store and I will fill it up with originals over time. Every day I will paint something new and post a new piece. Most of my paintings are going to be small, simple and super affordable. At the same time I will research the market and see which artists are successful and why.

Today I listed a 6″ x 8″ painting of a cherry blossom tree. It is very simple as you can tell, yet hopefully striking enough for someone to find a spot for it on their wall. The auction starts at only $20 and the buyout price is $30.  It is definitely a different brand of art than what I have been turning out so far. However, I have been meaning to experiment with more of a decorative new age style. It was fun to make.

Do you like mermaids? Check out these cute products from my Society 6 store:

No matter what Valentine’s Day means to you, whether going on a day with your honey or spending a singles night out with your best single friends, celebrate the day of love this this cute cat print.

Love Cats Valentine’s Day Art Print is a lovely piece for a perfect Valentine’s Day Gift. Give to someone you love or even to yourself. The cat like creatures are a bit creepy, starring out with big dark eyes and heart shaped noses.But they are also super cute…and pink!!!

In my previous article, I have made a list of all of my 2012 accomplishments.. I believe it is important to reflect on what my accomplishments were and than focus on what I would like to accomplish the year to come. Every year I get excited because I get to buy a fresh new planner/calendar and fill it up with all of my goals and creative possibilities.There are a few key points I try to keep in mind when planning out my business goals and actions.

1. I Make room for new plans by getting rid of those that are just not relevant anymore.

2. I try to set goals that are realistic but with a bit of a challenge.

3. I Write everything down. When I write things down, set actual specific dates and specific actions, I put it into existence, When it’s just in my head, it’s easy to forget or brush aside. When it’s written, it becomes more real.

4. I Tell people about my plans and what I would like to accomplish. The more its out there, the more real it becomes. And friends and family might surprise me by helping me out in ways I never imagined.

These are just some of the ideas that really help me to achieve my goals.

too often when thinking about our businesses, we tend to only focus on what hasn’t been achieved yet. At least for me it has always been about what still needs to be done or how far I still need to go before reaching my ultimate goals. Although it is valuable to assess where I am in relation to my goals, thinking this way sometimes leaves me feeling like I have somehow fallen short. So to end the year 2012, I have decided to put together a list of everything I accomplished in my business during 2012. And as I set there writing this list, I realized that I actually have come a long way.

I got into the Hive Gallery in Downtown LA as a resident artist

Had a successful Holiday sales season–quadrupled my sales from last year

Signed a licensing deal with a successful clothing and print company–Lowbrow Art Company

Started selling my jewelry at a new store: Co-op 28 Handmade in Hollywood

created lots of new art

expended my zazzle store product line and am making 1-2 sales a day: Now I offer iphone cases and skins, mugs, t-shirts, calendars, journals, totes and more..

Opened my own market stall at Crafted at the Port of LA–even though I closed it after 3 months, it was great experience overall and I got a sense of what it was like having my own permanent shop

Exhibited at a variety of art shows and conventions: Wondercon Anaheim, Designer Con, Batz Day Holiday Show, Pink Parlor Festival, Ink For a Cause, Knotts Berry Farm Christmas Village, HPLovecraft Festival, zombie Fashion Show in Downtown, a more…

Signed up over 300 new fans to my newsletter mailing list

Met lots of new people and built some great relationships

““““

What is your list? What have you accomplished in 2012?

 

Franken Fairy with Bat Wings, Gothic Fantasy Art Print is ready to be framed and hung on a wall. The Franken Fairy is all stitched up from parts of other fairies. It’s a little morbid but cute. Frankenstein didn’t just create scary monsters. He also created cute fairies with bat wings. She is wearing a skull bow and a pink dress with heals while sitting on a mushroom.

This Print is 8 1/2″ x 11″ with a white 1″ inch border around the image for easy framing. Printed on high quality archival Epson ink jet paper. It comes unframed. Beautiful vibrant colors. Looks even better in person than on screen. Convo me for larger sizes. Print is signed by the artist.

It comes in a clear plastic bag and a stiff unbendable envelope.

Alice In Wonderland Necklace Fairy Tale pendant is a wonderful fantasy piece. Its perfect to give as a gift to someone or wear it yourself.
One of my favorite fairy tales is Alice in Wonderland. This cute little girl is wearing an Alice in Wonderland costume and is holding a bunny toy by the ear. I call her Miss Wonderland. The Glass Pendant Art is created from my Miss Wonderland digital painting.
The glass cameo is set in a beautiful Antique Vintage Bronze Setting. The whole piece measures 40mm Tall x 35mm Wide.
It comes with a vintage Antique bronze chain.

Introducing the Gothic Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland glass Pendant. Monsters are not just for Halloween anymore. Even as a grotesque zombie, the Mad Hatter seems to keep his elegant charm. If you like Alice in Wonderland but want to see something beyond the Disney or Tim Burton version, than this pendant was made just for you.

The Mad Hatter has a corpse-like greenish complexion and vacant zombie eyes. He is wearing his traditional suite and funky bow tie and an oversize top hat. On top of the hat sits a little pesky demon ready to munch on some brains.
the glass pendant is 1 1/4″ tall by 7/8″ wide with rounded edges. Secured with resin in the back to make it sturdy and waterproof.

Introducing the Gothic Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland Antique Style Pendant. Monsters are not just for Halloween anymore. Even as a grotesque zombie, the Mad Hatter seems to keep his elegant charm. If you like Alice in Wonderland but want to see something beyond the Disney or Tim Burton version, than this pendant was made just for you.
The Mad Hatter has a corpse-like greenish complexion and vacant zombie eyes. He is wearing his traditional suite and funky bow tie and an oversize top hat. On top of the hat sits a little pesky demon ready to munch on some brains.

The glass cameo is set in a beautiful Antique Vintage Bronze Setting. The whole piece measures 40mm Tall x 35mm Wide.
It comes with a vintage Antique bronze chain. The chain is 24″ in length but can easily be adjusted to any length. Please convo me if you would like it shortened.

Love Alice in Wonderland? Check out these other cute pendants of other characters:
White Rabbit
Queen of Hearts
Alice in Wonderland
Cheshire Cat

Introducing the Gothic Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland Antique Style Pendant. Monsters are not just for Halloween anymore. Even as a grotesque zombie, the Mad Hatter seems to keep his elegant charm. If you like Alice in Wonderland but want to see something beyond the Disney or Tim Burton version, than this pendant was made just for you.
The Mad Hatter has a corpse-like greenish complexion and vacant zombie eyes. He is wearing his traditional suite and funky bow tie and an oversize top hat. On top of the hat sits a little pesky demon ready to munch on some brains.

The glass cameo is set in a beautiful Antique Vintage Bronze Setting. The whole piece measures 40mm Tall x 35mm Wide.
It comes with a vintage Antique bronze chain. The chain is 24″ in length but can easily be adjusted to any length. Please convo me if you would like it shortened.

Love Alice in Wonderland? Check out these other cute pendants of other characters:
White Rabbit
Queen of Hearts
Alice in Wonderland
Cheshire Cat

Lucky Black Cat Heart Pendant–Gothic Glass Necklace is the perfect charm for cat lovers. Whether you believe in superstitions or it’s just its fun to think about, the black cat heart charm is a delicious little trinket for your whimsical imagination. Maybe you have that eccentric friend who would love this as a gift. The heart glass pendant is 1 1/4″ tall by 1 1/4″ wide. The silver bail is attached firmly to the back. It’s sturdy and waterproof. Resin in the back for best quality.

 

Bettie Page Sex Kitten Pin-Up Girl Glass Pendant is for the perfect accessory for showing off your wild side. The cute little pin-up girl is sporting a Bettie Page style hair due, a whip in hand and a mischievous expression on her face. The background is pretty pink vertical stripes.
This Glass Tile Pendant is 1 1/4″ tall by 7/8″ wide.

Dark Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland Stories and Fairytales fantasy art print is a fiendishly delightful piece of art for boring walls. Monsters are not just for Halloween anymore. Even as a grotesque zombie, the Mad Hatter seems to keep his elegant charm. If you like Alice in Wonderland but want to see something beyond the Disney or Tim Burton version, than this print was made just for you.
The Mad Hatter has a corpse-like greenish complexion and vacant zombie eyes. He is wearing his traditional suite and funky bow tie and an oversize top hat. On top of the hat sits a little pesky demon ready to munch on some brains.
Print is 8 1/2″ x 11″ with a white 1″ inch border around the image. Printed on high quality archival Epson paper. It comes unframed. Beautiful colors
Other sizes are available:
4″x6″ mini prints- $5
11″ x 14″- $25
13″ x 19″ – $50
And custom sizes

Signed by the artist

Comes in a clear plastic sleeve and shipped in a stiff envelope.