Friday, March 06, 2009

Surtex Shuffle and card ideas

There were some changes going on over at the Surtex show in which all the booth numbers had been re-assigned. Now we are in booth #552. Luckily, I haven't had any printed materials made yet. The group I am with is Vivid graphics and there are 5 of us. We'll be meeting soon to discuss the displays in our booth. Exciting!

I've been feeling very overwhelmed lately. So much so that I feel like I haven't been very productive with my time and energy. I haven't spent much time working on my licensing portfolio but instead feeling paralyzed and guilty. Last night, I finally stayed up to work on a few pieces:
I've been doing some research on licensing, and there are great resources out there such as the art of licensing yahoo group, Tara Reed's ebook on doing trade shows, and my fellow illustration for kids member Holli Conger documenting her Surtex show planning on her blog.

So far, I've had mixed feelings on licensing...such as doing art work on spec, artwork being kept in a private gallery, etc. which is very different from doing illustration. I am learning alot so far, and we'll see where this journey takes me.

7 comments:

roz said...

Good luck at surtex, I'm sure your work will be well received!!! I'd be overwhelmed too. You have a lot you're going through on top of getting ready for a wedding!!
xo

Lisa M Griffin said...

I just love the design you created for the second birthday card. Wonderful! Have a great weekend.

Zari said...

wonderful designs! I'm sure everything is going to be great at surtex! ;)

Unknown said...

Hi Jannie...wonderful news!!! have fun at the show and these new designs are fab!!!

Deb said...

Hi Jannie....glad to know I'm not the only one suffering from paralysis! Surface design can make you crazy!!! :o) so much to do and so little time. This will be my third year to attend. Each year gets better but still hard to stay focused and I agree, the designing on spec is tough. I'm back and forth all the time on where I should be putting my energies. Illustration or licensing. It's basically like holding down 2 full time jobs!! The good thing is that your work is so commercial and so FUN! I think you will be a hit at the show. Be prepared though, the real work comes after the show when you have to send off samples to all your new contacts!

Vela said...

Ah yes, spec work, the dirty little secret of the licensing world. It can be frustrating. The hope is that you create pieces that you can license for multiple categories. Your work is great, and should definitely find a home on a number of different products.

Crissy said...

The cards are adorable!!