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.

This year's Holiday Cards!

My holiday cards finally came from the printers!

They are available at my shop!

**and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!**

Taking a class=procrasination zapper

I'm currently taking a greeting card/licensing class at The School of Visual Arts this semester. Many people are asking why someone like me need to take a class like this. The main reason is that I need deadlines, and it seems that if I don't have them, I don't get anything done. I've been talking about venturing out beyond children's books for a long time but can't get my butt into gear.

Don't get me wrong. I have alot more goals I need to accomplish in the world of children's books (like writing my own book, having a series, taking over the world with chickens, etc.) but there are so much more beyond, like licensing and even "grown up" editorial work. If I don't get those things cooking, it won't magically happen over night.

On another note, I feel like I've been writing alot of "sorry for the late reply" emails. I've been very absent-minded lately, so I apologize to anyone who has emailed or commented here and I haven't replied. Please know I always appreciate them. Cluck cluck!

New Greeting Cards

I finally made this blank greeting card out of the illustration I did from The Wish Trees giveaway post. I don't have any real personal stationary to use for everyday so this will be very handy.

You know how when you are an artist, and your friends and family expect that everything you give them must be handmade or with your art on them, especially greeting cards? Hey, sometimes I don't have time and have to pick up a Hallmark card! My mom seems to be disappointed when that happens though.
I've also put some of them in my shop. Its been seriously neglected but I hope to be back into it soon.

Lunch?

Another attempt at going through my fabric stash: fabric collage on watercolor paper greeting card.

Oh how funny with all the comments on the coupon! Everyone is taking up on the free chicken leg offer, I better stock up :-) I think I will do a real promo with it. It will be fun to see who actually redeems the coupon.

Shop Update

Yay, the cards are here from the printers!

Also my first fine archival art print available! This piece I did for Illustration Friday is now showing at the Open bookstore in California. It is now a swanky giclee print. All in the shop!

Greeting cards

I'm taking a greeting cards class at the School of Visual Arts this summer. When I tell people this, I get alot of "Why do YOU need to take a greeting cards class?" Partly for motivation and inspiration, meeting new people, and simply for me to get out of my studio once in a while. The first assignment was to "create two 5 x7 cards using an icon, exploring different mediums." Ok, I have to admit, I was not thrilled about this assignment. After all, I know how I like to create my illustrations (the computer) and thats that, right? But after a little thought and seeing it as a challenge, it made perfect sense that I started using my left over scraps of fabric to create something.

These cards were made using leftovers- watercolor paper (when I use to paint!), fabric scraps, felt. sobo glue and the sewing machine. They were like mini quilts except I feel they were less constricting....I didn't have a need to sew everything, some pieces were glued when I felt necessary. Anyways, I enjoyed making these very much, so you'll be seeing more of these soon!

Chicken Love

An anniversary card for Math Boy- its been three years and I can still remember our first date like it was yesterday- meeting on the corner of Houston and Mulbery St. And yes, he turned out to be a good egg!