Dreary Day

Today's forecast called for snow. That's what I was expecting. Instead, we got rain and snow mix. This wintry mix made the day seem gloomy and dreary. My mood felt the effects nonetheless. To cheer me up, I decided to draw some flowers with poster markers. I did feel a little better afterwards. I guess I needed that pick me up.

The Art of Freelancing

For the past few years, I've been toiling with graphic design. I enjoy the process of conveying a message into a neatly packaged logo and image. I also enjoy the reactions of others seeing my work. The problem is that I have yet to learn the art of freelancing. I am not necessarily in distress about my capabilities to design. But I am struggling in the facilitation of a productive relationship with the client. What should one do when the client refuses to listen to your expertise? When is the right time to step back from personal and professional priniciples to satisfy the client, even when what they want is a hot mess? As a designer, how can you produce, in a timely manner, work that is forever being changed by an indecisive client? How can you stop a few bad apples from spoiling the bunch?

I've had my ups and my downs as a graphic designer, and I definitely prefer the ups. Is there anyone else out there in the blogosphere facing similar issues? What tips can you provide? Are there any books that deal with such a dilemma?

Spring 2010 Cotton Smoothie Tees

My Cotton Smoothie tees are up and ready for the Spring. I've taken down the tees from the past seasons. If there was a tee you wanted to buy, but it's down, just send me a message. I don't mind putting them back on the market.

I think my fave tee our of this collection is my "Eye Heart Me" tee. It's nice to have for Valentine's Day, but I think it's a good tee to wear when you are feeling a little down in the dumps.

Collaborative Art Journal

Several weeks ago, I was in one of my fave places, Barnes and Noble, and I went to my fave section. Of course, that being the Arts/Crafts/Hobbies section. I saw this book by LK Ludwig called Collaborative Art Journals and Shared Visions in Mixed Media. In it, were great displays of the collaborative art journal. Collaborative art journaling is a great way to blend art, writing, and shared experiences.

After reading through the pages, I decided it may me a great venture for me and my gf/bff Tam. A few days later, I approached Tam about the journaling and she agreed with the idea. Unfortunately, I hadn't given much thought about it since. Well, that was until today. The idea came back to me and Tam and I discussed the purpose for our collaborative art journal. The overarching theme will be about dreaming big and living outside the box. I thought as a perfect theme considering each of us are honing into our talents and gifts, moving toward a larger life than ever imagined, and living life with constraints.

I am really excited about this project. As pages are completed, I will be sure to share some pics. If you would like to do your own collaborative journal, I truly recommend you pick up Collaborative Art Journals and Shared Visions in Mixed Media.

Turn your focus to love

Yesterday, I went to Barnes and Noble, making rounds to review various art books. One treasure that I found was Focus: Love: Your World, Your Images. Because I am in love with just about anything love-related, I had to pick it up. Focus: Love: Your World, Your Images features the heart presented in various forms. Whether it's found in a cloud, a piece of furniture, the shape of a leaf, or in the chipped paint on a wall; the image of a heart is one that is symbolic of the love in our world. It's a great showcase of images from over 150 artists from around the world and a great book to share with loved ones.

As Valentine's Day approaches, turn your focus to love.