RISD Holiday Sale 2008

Stylin' Cat Hat, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

I'm at my desk trying to whip up little paintings again for the BIG Holiday Sale December 13th at the convention center in Providence (Please come out!).

Got back from my Thanksgiving vacation...at Disney World!!! So much fun. I even went on that Mission:Space ride that simulates a rocket launch. Ugh, let's just say my group was happy that it was a short ride- any longer and we would have been sick. Houston we have a problem!

The Biro Family

The Biro Family, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Above is a commission I did for the holidays! It's actually for the same couple who asked for the wedding gift portrait waaaaay back in Spring. I hope the clan enjoys the big surprise.

AAAAAAAAgh. This is just NOT my day. Know where I'm suppose to be??? On a plane. To Florida. Right now. I was so swamped this past month that I got confused and thought I was leaving tomorrow. Of course I have a $120 rebooking fee I have to suffer, and to add insult to injury I found out TODAY I could have booked a ticket for $188 last minute and have been fine. So much for that whole "early bird" philosophy. I just got a big soggy worm. At least the extra $$$ from said commission takes care of my expensive mistake.

Blarg, why do I smoke?

Blarg, why do I smoke?, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Trying to do some quicker pieces that are more spontaneous and sketchy. Expect some new experiments soon (and no, I don't smoke).

My boyfriend is away, which of course means my sleep schedule will be off while he's gone. Time just blurs when you work from home.

I got to be a reviewer for RISD at Boston's National Portfolio Day! Lots of fun, even though I lost my voice.

Taurus Girl, the Final

Taurus Girl, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

(I finally got Taurus Girl scanned. Behold!)

I find I've been restless this past week. Lately I've been researching companies, new clients, and galleries. I've sent out a few emails to places hoping for new shows and with some luck a couple will respond positively.

On anther note, I made a sandwich for my boyfriend earlier and now my fingers smell like onions. Hmph. Onion fingers.

Lia Ices for Plan B Magazine

Lia Ices, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Whew! So this has been a crazy week. Here is the final for Plan B Magazine (you can see the sketch below). All in all I'm pretty happy with the muted palette and use of the ink. Perhaps I will try more of this?

If you are in the Providence area please visit West Side Arts gallery this Saturday 7-10 for an opening that I'm in! It's been the first time in a long time I've been able to make an opening, so I'm psyched.

Working on a couple of commissions and eventually I'll start gearing up for the RISD Holiday Sale. Ana and I got AMAZING booth locations (and we're right next to each other again. Someone on the inside MUST know we're buds). I'll have the small paintings as usual, but there will be some bigger, fancier pieces this time such as "Narrative" and "The Right to Bear Arms" up for grabs.

Plan B Magazine

I'm working on my first editorial piece for the UK! This means after it's done I can say I am an internationally published illustrator. Only takes one, right?

The assignment is for Plan B Magazine, which is a youthful culture magazine (not the emergency birth control like so many people are quick to notice). I get to do their music section which has been a job I've always wanted. In this issue they're covering female vocalists, and I have to admit I haven't heard of ANY of the bands/artists in the article (but they are all pretty cool). Here are the sketches.

Singer Lia Ices as a songbird.

Hilde Marie Kjersern and her "spooky voice".

Andrew, the art director, gave me permission to do whatever I wanted and in the end he liked the songbird one (so did I). It's due Nov 5th. I'll post the final next week!

Mass Art

a quick 30 minute sketch I whipped up tonight for a demo I'm doing at Mass Art (yes, that's me). I've done lectures but not really a demo, so that should be interesting. And by "interesting" I mean "boring". :)

Taurus Girl

I'll have to get a proper scan of this later, but as of right now my new painting is done and I absolutely love it. It's one of the few times I've thought of an idea and have been able to say, "ok brain, get that painting out of your electric noodle-ness and onto paper!" ...and it worked! I really like the colors and some of the new patterns I'm trying out. Also, I got some teeny weeny brushes and they really did some nice things for the face and hair of the girl.

If you're wondering, this is actually a redo of a previous painting from my Senior year at RISD. It was a self portrait inspired by my zodiac sign, Taurus. In the old version she actually just has a bull head- it's not a mask of any sort. For the update I wanted the duality to be there so it could appeal on different conceptual levels. In the end, I also think the image is more interesting having the girl and such a strong vertical presence with her holding the bull head.

Success!

Oh joy oh joy! The RISD sale was a HUGE success! Thanks to everyone who bought something, especially the doctor who made a BIG purchase for his new office. My friend, Ana, who sells beautiful jewelry also did well, especially since there are many jewelry makers around. I was next to her booth for the first time and was simply amazed how crowded and active her area was for the whole day.  I know many people are thinking about art sales right now, and if it's worth it because of the economy, so here is my two cents on why we did well...

* This is "Art & Craft Sale for dummies", but both of us have a very distinct look to our products. Ana and I use very distinctive colors in our lines which helps with branding and making us look professional.

*There are many sales, but do your research and find out what kind of buyers will be there. For instance, the sale Ana and I were in brings in many upper middle class buyers, people who have not been hit as hard economically (or in some cases, at all!). If you are in a smaller area, newer sale (that maybe isn't as on the radar like other seasonal events) or know that the sale attracts a certain audience who doesn't have as much income (college kids, young families, etc) than that's good to know.

*Ana and I make sure our prices cover our overhead and are fair to us, but we also know not to mark up too much just for the sake of marking up. Ana's jewelry is beautiful (and not what I would call cheap) but compared to her competition she was a bargain. Pick a number that feels right for both you AND your customer.

*Don't waste money and you'll rake in more profit! I was tickled to see that Ana's expensive-looking suede displays were actually cardboard structures she had hot glued fabric over. So much cheaper! I have to be cost effective and cheap at this stage of my life. Having something vertical at my table helps to get attention, so I have a table easel holding a large painting of mine. That's all I need, and it's way cheaper than buying display walls. All these things reduce your investment and allow you to enjoy more profit.  

Okkie dokkie. Good luck to everyone doing Art& Craft Sales!

RISD ART SALE 10/11

Whew! All that late night painting has paid off as I get ready for the RISD Art Sale on Benefit Street in Providence! This is just a peek at all my small paintings ready to go (yes, they're originals, not prints). I hear the weather is going to be great, and I hope even though the economy is doing...not-so-peachy, we'll say, that folks will still be looking to score some fun artwork for themselves or others (Christmas shopping HAS started for some, you know).  It's this coming Saturday (10/11) from 10am-4pm if you're in the area!

Mission: Impossible

I am so honored to be featured at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, a blog about books and illustrators! These ladies mean business- check out their awesome blog!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Yes, I'm a little early with the Halloween business, but everyone can enjoy my spunky witch until the 31st!

On another note, when did postage go up again? Not only do I have to get more postcard stamps because I didn't exactly REALIZE how many clients I have (I just sent out a stack that's seriously at least 5 inches thick. REALLY), but now I have to get those one cent stamps, too. Soon I will send out the second half- magazine clients have been mailed, now I'm working on publishers, licensing, ad firms, etc. My neck is killing me typing all those addresses into label sheets. Ugh!

Little Vampirella

Little Vampirella, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

There's this site called Project:Rooftop that has artists and illustrators redesign superheroes' costumes... and I love it!! They actually have real judges (the artists, writers, or other people involved with the comic world) and they give their two cents, plus some people really do bring their A game art-wise. The latest challenge was to "revamp" scantly-clad Vampirella, who I remember from my Wizard-reading days. I missed the deadline but was still inspired to try my own version (obviously it's a far reach from the original with her being five and all). I was in a Halloweeny mood so it kinda came out all on its own.

They're in!

  Imagine my surprise on Friday when I came back to find a stack of boxes waiting for me. My postcards! I'm glad to say I'm uber-happy with them (yellow, especially bright yellow, can be a funny color to print, FYI). Today I'm going to Staples, and the premise of buying mailing labels has never been so exciting. 

  However, for some reason I do get a thrill out of office supply stores. When I was a kid I marveled at all those pads in special colors for special jobs with special little boxes in them to check for special reasons (eh, I think you get the point). So, even now I still like to stroll the aisles looking at stuff and marveling at the super-sized jugs filled with red vines and coffee creamers for office spaces (does our office population REALLY eat that many red vines???).

On another note, I was reminded last night how AWESOME the resources are in two books: Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market and Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (mine are both 2008 editions). They give you tons of advice, but my pay off is the client list! It tells you who the art director is, what they're looking for, what they're NOT looking for, guidelines, tips from the companies... the first one has everything from magazines and publishers to ad firms and galleries. It makes my Borders trip look like child's play. If you're new (or newish) to the freelance scene, these books are worth it.

Promotional Mailers of Fall 2008

They're done!

 Not only are they done, but I updated my contacts, too! It required a Taco Bell and root beer break, but it's FINALLY DONE! Now I just have to wait for the suckers.

 And if anyone is curious, I use GOTPRINT.COM for my printing needs. They are much more affordable than other companies and I have never had a color issue with their products. This post was sponsored by them and the letter G.

From the Vault

Beep Beep!, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Enjoy "Beep Beep!", which once was a print on Etsy as well as the opening image for my website. Thank you for all your help, old friend.

Even though I have quite a few things happening in October, my mind is already thinking about the end of 2008. I am going to make a portfolio book (the nice printed ones like all my friends had for their grad thesis's. SO nice) and these will be sent out to choice clients. One will definitely be Dark Horse Comics. I saw them this past spring at the Surtex convention in NYC, and the rep there was favorable towards my stuff being used for their products such as stationary. I think my chopped up mermaid and smoking little girls can find a rather nice home and following there. I would be lying if I said I was all ready to go with that. Preferably, I'd like to do two more images for them if time allows- maybe another mermaid (pirate mermaid!) or a superhero-inspired character... obviously not a normal superhero... maybe one playing a guitar...

Society of Illustrators West 47

Narrative, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

You may be thinking "Hey! She already posted that. Is this a rerun??".

 No, dear readers. It's only me showing you my entry for the SOI West 47 competition. This one is going into the "gallery" section because "unpublished" is going to be full of entries. This painting was for 1301 Gallery In Nebraska. I'm hoping that maybe...just maybe I might get accepted. In fact, it's the first year as a real illustrator that I've entered, because usually my money is used for groceries rather than entry fees. Also, for the first time I feel like I have a painting that is ME, and not just me trying to do another portfolio piece and such. Wish me luck- I don't find out until November. Oh, the suspense!

Stan Arrives

Stan Arrives, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

It's Saturday, my last Saturday before I begin teaching on the weekend. Thank goodness it's not the morning session because I would be exhausted after teaching at Montserrat on Fridays. Today (drum roll please), I will send the mailers out to get printed! No excuses. There will be 3 different cards, some going to more teen/tween market clients and others to more general clients. In the end I'll have 500 of each! Now I just have to update the client list...


The above piece was inspired by a Coconut Records song, one line saying "I wish you could put yourself in my suitcase", and it put some fun imagery in my head. The actual painting is done on a cardboard backing from a used up wax paper palette. Since I was invited to a group show where the theme is "recycle and reuse", I thought I should just make the piece work for the theme.

Express Yourself

Express Yourself, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Ladies and gentlemen, my website is updated! To celebrate, I'm blogging about a piece that is finally ON the website even though it was made more than a year ago. It didn't get uploaded because the original is 18"x24" and I just never got around to scanning the sucker. Behold it's online debut!

This is based off of an old assignment I had about the phrase "Say Something". To update the concept I simply changed the phrase a little bit to "Express Yourself" (although cue the Madonna song, right?). I really wanted to do the dragon, but for some reason I kept trying to convince myself that it "wasn't meant for my style". At that point I knew it was do or die time. Besides, if I started to doubt myself, I knew I wasn't going to take the necessary risks an artist/ illustrator has to.

Lauren 1, Dragon 0.

Bummer

Bear Hat Girl, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Well, I'm sad to say that I did not win anything in the Etsy Kid Contest. Thanks to all who supported me! As they say in the film industry, "it's an honor just to be nominated"...

I scanned some more work today and am hoping to have the ole website updated by this weekend. The MAILERS, which have been the bane of my existence lately, should be done by Saturday (or heads will roll). Then I will begin the process of updating contacts at the local Borders, with me on the ground hoping no one sees a woman in her mid 20's peeking inside Teen and Seventeen Magazine for art directors' names , let alone Cat Fancy (seriously, I want to have that magazine on my client list. I mean, Cat Fancy just sounds ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome).

RISD SALE

Wendy, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

I have to start painting for the Fall RISD Art Sale! Above is one of many paintings I've done in preparation.

Unimportant things on my mind:

1) plane tickets are going to be EXPENSIVE this holiday season.

2) Is "Bones" on Monday night or Tuesday night this Fall? Wait...Wednesday? I think it's Wednesday.

3) I truly do paint too many characters with guitars.

Graphic Designers are your friends!

If you ever make a promotional mailer, it's great to have some graphic design-savvy friends look over it. They can help you with typography, use of space, and making sure your postcard doesn't come off as I-have-a-copy-of-photoshop-but-can-you-tell-I'm-an- amateur? For this next batch I was working with square images and wanted the images and text to read comfortably but also effectively. Of course your art is the center piece, but remember that overall presentation is very important.

For instance, The above version is the improved version (but "illustration" will be gone from the final design and obviously I will spell my name correctly in the final!). Below is the old one. Some things my buds mentioned...

1) centered text makes you look very inexperienced. That's GD 101 right there. We went with the right justification with the margins.

2) The font I was using had odd spacing, especially with the "i". The new one has more cohesive use of space between the letters.

3) Like I mentioned before, we're taking out "illustration" mainly because I used it as filler.  You'd be surprised how much empty space you can have in an area and still have a good design. People who don't know how to do effective GD usually want to make type too big or stuff an area with too much info.

That's it for today! I'll show you the final along with the back sometime next week. :) 

Editorial Illustration: What are the Pros and Cons?

Woodland Girl, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Hey troops,

I thought I'd honor my Editorial Class that I teach by blogging about some pros/cons about the market. This was stuff my students and I discussed in class, and for some of you it might be helpful, for others just interesting.

First of all, editorial illustration can be described as any artwork made to be printed in magazines and/or newspapers. It usually accompanies text with the goal of complimenting or enhancing the topic, whether it's a social commentary or a review of the current Harry Potter Movie.

YOU MAY LIKE EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION IF....

*You are a fast worker.

         Deadlines are quick, usually around 2 weeks.

* You like working on several small projects instead of one big project.

        Some of us are the multi-tasking queens and kings. If you get bored easily, sometimes       longer projects (like a children's book that takes a year) will loose your attention and patience. With editorial assignments you can work on several different pieces all at once.

* You want flexible work

    I take the summer off from editorial work simply because I have a very big teaching schedule at that time. If you decided that you need a break or have other obligations coming up in your schedule, you can turn off the editorial faucet and turn it back on when you're ready. Likewise, if it's a slow month you can take on another job or two without making any serious commitment.


YOU MAY NOT LIKE EDITORIAL ILLUSTRATION IF....

*You don't play well with others

   If you can't handle an Art Director giving you advice or requesting changes, than don't even try. Team players will do well, but artists that are protective of their work will make the process a living hell.

*You prefer one long project to work on.

    Pretty much the opposite of what was stated above. You won't find 6 month long projects in this field of work, nor can you make a reasonable living just doing one at a time. Successful editorial illsutrators can handle 3 or 4 different projects at once.

* You don't want to actively promote yourself

   Many artists and illustrators fall short of their potential because they simply do not advertise their services! Creating a website or making a portfolio on sites like Altpick.com is a good start, but if you sit back and expect people to just find you...well, don't hold your breath! Meetings, mailers, and other forms of advertisement are also needed and deserve your time and attention. Furthermore, once you get hired by an Art Director, don't expect them to hire you constantly. You have to remind them that you exist!

So that's it folks! Soon I'll be discussing basic skills on promotional mailers for all you artists and illsutrators out there. Same bat time, same bat channel.

Weddings, booze, and art

The Masked Guitarist, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

I've just returned from a wedding in Maine (which was very lovely) and some other exciting things happened this weekend!

* I've been invited to participate in a group show in downtown Providence during November.

* people still want to buy paintings from me, hooray...and...

*My show form Omaha is over and the 12 year old daughter of the owner loves my mermaid piece (you can see it below). The lass is a little shy about the exposed breast, however, so I've been asked to make a second version, boob-free of course! I am always very honored when it's the younger crowd that falls in love with my work. I think their appreciation of things is very pure and sincere.

Above is a fun little ink sketch that has a simple colored background. I'm experimenting with some pieces like this in my Etsy store and testing how popular they are.

ETA 4 Nahcotta Postcard

ETA 4 Nahcotta postcard, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

It's pretty cool to see that one of my paintings was used for the Nahcotta Gallery promotional mailer for the upcoming Tiny Art Show. There are some very talented artists that will be displayed in the wonderful space that Nahcotta has in New Hampshire. It's a shame I can't be there for the opening!

Kudos to my college students on Friday. I am happy to say they are a good group and am excited to see what art they produce this semester.

I'm hoping this week to do my mailers (cue soprano-singing angels) as well as do a couple of paintings that are due. One is a commission while the other is just a personal piece that will be on Etsy later. Wish me luck!

The day before....

Talk to Me, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

In 24 hours I can see myself: I'll be dropping off paperwork, making sure my laptop works with the digital projector in my classroom, trying to scrounge up some coffee, and making copies of assignments . Of course, this will all happen while being mistaken for a student in the office I'm sure.

"The coffee isn't for students, MISS".

"Oh, I'm a teacher. I'm new."

"Oh..."

 Meanwhile, what I thought was going to be a laid back day is starting out to be a bit of a whirlwind. I'm doing laundry, getting software up and running on my new laptop after the old one crashed, finishing assignment sheets and paperwork, AND trying to straighten up the apartment because I promised my boyfriend I'd get a head start on tidying up. The last one is a bit annoying because even though I work from home it's hard to explain to him THAT I AM WORKING. No, I'm not just relaxing watching TV, sweetie, and yes, I didn't have time to wash the dishes. I know my office is 20 feet away, but as I said before I am WORKING and I have to pay my half of the rent! Anyway...I'm hoping the rush I'm experiencing will mean I end up finishing early. Go go gadget hands!

Vote for me!

The Right to Bear Arms, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

I found out that I am a top 40 finalist in the Etsy Kid Contest Art category! Copy the link to vote! It's "The Tiny Artist".

http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?room_id=20

As for the image above, It's yet another one for Nahcotta Gallery. I like this one so much I think it's bumped "My Music" for a spot on a mailer. That other one is below if anyone wants to compare the two, any thoughts? This one just seems to be a bit more funky and I think it might reflect my portfolio better.

And yes, it's called "The Right to Bear Arms". nyuk nyuk nyuk...

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

Rain, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Whoo! I took a needed vacation for most of August- saw my family in Texas and recharged my batteries. In a week I start teaching Editorial Illustration at Montserrat and I'm trying to get all my paperwork in for this past pre-college session as well as RISD and Montserrat for the Fall semesters (why do W4 forms always trip me up no matter how many times I do them?).

About 3 weeks ago my poor laptop finally died due to a crashed hard drive, but luckily the most important stuff that I use for etsy and such was backed up on my boyfriend's computer. I still lost most of my music and some photos, however. Back up your files, people. RIGHT NOW.

I'm preparing for the September TINY ART SHOW at Nahcotta Gallery in NH. Above is another piece for it, and yesterday I painted a little diddy that might actually replace another painting for a mailer! Imagine that? Beginning of next month will be mailer month, along with painting for the RISD Alumni and Student Art Sale in October. There should be lots of new images on my blog during that time, so come and take a look!

Keyboard Player

Keyboard Player, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

I've been working on the paintings for the TINY ART SHOW in New Hampshire and have been enjoying making some images that could be more "spot" illustrations for my portfolio. I did this one Sunday night and really like her arms and colors (and the yellow skin! I need to not use "flesh" color for the skin all the time).

This past Monday my students had to do a Concert Poster for their final and it truly was the strongest week they've ever had! Needless to say I was very proud of them. I'm hoping Wednesday and Friday's group will knock my socks off as well.

Etsy Kid Contest Entry

The Tiny Artist, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

So this my entry for the Etsy Kid Contest. I've always liked this one for its angle and the colors. It was the image I used for my second promotional mailer, too (about a year ago).

Week 4 of teaching RISD pre-college and my troops are starting to show some stress. Every semester I usually try a new assignment, this year's being a T-shirt design. I figured it would be a fun, open assignment where they could go crazy and do anything they loved, but I was surprised how many lackluster projects I got. Is it because all those all-nighters are catching up? Was the project too open and therefore overwhelming? I am very optimistic that this coming week will be better, however. In the meantime, I have 6 paintings breathing down my neck and those mailers to finish (let's not forget I have to update my 100+ client list. UGH).

My Music

My Music, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

This will be one of three new promotional mailers in 2008! Other artistic events include getting information to a boutique in Vegas who is interested in selling my originals and having "Mi Amor" placed in the main room of Woods Gerry Gallery for the RISD faculty show (sweet!). I have gotten that room every time I've been in a show (both as a student and teacher), so I'm happy that my streak continues.

Rock n' Roll

Rock n' Roll, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Hello everyone! The Pre-College Roller coaster is on its third week and I'm happy with where my students are. I am trying to balance long term with short term goals, plus all the little annoying things life throws at you (grocery shopping, laundry...). I have been taking a class that will allow me to update my website's appearance soon (hooray!), and before I know it I'll have 8 paintings that will be bugging me for a show in the Fall (not hooray). New promotional pieces are being executed, but they have to take a back seat at times.

Narrative

Narrative, originally uploaded by lauren minco.

Weeeee! This one just got mailed out today for the show in Nebraska and I was a little sad to see it go (I guess that means I assume it will sell...I do hope so). It is the first gouache painting I have done on cradled gesso board (tip: matte medium pencils line so you don't make your colors muddy). In the future I think I will be working like this again because not only did I like the finish product, but mailing them instead of framed paintings is much less risky.

Summer Madness

Whoa! Who knew that the summer months were going to hit me so hard. RISD Pre-College has begun and so far my students seem pretty much on the ball. I'm behind on my promotional materials and now have to debate whether a 10 day vacation in August should mean I should delay the whole deal until I get back (no use putting out mailers and then having to turn down jobs a week later). 

In other news, I've recently found myself featured in all these blogs! Who knew??

Design is Mine

Elephatine

Croq Blog

Pretty Little Things

Paper Crave

Eggnmeiyo

Kiddlebug

By Lilsis

We Love Etsy.com

Birdie Says Products

Sunday Sampler

The CraftGossip Blog

Quin Knits a Twisted yarn

Hullabaloo

Thanks everyone!

New Work (not to be confused with New York)

Alright! So the 1st one was a commission for a wedding portrait I did based off of the original "Happy Couple" on my website (I like to say this one is the remix). The second one is for the a show I have 8/8/88. They were going with an eight ball theme, so all the pieces had to be on 8" circles. I've never used my acryla gouache on canvas before (especially so tiny! Oye!) but I'm pleased with the way it came out.

Monday I start teaching again for RISD Pre-college and am really excited about that. I also have 3 painting that I need to finish (oh wait, make that four) hopefully by next Friday. Yikes.

Oh yes, and my trip was good. I won a kazoo as an award for "Relative Who Traveled the Most Distance" and was able to see a lot of California that I haven't seen before. Sometimes I wish Rhode Island had such glorious beaches!

Sunny California

Howdy to everyone! Just a notice that I will be away in California for a family reunion this week. I will be back Sunday and look forward to new work being posted in the beginning of July!

Who's Your Daddy?

 I decided to add a couple of new prints on Etsy. The one below was originally for a family-oriented article and is called "Thinking Positive". I really love the colors as it was my first attempt to do a more muted but tasty palette. On Etsy I have gotten over 450 stars and have made 39 sales so far! My dream is to put up some more originals soon, dabnabbit. I have 2 paintings for the show to finish as well as one promotion piece. Please Lord, can I get it done by the first week of June??

 

http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/character-sketches-for-your-male-shopping-woes/1943/

Hooray! I was featured in another Etsy Storque article, this one about Father's Day and gifts for dad (the male half of "duet" was featured). I was also recently put up in the Sweet Figment's Blog as well as The Naughty Secretary Blog. I think I've been featured enough to say that maybe I can finally put a "press" section on my website.  Oh, poor website, I'll update you in July. Promise.

TGIF, mate.

Ok, it's not like Fridays around here are really a big deal since I don't have a nine to five job. Actually,  I taught on Saturday mornings in the past and it usually was a little sad because I couldn't celebrate like my friends did. No, Friday nights represented early bedtimes and morning panics. Luckily those days are gone!

I can still feel the need  for the week to be over, however. My boyfriend and I need to go grocery shopping desperately this weekend (please honey?) and there will be duck pin bowling with $1.00 beer/$.50 hotdogs. Today I just wrapped up the cover image for CROQ issue #12! I feel like I can't really post it yet (cheating maybe?). I will wait for it to come out and then let everyone know. I do like the final image- two girls painting on each other (sounds kinda sexy, doesn't it? It's not).

What was I thinking?

So here it is, a detail of the new painting from earlier. My palette just DID NOT make sense and I decided to let the pink monster take over.

WARNING: sloppy digital pictures taken at midnight ahead...

On another note, I happily did a whole piece just with a ball point pen and adore it. The scratchiness makes me so happy, and I really tried to just start without having a clue where it would end up. Kind of like a big sketchbook page, basically.

My Interview at Indiefixx!

Please check out my interview at   http://indiefixx.com  !! It's a great blog and I'm very honored to be featured! Thanks Jen!

ARGH!

The painting wins. I'm redoing it. Now.

Me Vs Painting

So this is a painting I sketched maybe a month or two ago and really like. It's almost done, but I'm not sure if I'm diggin' the color. Originally my brain was like "navy, pink, white, lighter pink..." but I have been trying to stay away from pink and girly palettes. Funny thing is, I think this one really fits the navy/pink palette mentioned above. I might have to sleep on this one.  Hopefully in a day or two the final will be up. Wish me luck!

I know you want pictures, but tough.

It is Memorial Day. Today, my boyfriend and I will celebrate by cleaning the apartment and fighting the terrorist that is our dirty laundry. Have at you!

On another note, I am done with teaching and have felt like I have shed my skin. This summer I will be enjoying pre-college again, and in the Fall I start teaching at Montserrat College of Art. One thing that has really helped me be successful is teaching. Jumping in out of that environment keeps my mind sharp, whether it is with business, personal goals, or the development of my art. taking my own advice (the advice I give my students) has saved me a lot of stress and anguish.  Some of the important things I've realized, especially in the last few months:

1) There are thousands of clients out there. My work will not fit all of their needs, and that's okay. I do not have to stretch my portfolio in 263 directions. I can pick the subjects/styles that make me happy and try to find clients that fit ME.

2) It's about time I got those damn books my teachers told me about!

3) Hard work always pays off, even if it's in ways you don't realize.

4) Do not be too influenced by your inspirations and likes. The world doesn't need another (insert artist's name here). They need one of YOU.

5) Connected to no. 4... no one will do your work better than you. Isn't that enough reason to find your own identity?

6) learn from your mistakes and failures. It is okay to be disappointed, even angry for a moment, but that moment has to pass.

7) Your work should make you happy. If it doesn't, something is wrong.

Etsy Pissing Contest

I like to go the Etsy forums from time to time to post and get my avatar clicked on. I respond to people asking for critiques, answer a business question from time to time, and sometimes I even like to watch the occasional bickering that happens between two members (scandalous, I know!).
However, “occasional” has seemed to turn into “all the time” which is kinda getting on my nerves. Perhaps everyone is restless now that the warm weather is taking customers away from their computers?? I’m not sure, but I do know that it’s getting really old fast. There seems to be a handful of people who like to come out of the woodwork just to be a know-it-all or shoot someone else’s opinion down, which seems silly and counter productive.
Also, in a recent thread artists were described as “doing what they want and saying what they want” plus having less-than-civil behavior. Since when did artists become pirates? I’m a little tired of the whole “I can’t be a functional member of society because I’m and artist, man!” routine. I guess I missed that class in school: Behaving Like a Disgruntled Preteen 101.

I mean business, y'all!

New online portfolio at altpick! altpick.com/laurenminco

I recently realized that my postcard plan has one minor glitch- I can't get into the computer lab until July, which means I can't scan/send the work for the mailers until then. No biggie, because I probably need June to paint anyway.

I hit 30 sales on Etsy! That means as a new seller I'm roughly doing 10 sales per month. Awesome.

More importantly, I've decided that I needed to get all those books that a young struggling artist like me should have. I ordered 4 books, the first one that arrived from Amazon was 2008 Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market. I have to admit, I didn't know how helpful it would be since it has to do a lot more with being an author, but there are so many Young Adult Publishers and magazines that the section on clients was well worth the $21. I have over 200 new Art Directors to contact! Better get painting...

Back from Texas

Man, I haven't posted in a while! I spent a wonderful week with my family in Texas and was MIA from blogging and such.

This Sunday I will be in NYC for the Surtex convention rubbing shoulders (literally since it will be packed) and snatching up lots of business cards for potential clients. I have to start two new paintings so that I can make a three postcard promotion pack (puh puh puh) that will hopefully be out sometime in early July. So far there is a girl playing a guitar, and I also will do a piece I have been meaning to do for a while with little boats, and finally a portrait of Jason Schwartzman (with pigeons and tambourines of course). 

Also, the RISD art sale was great for me, profits breaking the $1000 mark! 

Listen to the lion kids...read!

Isn't he cute? I did him for a client for literacy (woo! reading!) and thought I'd offer him as a print on my etsy site as well. Now I just have to update my website...

After tossing and turning in my bed last night for 2.5 hours (no joke) I have decided to redo some of the items I sale on Etsy. I still offer prints but was not 100% satisfied with my 8"x10" ones (although my customers were, thank goodness). I would like to keep offering prints that are affordable, professional, and still don't make me break the bank in supplies. Therefore, I've decided to offer 5"x7" prints that are matted (I think the mat and presentation takes it up a notch). This satisfies me as a seller and I feel good about my product.

Go go go!

So much stuff has been/will be done. Yesterday I...

1) FINALLY mailed out the three Tween portfolios to the publishers in NY

2) got a spot in a group show- my first in the midwest

3) painted and then sent two illustrations To MotherVerse magazine

4) got some groceries so I'm not living off of green tea (which I love, but c'mon! Just green tea?)

Today I will...

1)Put my new Etsy mailers all around town

2)prepare a sketch for a custom project someone is doing for me on Etsy

3) get free food at the Met because of my BF

4) Prepare my first ACEO sale! woo! It is below (it also happens to be from my Tween portfolio)

Sally Eyepatch

I'm pretty happy with this little painting I made yesterday just for fun (it will end up in the RISD sale). I like this time of the year where I'm just painting these little guys and not having to worry about what exactly happens, because usually I'll make one or two that I really like and it inspires something different for my online portfolio pieces.  This one has even made its way into the Tween portfolio I'm sending Scholastic Press and the others. It's sweet but still a little funky.

I have some new "gallery" originals up. These are pieces that I see as current artwork that would be in gallery rotation at the time. I have been hesitant because I know I would have to sell these at full price, but I figure on etsy you have all sorts of buyers with different missions (and different budgets for that matter). If anything, it couldn't hurt. There are also other originals- some over a year old that are up- and those I see as older pieces that risk not seeing the light of day through a gallery window anymore due to their age. I sell these for cheaper prices because I want to move them before I am flooded by art at my apartment!