Lengthy updates and why I'm changing my pricing.

I think I've rewritten this entry five times so far, and I don't know why because as far as I know, only a couple people read these posts...My last post was in March...so a severe update is needed.

My work and my store is going to get a kind of overhaul.  After a lot of stress, consideration, and being bitter about a lot of different things, I have a plan in store.

Let me back up and announce that in March, I did land a job, finally.  I love the company and am very lucky to be there.  It's a great place to be while I plan ahead and/or figure things out.  But...it's not in my field and it's not getting many bills paid. So, since the job market is obviously not in my favor, I looked at my art and what I can do to fix something.  People do it all the time, right? They get laid off, they learn no one is going to save them, so they save themselves. I've been reading about these people, a lot.  I want to be one.  I think I may need to be one.  As it happens, the company I work for was founded on this principle.  Inspiring, no?

I've been working on a new batch of prints.  These are more detailed, more time consuming drawings.  I have also been studying other illustrators and Etsyians who are on the track I want to hop onto.  Over the course of the next month, you will see new prints emerge.

Finally, I have decided to begin charging a little more for my prints.  When I opened my store in 2007, I started selling my prints at $10.00.  Then, I got a much better printer and paper and upped my price to $12.00.  After looking at the market around me, I've come to the conclusion that I am underselling myself.  If someone loves a piece of art, a few more dollars won't matter to them.  So...

Starting July 1st, prints will go from $12 to $15.  I will still have a 'Bargain Bin' section in my shop, of course.

And there you have it.  I'm going to try to stick to improving all aspects of my shop.  And with that, I'm off to the dayjob. 

Watercolor & Ink...a classic duo

A sketch of my buddy Jacob, with his infamous catchphrase overhead.

A nice little drawing of Lee's most recent whiskey purchase, Bulleit Bourbon.

A portrait of Ricky, from the best Canadian tv show ever, Trailer Park Boys.

Watercolor and ink, oh how you work together so nicely. Sat down with a nice new sketchbook a few weeks ago and got to work. Halfway through the thing so far. Found my old travel watercolor set from high school and decided it was time to revive those dried, cracked colors.
I'm really liking doing this stuff again..it's refreshing. These days, art has been hard to love. Anyone with a depression like mine (Major Depressive Disorder...) can tell ya that the things you once enjoyed sink to the bottom. It's an awful feeling, and these days when it does stay away and I can get work done, I'm thankful for it.

Goodbye, Billy Boy

Billy
2000-2012

Our dear family farm dog, Bill, lost his battle with liver failure last month. I recently went up to the farm to pay my respects (and lay some flowers upon his grave) since I couldn't be there when he was euthanized. Bill's health began to decline a few weeks ago, and, after several ups and downs, it was time to put him to rest at last. We first thought it was kidney failure, though blood tests proved his liver was the problem, just due to his age. It was extremely hard pulling into that long gravel driveway and not seeing him waiting at the end.

Bill, late last year.

We picked up Bill as a tiny, fluff of a puppy from a nearby farm, a gift for my Dad, but also a dog for my brother. I remember being 14, dealing with not only a first love's heartbreak, but also the onset of a lifetime of clinical depression. I sat down in the straw near a pile of eager puppies and picked up the fattest pup. A little boy. My 8 year old brother chose to label him as 'Bill'. 'Why?' my mom and I asked. 'After the fat guy on King of the Hill.' And so he was Bill.

Middle-aged Bill...just beginning to get a gray muzzle...

Bill stayed with us through the disappearance of my mom's black lab, Oliver, and the death of our 13 year old husky, Silas. He had what you'd say was an 'old soul,' as if a human life dwelled beyond his golden brown eyes. Bill was not a dog, he was a member of the family. He was my doggy-brother, my fellow traveler, a keeper of his family. He wagged his tail til the end, I'm told. He never wanted his family to know he was hurting, but to realize he was grateful. It will take time to realize he's not at the front door or sleeping under the dinner table. Toys put away, food bowl shelved. Every dog owner will say it, but he truly was one of the best dogs ever.

On his couch...2009 or 2010

December 2011

A young, but furry Bill...sometime around 2001 or 2002.


I do have puppyhood pics, but not with me. Hopefully I can add them soon.

O'Reilly Ink Embroidery Illustrations!

A collaboration has occurred...

Oh yes, that's right. Thanks to my old co-worker/current friend, Lena, for setting me up with her extremely talented friend Devin, so that O'Reilly Ink can bring you my illustrations in a fun new form! They are much, much lovelier in person-the photos just can't do justice. This is the first 'batch'-a test market, if you will. If these do well, more shall be made! :)
Devin is also the crafter behind the Etsy shop 'Ooooh Shiny', a maker of fine jewelry.
These babies are in the shop now.