From dogs to dinosaurs...

Making Christmas

2011-12-29T01:33:00.004-05:00

Bill, the family farm dog. He turned 11 this year and is still acting like a happy pup. This was a gift for my dad.

Daisy, a goofy, loving yellow lab. This drawing was a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law, Vickie. She adores her dogs.

Noodie, a chiweenie. Did this as a favor for my Aunt Nora so she could give it to her son. They both loved it.

Just some xmas things I did. Hope you all had a great holiday. My best present was seeing my mom on Christmas day when I thought she was going to be working instead. :)
But I also got the Lion King on bluray finally!! And my best friend got me the Peppermint syrup they use at Starbucks so I can make Peppermint Mochas at home. Yay!

Results: the CCAD Holiday Art Sale

2011-12-05T00:04:00.003-05:00

This was by far the best art sale I've ever done. The weather wasn't terrible for a Saturday morning in December, and that made for a really great crowd. I am so thankful to EVERYONE who bought something (but special thanks to my in-laws and to a few of my family members for buying from me). Lee & I got to go full on grocery shopping tonight because we actually had the money. My xmas cards sold within an hour, all my totes sold, and all my calendars! I am so super thankful for my local art lovers. :) And I bought a couple gifts as well!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals at O'Reilly Ink!

2011-11-25T04:06:00.003-05:00

I'm having a Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale over at the shop! Don't worry, you don't have to stay up 24 hours straight and wait in the cold for these deals. From Friday, November 25th to midnight on Monday, November 28th, just use the coupon code FREEBIESHIP when checking out to receive free shipping. :)

Happy shopping!

A Fine Thanksgiving Day to You!

2011-11-23T23:53:00.004-05:00

It's Thanksgiving time here in the US of A. Headed back home to see my fam, yay!
Here's a drawing of a turkey that I got carried away with...

And also this little colorful sketch about wild horses.

Have a spectacular Thanksgiving all! Hope you eat too much and see all those you love!
I'm thankful for having truly the very best family I could ever ask for, to have a husband that puts up with me, for my stinky but well behaved dog, for still having a roof over my head despite my money woes, for not have to sell my car yet to pay bills, for being able to hang around horses, and for peppermint mocha flavored coffee creamer.

What are you all thankful for?

Illustration Friday...."Silent"

2011-11-11T13:57:00.002-05:00

This Friday's word is Silent. I think this illustration conveys that pretty well.

New prints: Animals in Sweaters

2011-11-08T16:17:00.005-05:00

Marabelle the Paint Horse

Elwood the Elk

Brodie the Polar Bear

(Look at all these blog posts! It's a record..)

I enjoyed my polar bear Christmas card illustration so much that I have decided to make him into a print, and give him a couple friends. If these do well, there will be more joining in. And I will take suggestions! :)
They are all for sale now in the shop.

On a side note, I'm going to be creating a 'Last Chance'-type section for a number of my prints so I can create a less-overwhelming list of products. So, if there are any you've been putting off buying, you have until at least Christmas to buy them. I'll post here again and on FB/Twitter when the section is created.

Hoilday Cards are here!

2011-11-07T13:57:00.002-05:00

I just put my holiday cards in the shop. :) 2 designs, sets of 6. I enjoy them. I hope others do as well.

The 2012 Calendar is in!

2011-11-05T14:11:00.002-04:00

I just listed my annual calendar. I hope it's as well received as last years edition. You can find it in the shop here.

Notes to myself...

2011-11-04T01:08:00.008-04:00

Peter Gibbons said it best.

Note to self: Set some goals.

In an effort to make my goals seem slightly more official, I'm putting them on this blog for all to see. And just for fun, here's the story leading up to this need for goal-getting...

On Nov. 1st, a little over one year ago, I was told by my boss that I was going to be laid off along with another three designers. Well, I was given the ultimatum to commute/move 2.5 hours away to keep my job OR get laid off. I took the latter. The job search begins.

January 28th, last day at my job. Had one phone interview so far that didn't go any further. Unemployment compensation begins soon thereafter. I quickly land another interview for a 2 month gig close to my house that could potentially be full-time. I am offered the job, but weigh my options and decline. I am afraid of being laid off again in 2 months time.

Months pass...more interviews, I get offered a couple jobs but decline as it's early in my job hunt and I think I can land something better. But then I don't. After so many dead ends, I start emailing area horse barns, offering to lend a hand. Many answer and say thanks but no thanks, but one offers me a part-time gig. Ta-dah, and we are here.

Now, in these months and months that feel like YEARS, I toy with the idea of trying to just take charge of my work and try to squeeze as much profit as I can from it. Unfortunately, depression is an ugly beast that steals the passion you have for anything and smothers it. Art was a chore to me and that was bad. I literally just stopped caring. I just wanted a job that would help me pay my loans and give me some health insurance. Easier said than done.

I miss being excited about my work. I miss being excited about anything in my life. This year has been the hardest for both me and Lee. I've realized that the way this economy is, no one is going to throw me a rope. Unfortunately. In the words of actor/director/hockey fan/writer Kevin Smith "I have to go where the puck is going to be, not go where it was."

I'm done dragging myself behind everyone hoping that someone will slow down the bus and let me on. I'll just build my own bus. It may not look pretty at first, and it will probably break down several times, but it's my bus and I can drive it the way I want. And I can bring Lee and Cherry with me for the ride.

So, the goals? Debut new products/work at the CCAD show and see if it's well received or not. Keep creating things that I find exciting and interesting. Read up on other artists I admire, see what they did, where they started. Working through depression and stress is a big, big challenge. That's for sure.

Sorry for such a lengthy and insightful post, my dear readers. But thank you for listening.

Inspiration Search...Sandra Dieckmann (and some stuff about me)

2011-10-27T13:09:00.006-04:00

This might turn into a series.
Feeling lazy, uninspired, and not creative in any way lately, I went on a quest to find new illustrators. My search turned up Sandra Dieckmann, a fantastic illustrator out of London. I never do reviews on here of artists I love, but I think I need to when it inspires me like this. Her work is exactly what I've been trying to get into myself, weirdly enough. Line art, detail, patterns, and of course, animals! LOVE. And she has an Etsy shop! My Etsy wishlist is getting out of hand.

Feathers + Buffalo + patterns = AWESOME.

I love the big solid colors combing with the delicate lines.

Sandra's workspace. I want to go hang out there.

In other news, the weather in Ohio has appropriately turned to bullshit. Sheets of rain, 40 something degree weather, snow in some places (according to my mom who lives up north). I agreed to cover for someone at the horse barn tonight, as well as tomorrow...and Saturday. Once you've been stuck in the house for 8 months, it's hard to complain about going to work, regardless of the circumstances.

Cherry taking advantage of the weather. She lives a good life.

I don't think I mentioned I started working part-time at a horse barn in Plain City, Ohio. It's just something to do while I continue my never-ending hunt for a full time job. They house around 40-50 horses and I think I finally know all their names. Even in this weather, I'm thankful to be working with my passion of horses and not waiting tables or working retail. Helping little riders learn their way around horses is just fine for now, thank you. :)

And with that, it's time to dig my Carhartt coat out of the closet and seize this rainy, yucky day.

Log Cabin Love...Holla!

2011-10-24T13:15:00.002-04:00

Opened up my Etsy newsletter in my email today...The title being 'Log Cabin Love'. I LOVE log cabins indeed. I want to live in one so bad someday. It's an obsession close to my vintage camper love.
My print was featured in the newsletter! Hurray! :) That's nice on a Monday.

Illustration Fridaaahhh....Contraption

2011-10-08T01:48:00.005-04:00

...And what better contraption than the Phonograph!
This is also a print for sale in the shop.

2012 Wall calendar! Woohoo!

2011-10-04T21:22:00.003-04:00

I just put a 2012 wall calendar in the shop. This one is the 'Feathers' edition, but I plan on adding a few more in other designs. And eventually I'd like to get my annual smaller calendar in the shop by the end of the month. Go check it out! I'm mighty pleased with it. :)

Illustration Friiiiday....Ferocious.

2011-09-23T17:18:00.003-04:00

Today's word is FEROCIOUS.

This is an old, old sketch, but it's what came to my mind. I drew this while I was on the phones working at a call center years ago. I think I filled up three or four sketchbooks while I was working there.

Illustration Friday Post: Boundaries

2011-09-16T02:28:00.004-04:00

I've known about this site for ages and always wanted to get into the habit of doing this. This weeks word to illustrate is: Boundaries.

Give me a job, give me security.

2011-09-02T16:11:00.003-04:00

Another week of not having a job.... I never thought it would last this long. I get leads now and then but they turn out to be dead ends. It's depressing, needless to say. I've started applying to retail again because I'm out of options at this point. I've also contacted all horse barns in the not too far area to see if they need a hand. Nothing yet.
I really wonder when a damn door is going to finally open for me.
(If you got the Styx reference in my post title, kudos.)

Meanwhile, I started running again. It sucks, but I'm starting to notice subtle changes. Except it's in the high 90's right now...in Ohio, in September. Next week should cool off though and I can get back on schedule.

Finally, there's a new original work in the shop. You can click on the photo to go to the listing. I'm working on a few more since I've got my watercolors out and everything. And for your viewing pleasure, here's some sketchbook junk too.

Adios.

The Outcome

2011-08-19T22:49:00.004-04:00

The job I had interviewed for did not get offered to me. At least I had an interview and some hope for a bit. It was just not meant to be, as my mom said. I'm back at square one.

A couple more from the ol' sketchbook.

More Colorful-ness

2011-08-07T16:00:00.003-04:00

Just a few more drawings. I'm really liking the elk with the patterns. Might do something like that on a larger scale. That's it for today.

Colorful Sketchy Things

2011-08-03T21:36:00.003-04:00

Just some things from the sketchbook. I'm on a colorful kick. Putting my Prismacolor markers to some use. In other news, Cherry just farted while she was sleeping and it's giving me a headache. That's all.

Lengthy post of ramblings...

2011-07-18T13:49:00.004-04:00

(Photo Credit: Beth Retro)

So I'm sitting here in the middle of my fifth month of unemployment. I've gotten some promising news and am interviewing this week for a position I want insanely bad. I feel like it was a job description I'd write for myself. Except I would have added horse care...haha. I'm crossing my fingers so hard it hurts. More explanation on it after the interview.

Anyways, so I'm sitting here with my coffee looking over my neglected Etsy shop-I haven't been too into it the past couple months, ah depression-and took a look at my total sales. 758. That's right. Holy crap, I say! It's a funny thing, when someone buys something you put all your love and creativity in. I still feel just as happy when I sell something now as I did that first sale back in 2006. So...Thank you to all my buyers! I've said it before, but I need to say it again.

Without my Etsy sales, I would be up Shit Creek as some say. During my layoff, I've saved every dime from my sales, hoping when I got a job I could use it for some debt or my car payments. However, my dear ol' student loans are due this month because the forbearance is over (thought I'd be employed now) and that's where all that money is headed. That, and some bills also.

I did use some of my Etsy money to buy things for myself as well, how could I not? Like flowers for the yard, clothes (on clearance), books to read, treats for Cherry, some home decor to spruce up the place, etc.

To make a long story a bit longer, thanks again to all those who support the arts, the indie designers, the starving artists, and the local businesses. :)

Here's to hoping I'll be employed for my next post.

-M

Sketches...

2011-06-22T00:42:00.004-04:00

My best friend's cats, Maize & Boo (Not pictured: Sushi)

Another friend's adorable Shih Tzu, Henry.

I am a Potter nerd.

Bought a brand spankin' new sketchbook this week and had to break it in right away. Nothin' new for the shop, just drawing for the sake of drawing.

Things and more things...and stuff.

2011-05-18T21:58:00.004-04:00

Just a random update of stuff I've done...

Bike Poster for Wild Goose Creative's bike show...it's also for sale through them here.

Mother's day present for my mom...a portrait of the adorable little house her and my dad lived in after I was born.

And some horsey sketches....

Also did a new illustration for ChallengePost's front page....

And that's all for now, folks.

May 2011 Desktop Calendar!

2011-05-06T17:23:00.002-04:00

It's a bit late, but heres a May calendar for your desktop!
Click on the image to enlarge and then 'Set as...' or 'Save as'.
:)

Featured in LivingEtc!!

2011-04-02T18:28:00.003-04:00

The May issue of LivingEtc is officially out, which is based in the UK, but also sold at places with a wider variety of magazines (like Barnes & Noble). My Flamingo print is featured in a section and it's so exciting to see my work in a magazine! I'm already getting sales from my wonderful buyers in the UK and am so happy about it. :) A big step for me!

April: Free Desktop Calendar! From me :)

2011-03-31T22:00:00.002-04:00

I stole this idea from somewhere online, but who doesn't love freebies? Here's a desktop wallpaper I made for the rainy ol' month of April. Enjoy! More to come as the year goes on...
Just click on it to see the full size view and Save.

More Tiny House Prints

2011-03-30T16:07:00.004-04:00

I was thinking about what my obsession with tiny houses stemmed from...I think it was that my dad used to build me little houses to play in. He is the master of building little shacks and hideouts.
I'll have to dig up some pictures sometime.

Anyways, on that topic, here are two new prints! I haven't listed any in quite a while. It's the same drawing but two different color themes. I couldn't decide which one I liked better, so why should you? Now in the shop.

Also, got my new promo cards and biz cards from Overnightprints.com today. The rebranding is complete! :) It's SNOWING here in Ohio. It better be the last time, but after living my whole life here, I know it won't be. Ugh.

ChallengePost.com Illustrations

2011-03-25T16:17:00.004-04:00

I've been working with the team in charge of a website called ChallengePost.com for the past several weeks doing a series of illustrations for their new website. Today, their redesigned site is finally live and it looks amazing. I'm so excited to see my work put to some good use. :)
Hopefully, I'll continue to do some steady work for them as more illustrations are needed.

Enjoy the weekend! Ohio is completely back to it's old depressingly cold self, unfortunately.

Too much news!

2011-03-02T13:00:00.008-05:00

I have a lot of news lately, the most recent is an illustration of a typewriter I did is up on this fine writer's website: http://andreawag.weebly.com/ She's going to use it as her logo, more or less, and I'm always happy when someone wants to use my work as to help identify themselves. Thanks Andrea! :)
Secondly, I'm in the process of doing a couple illustrations for a website called Challengepost.com which should be up quite soon, and I'll continue to do steady work for them which is just awesome.
Once those are up I'll add them to my portfolio online and blog about it here. The team is wonderful and I'm so glad they found me.

Third, a magazine titled LivingEtc. based out the UK contacted me yesterday and asked to feature one of my prints in their May issue. It's crazy and I'm thrilled. They'll be featuring my Flamingo print.

It's weird how things start to click and come together when you feel like you're fed up with trying anymore. :/
Alright, enough about me...

Redesign! last time I swear!

2011-02-18T14:55:00.002-05:00

Yet again I have re-branded myself. This is fresh, fun, colorful look and I think I'm finally happy with it. The blog, my Etsy store, and the site now all match. :) Take a gander, if you'd like! It is what I've been dedicating my time to since being laid off.
New & Improved! Website!

How to make Lemonade.

2011-02-09T17:45:00.002-05:00

On Friday, January 28th, I was laid off. I knew I was getting laid off. I was job hunting in the weeks leading to my final days. Thinking. Crying. I let stress fill up my life and felt like a failure as a designer. This was my first real job starting my career and it came to an abrupt end. It didn't break my heart to leave, but it made me feel worthless.
A friend of mine at work, who was also laid off as a designer, told me about a short, inspirational film called "Lemonade". After spending a couple days at my parents farm to clear my head, I came back home and watched it. It sends a great message and I urge anyone who needs some creative inspiration or has been kicked to the curb to watch it.

I still don't know whether to be excited or to keep slipping into depression and anger, but between talking to my family, my husband, and watching this little movie, I hope I can start seeing the sunlight again. Which is incredibly hard to do in February.

The process of pet portraits

2010-12-29T23:00:00.008-05:00

I just got done with a series of 4 pet portraits-2 were of dogs, 2 were of horses. Anyways, on the last one I decided to scan in every step just for funsies.

The beautiful mare is Stormy...and the kitty is Charlie.

Original Photo:

Lightened up in Photoshop:

First rough sketch:

Ink details added:

Shading and more details:
(realized I've drawn Stormy's muzzle a bit large..will fix in Photoshop)

Final Version:
(Color done in Photoshop. Customer wanted all in black and white except cat)

And that's that.

Holiday update time!

2010-12-23T23:46:00.004-05:00

Okay, it's been a while...
Sorry, I've been busy. My calendars did EXTREMELY well and I was even lucky enough to get a mention on Apartment Therapy's site. I never would have ever dreamed I'd have something of mine on their wonderful design blog. It's almost Christmas now and the things are still selling! I'm so thrilled about that.

CCAD Art sale went great, best yet. Even though I had a crummy spot. Bleh. There's a few pics from the sale...mostly showing off my how pretty my table was.

I'm working on a set of pet portraits that will hopefully be done next week...and aside from that I'm just keeping up on orders and preparing for the holidays. However, it's Festivus for the rest of us. ;)

Lee posing with my table.

5-0-0

2010-11-22T23:06:00.003-05:00

Okay, this might get wordy...

I hit 500 sales on Etsy the other day.
(Well, now I'm up to 504)
When I sold my first item back in December 2007-literally right after listing it, I got soooooo excited that someone wanted to pay their hard earned money for something I MADE. Over 500 sales later and I still feel that way. The people who have bought my work helped me believe I could one day reach the dream of living off art (and quit my day job, for that matter)...they helped me pay bills, put gas into my car, and buy Christmas presents-which I wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise.
Because of money being so tight now for me, I've literally got no extra money each month after paying bills, loan debt, and my car payment. My Etsy sales have helped me save a little money for emergencies, put money back into my artwork, buy supplies when I need it, and be able to afford to go shopping with my best friend.
Sometimes there are bad months, slow months...or craft shows that don't do well...
Then, there are the weeks where my shop explodes in sales and give me hope again.
Thank you to all the nice people who bought my artwork, who blogged about my artwork, or who simply complemented it.

Thank YOU. Here's to another 500 sales. :)

Shop of the Day! Art Sale Ahead too!

2010-11-12T13:28:00.004-05:00

Yes, I'm Shop of the Day over at the Papernstitch Blog. Yay! Good way to start my Friday. Check it out if ya got a second. :)

This weekend I plan on doing more printing in preparing for the CCAD art sale on Dec. 4th (see little promo below). I'm gonna try and sell a lot more than I have in the past. I'd also like to whip up some notecard designs to sell. Maybe some other new goodies too.

Besides that, I might be cutting all my hair off tonight after work. I need a change. Then it's time for beer and relaxing til Monday.

Time to think about the New Year...

2010-11-07T20:51:00.004-05:00

Something I've been meaning to do the past oh, three years is make a calendar to sell in my shop. I made one a couple years ago for my parents, but it never made it to my online shelves.
After working on it off and on for the past month or so, I've completed my 2011 Calendar. I'm very excited, I love it. I don't do anything besides prints often, so this is a nice little change for me. It's in the shop!Also, these times, they are a changin'. So I am really thinking of the New Year and what I really want to accomplish. One being moving out of our duplex (especially since the neighbors we love are moving next year). And there's some other things as well that will inevitably be coming my way shortly after the new year begins. It's a situation that came as a shock to me, but also something all too common in this economy. I hope to turn it around and make it better.
Well, I can't elaborate on that just yet, though.

Alright, good weeks to all, I hope.

Happy Halloween and Fridays to all!

2010-10-29T12:47:00.003-04:00

I don't have any new work to post yet. I have some sketches done but I have yet to get motivated enough to go scan them in and work on them... bleh, I blame the sudden change in weather here in Ohio.

But anyways, I had a print featured in a cute little blog today, Imagination in Flight, my 'We're Happy Here in the Woods' camping print. :)

Have a terrifically awesome halloween, all.

You can also find my art here...

2010-10-22T17:44:00.005-04:00

I have a established a little shop over at Paper n' Stitch. I was a part of it when they first opened it's 'doors' a while ago, but have re-established in hopes it will help sales for the Christmas season. It's a great little site and the owner, Brittni, is wonderful to work with. If you're looking for something to do and don't want to be 'overwhelmed' by Etsy, I highly suggest taking a look.
O'Reilly Ink Illustration at papernstitch.com

I don't have anything new to post, so here's something that made me smile.

Another consecutive post, woot.

2010-10-19T20:05:00.006-04:00

I filled up another sketchbook, so before putting her into the pile of other old sketchbooks, here's some randomness from in between her pages.

Also, new print. This blue bike. I made another version too with type, but it's not listed for sale...so if there's interest, I'll put it up. The top one is in the shop.

Time to watch a rerun of Glee. G'night.

I must admit....

2010-10-18T18:28:00.003-04:00

I'm feeling very down lately. I've been sick over a week and haven't been able to get on Ruby (my bike, my new love) and go riding. It really clears my head and helps me sort life out and get inspired. I think that's a lot of whey I feel so low. Sigh. Being boxed up on the couch while I hack and cough and pop Mucinex DM does not do well for my creative side.
I am trying to market my art more and get my name out, but it's really hard in a world full of so many talented illustrators and crafters. But it's the dream, to live off that talent have that I paid soooo much money to fine tune in school. Oh, I have a major case of the Mondays.
Sorry for the personal bit, I just need to get that out there to the people.

Adventures with Cherry

2010-10-13T18:58:00.008-04:00

This isn't at all art related, but I've been sick all week and haven't felt well enough to ride my bike, so Cherry and I went on a walk in some fields that haven't been turned into housing developments yet.

Also here's a picture of our place decked out for Halloween. :)

And here's my new bike!! I named her Ruby.

I've taken ill, but here is some art.

2010-10-12T19:10:00.004-04:00

Yes, I'm suffering from a lousy cold...itchy eyes, sore throat, coughing... UGH. I took off work early to eat chicken noodle soup, take meds, and then pass out on the couch, which just SUCKED because it was such a pretty day. Sigh. So, after some napping I huddled up in my studio and got some prints in the shop. Oh, also I redid my blog..but it might change again, I'm not dedicated to the new layout.

I'd like feedback for the Rise & Shine print. I don't usually do type-based prints, yet I work with typography all day at my day job. Any thoughts would be nice.
Hope everyone is doing better than I am!

A Fox and a Cabin

2010-10-05T00:25:00.002-04:00

...two new prints in thy shoppe.

I think foxes are making a comeback. Foxes might be the new owl.
Also, I came home to a paddywagon in front of my house thanks to my always amusing neighbors. I can't wait to move someday, but I will miss their tangles with the Columbus Police.
What else? I kind of want a Dumbo Rat. They have babies at the pet store...and I have a soft spot for their big dopey ears. I might do a rat print soon...though I'm sure there's not much call for that.
Also, I bought a bicycle. But it's being shipped so, I'll have to post it's picture later. Yay, bikes.
Alright enough...I'm tired and cranky and morning traffic lately has been awful so I better go to bed to get up earlier than usual.
Gah.

Autumn Leaf Prints

2010-09-19T23:17:00.004-04:00

Well.
Fall seems to finally be on it's way to Ohio. Of course, that means six months of winter will follow...what a drag.
But in the meantime, here's a set of prints for a little bit of autumn goodness. Let's just focus on the lovely scents of fall, Friday night football games, and returning seasons of favorite tv shows. :)
All are now for sale in the shop.

Hello Wednesday

2010-09-08T20:51:00.006-04:00

I received yet another photo of my prints all hung up from one of my lovely buyers. She bought these three for her nursery and it looks fantastic. It makes me happy that one of the first memories her little one may have will be of my art on the wall. :)

Secondly, there are a few new prints in the shop. I did another print in the style of my recent deer antler print. I hope it's as well liked.And this one, which I spent a ton of time on and really like the outcome. I'm slightly obsessed with hearts lately.Hope everyone's well! I've been a little bit 'off' this week, so I tried to turn it around by getting into the good ol' creative stuff. It usually helps. :)

Happy Labor Day!

2010-09-06T15:36:00.005-04:00

Well, it's happy for those who are getting a paid day off. Or, in my husband's case, time and a half.
I've got a handful of framed prints hanging (and for sale) at Crimson & Clover Salon in Westerville. The owner, Cindy, hangs art all over the place and the salon is in a neat old house that she's made into her business.

I also had one of my buyers send me a picture of my prints hanging up in her new apartment. :) I love getting those.

And finally, I have work for sale on a consignment basis at Rare Device, a boutique in San Francisco. It's co-owned by Lisa Congdon, an illustrator I've always been a big fan of and am obviously a little inspired by if you look at her bright, wonderful work.
And that's that for today! Now to hit some stores for new beers I need to try.

A little change of how I do things.

2010-08-29T15:11:00.004-04:00

Here's a brand new print I'm excited about. As cliche as it may sound, the layout for this was in a dream I had. I really like it, I hope everyone does too. I plan on doing a lot more in this way.
It's in the shop. Meanwhile, I'm working on a couple projects...one being an updated logo for the lovely Laura of Pansy Maiden Handbags. And it involves drawing an owl so I'm always game for that. :)
Hope the week starts off okay for everyone!

My Prints in Action!

2010-07-28T20:43:00.004-04:00

My wonderful friend, Becky, bought these and was nice enough to send me a pic of them all hung up. They look great! :)

And here are a couple new prints that are newly listed...

Hope everyone is having a lovely week!

Fresh Flower Prints

2010-07-21T00:17:00.003-04:00

Here's a couple prints for a Garden mini-series. I was walking Cherry through the neighborhood and spotted a yard full of Zinnias. My mom grows them on the side of her house and they're always so bright and funky. And for the first time since I moved in my Black Eyed Susans are blooming so I felt the need to draw some. Both prints are now in the shop as well.

Zinnias

Black Eyed Susans

New Promos!

2010-07-12T22:48:00.003-04:00

New promo postcards! Yes, it's time to start getting stuff done around here. Hopefully getting these printed up soon to start sending out.

Updated website..

2010-07-09T18:06:00.001-04:00

It's not as fancy as the old one, but it's more simple and more me I think.
here it is

Fresh Prints for July

2010-07-03T19:03:00.004-04:00

Since the wedding stress all over, here's some new prints for all.
Happy 4th of July! Eat lotsa food and drink lotsa beer.

Newlywed.

2010-06-29T19:54:00.004-04:00

I am now a married lady. We went off to Niagara Falls for four days, it was wonderful. Maybe now that that's all over I can get some work done around here...

This is our fabulous Hamburger cake that was made by Bakery Gingham on Thurman Ave., Columbus. Everyone loved it. :) It was amazing, to say the least.

End of the Month Updates...

2010-05-27T23:14:00.004-04:00

This month flew by, which I'm sure is because I'm getting married next month...in 23 days to be exact. Ah, then a deserving honeymoon in good ol' Niagara Falls! Can't wait.
Also, I got a new car, 2002 Nissan Xterra. I love it. And so does Cherry, the whole backseat is basically hers since the seats lay down. Here's a pic from the Prarie Oaks park outside of Plain City. Good times.

Okay, onto the art...here's some newer prints that recently made it to the top of my to-do list and got into the shop. Other than that, I'm dealing with a couple projects here and there, but work and the wedding planning is sucking up the rest of my 'free time'.

Underwired Magazine Cover

2010-04-16T18:22:00.002-04:00

I got a copy of the cover I did for Louisville, Kentucky's Underwired Magazine today. It looks fantastic, I'm really happy with it.

New Cards, New Promos!

2010-04-11T15:15:00.004-04:00

I got my new business cards and postcard size prints from Overnightprints.com the other day. Yay! The prints are to throw in with orders. I was doing it before but using an outside printer is much more cost effective for little things like that.

Here's just some pics from around the house...

Trying to be organized.

The office...except for the bass you see. That's Lee's.

My lovely kitchen table with forsythia branches in a vase (mom's idea).

Cherry, she parks out wherever I am.

My 'art wall' nook.

Love Ohio

2010-04-06T20:24:00.003-04:00

Here's my new Ohio prints...just in time for the Spring CCAD Art sale on April 17th.
I'm trying to get a ton of prints ready, since I finally got actual bags and backing board instead of my usual plastic sleeve things from Wal-Mart and cut up boxes. It was cheap, but time consuming. And lousy looking.

Meanwhile, my search for a new car continues. I've had my ol' Grand Am for about five years now and it's time for her to be handed down to my little brother. I need something that doesn't leave a trail of oil everywhere it goes and has more room for my doggy and the rest of my stuff.
What a pain it is.

Terrible Yellow Eyes

2010-03-29T21:44:00.004-04:00

If you know me, you know I fell in love with 'Where the Wild Things Are'. I thought the movie was amazing and of course the illustrations of Maurice Sendak. So I came across this while going through misc. indie crafting and art blogs...and I was so mad I never saw it before.
Terrible Yellow Eyes
It's a whole blog of art inspired by Where the Wild Things Are. Holy cow. I love it.
This one is now my desktop background:

DINOSAURS!!!

2010-03-16T18:59:00.004-04:00

Yes, finally I came to my senses and realized I need dinosaur prints. I've always loved dinosaurs, not to mention Jurassic Park is one of my all time favorite movies. I could quote it beginning to end.
Anyways, I have a lot of cutesy girly things but nothing for say, a lil boys room. Or a lil girl that likes dinos (like me).

Here's the first three in what is sure to be a nice little series:Triceratops

Brachiosaurus

Wooly Mammoth

All three are now for sale in the shop.

Re-Branding Continues...

2010-02-22T22:57:00.003-05:00

I put this aside for quite a while, but I'm trying to get it done finally. Here's a few variations, my old ideas were too crowded. Any comments would be appreciated. Once I get the card designed I can start redoing everything else.

Horse Lovers and Animal Lovers-Please Help

2010-01-28T15:36:00.009-05:00

On Sunday morning, Jan. 24th, an old friend of mine and her fiance had a tragic barn fire while they were at church. As a result, they lost all of their 23 horses and three dogs, not to mention a brand new barn and all their tack. I cannot imagine living such a nightmare, as a past horse owner and a lifetime horse lover.

Because of this terrible event, I am donating a portion of my Etsy sales to their cause to help them recover from such a loss. Purchases are always appricaited, but they are in great need at this time to help someone else.

I am aware that the tragadies in Haiti make something like this seem like nothing, but I have donated to that cause and now really need help in assisting this one which hits so close to home for many.

Here is the full story: http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/10/01/25/24-horses-perish-in-morrow-county-barn-fire

(This article is incorrect, it was 23 horses, not 24)

These are just a couple of the beauties who didn't make it out. Maggie and Sugar.

Thank you in advance, these animals were their family and their life.

-m

Rainy January

2010-01-24T14:46:00.003-05:00

Sorry, since I started working full time my art has suffered. That and planning a wedding... It's stolen all the time I ever had. Just did a couple portraits of an adorable Pug for someone..this is Penny.
Other than that, my creativeness is at a total standstill. Which I'm not happy about. But that's how it goes sometimes...

Over 300 sales!

2009-12-15T18:55:00.002-05:00

I am now over 300 in Etsy sales. Hurray!!! Success!! Thank you to all my wonderful customers. :)
Also, I made my annual Cherry Christmas card.

I haven't really had the chance to do any new work because of my job/custom requests/xmas stuff...so hopefully after xmas I will.
My poor lil' truck needs some work done and I'm going to be driving my old oil leakin' machine again for a while. Oh, vehicles..curse you.

Black Friday Weekend Extravaganza

2009-11-23T21:30:00.002-05:00

I'll be offering Buy 2 Get 1 Free on all my prints, Friday Nov.2yth through Monday Nov.30th . Buy 4, get 2 Free, etc.

This is Cherry waiting patiently in the truck while I ran into Staples. :)

Re-Branding Myself

2009-11-18T02:45:00.006-05:00

I decided that the branding scheme I did last semester for class isn't what I really want and was more the result of getting the assignment done on time.
So, even though I like my little sage green and funky font with little birds, they aren't really me. And I keep seeing that font come up places and I'm like, Hey, that's what I use! It makes me feel less original I guess. My 'new' branding is all handwritten type and much brighter colors. I think looking at my work it goes with everything much better. Here's the business card layout. Any critique is welcome.

Old Version

New Version #1
New Version #2

Dearest CCAD...

2009-11-17T00:59:00.006-05:00

Dearest Columbus College of Art and Design,
You have been a wonderful school, albeit a tough one. You have caused me panic attacks on several occasions, a trip to the emergency room, two speeding tickets racing to get to you, and days on end without so much as a nap. You have cost me more money than I care to remember or want to think about, and challenged my over all mental stability. I have come to know you so well. Your brand new buildings, as well as your dilapitated ones with seemingly no heat. I have cursed your name on thousands of occasions. However, I defied the level 2 snow warnings in a Ford Taurus and another few times in a 2 door Grand Am just to reach you. Then to be told you were done for the day and to return home.
I met people just like me through you. I met people I dispised entirely. I found encouragment, hope, and a future there. I also found harsh critiques, tough love, and frustration. You taught me that my car can be a bedroom and an office. That fashion doesn't always fall inbetween pages in a magazine. That art can be found on bathroom stalls. That everything can be said in a few sketchy lines.
Without you, I might be who I was before I met you. Without a car, without a job. A life of bad habits with bad people. You helped me shape myself into who I really am. Who I could become. No, I didn't like you all those years, but you knew what to do with me. And for that I love you, CCAD.
Thank you for all of it.
Love,
Maggy

Things and Whatnot

2009-10-13T00:55:00.007-04:00

Here's one of my recent watercolor adventures. This was a house I took a picture of in Florida a summer ago. I'm finding that I like doing architecture more than landscape.

I'm also doing a big craft fair this weekend at Lodge Bar in Columbus, Ohio if anyone's interested. It's downtown in the arena district from 11 to 6 Saturday. There's also drawings and fun things to do so come on dooooooooown.

Here's a new print too, I'm pretty stupid for HGTV lately for some reason so I'm drawing a lot houses and homey things.

Also Lee, Cherry, and I went for a walk by the river Sunday and we took a bunch of pictures of the always lovely autumn colors, so expect even more tree oriented prints soon, when I have time. Oh, time, where have you gone...

The Joy of Clay

2009-10-07T01:21:00.006-04:00

There's a good chance if I had taken this ceramics class when I was in my first years at CCAD, I may have become a fine arts major instead. And also would have failed all my classes because I would have been in the ceramics lab all the time.
I love to draw and paint, but there's just something completely different about pottery.

Vintage Camper Set

2009-09-23T02:17:00.005-04:00

My pen and ink camper series...maybe there will be more eventually, but four is good right now. I did a series of 4 in watercolor also...they're around here somewhere...
All four are now in the shop.

Where the magic happens...

2009-09-22T01:48:00.005-04:00

A guy from school posted his studio space earlier today on his blog and now I feel like doing the same. Heeeeeeeeeeeeere it is! Note my Office Space 'Is this good for the company?' banner.

Also my guinea pigs, Mavis (black) and Bean (blonde).

This House is a very very fine house.

2009-09-15T01:05:00.007-04:00

I'm taking a 6 hr. advanced watercolor class for my last semester at ol' CCAD. Here's painting I did last week.

Also, here's the Plain City water tower sans the PLAIN CITY words on it. Might add those later for funsies but I wanted to make it generic for now.

Lee finally asked me to marry him after being together for over five and a half years. My ring is out for resizing (sad) but it is beeeeautiful and I'm very, very happy. :)

Labor Daybor Sales

2009-09-05T12:45:00.006-04:00

If anyone's interested, I'm having a "Buy 2 get 1 Free" sale in the ol' shop. It ends Tuesday...when i return to work. And school.

I haven't been able to get to any new stuff since classes started. I have to be at work or school most of the time as always so...the things I really want to do get no time. Plus I'm doing an independent study course in watercolor and that's gonna eat up a lot of 'free time'. Or what free time I had once.

Okay, it's Saturday, I'm tired and hungry.

Cheers.

A poster...

2009-09-01T01:13:00.005-04:00

Did this poster for a girl in NYC who has a little business, Pansy Maiden, making bags and purses. It was a fun project and I always like when I have an excuse to bring in some handwritten text.
Also here's a couple other drawwwrings...

things and stuff

2009-07-28T19:41:00.003-04:00

New woodsy drawing.

I signed up to be in the 2009 Craftin' Outlaws fair. Don't know if I'll get in, but it's in October. Supposed to be a goodin', so I'm hoping I wasn't too late with the application.
You can click on that pic to see the site.

I'm officially looking for a new car. By which I mean truck. I've had this car for oh, three years and it's been a treat leaving puddles of oil everywhere, but I think it's time I moved on. I've wanted a truck since I was driving illegally, and the time has come!

Wholesale'n

2009-07-24T20:12:00.004-04:00

I got the opportunity to sell my prints wholesale in a shop alllllllllllll the way across the country in San Francisco. Here's the link to the site: http://www.teddahughes.com/
I'm quite excited. I'm also supposed to be doing some wholesale for Tigertree in Short North, but I've been busy and just now got around to getting it all printed and ready for them.
Anyways, I was up packing up all the prints to send out very late one night and though my back was killing me from hunching down and cutting and wrapping up each individual print, I was doing what I LOVE and actually making a little profit. Oh the big dreams I have, where someday I can do this and this alone... very far off dreams indeed. I really need to look into a business license or something since I'm doing wholesale. That's on my big fat 'To Do' list.
Also Lee and I FINALLY got a new bed. The one we have was I think made in the 70's. The mattresses and the headboard. This new bed is freakin' wonderful. His wonderful momma bought it for us and we are soooooooooo grateful. But the old headboard made a very nice shelving unit for my office/studio, I'm so crafty.
Alrighty, enough for now kids.

Three New Prints

2009-07-20T20:14:00.002-04:00

This week I am obsessed with tiny houses. And also foxes.

Watercolorness

2009-07-15T18:44:00.003-04:00

Watercolor/color pencil portrait of a friend's horses.

It's Tuesday

2009-07-07T23:33:00.002-04:00

AMC Javelin.

And a birthday present for my best friend, Mandy. As you can see, she has three spoiled cats.

That's it for today, kiddos.
I did draw some funny pictures of my guinea pig, but I haven't got to scanning them yet.

Just Beat It

2009-07-05T22:55:00.002-04:00

So my Michael Jackson print made it to the front page of Etsy a couple days ago(top left corner). I thought that was neat. Also, tonight on the Sunday simpsons time slot they played the old 1991 episode "Stark Raving Dad" where Michael was a guest voice. I thought that was neat too. Gotta love those old episodes, anyway.
That will be all.

And I am obessed with trees

2009-06-19T03:17:00.002-04:00

Here's the things I've been working on the past few days. Sorry for the watermarks, I sell these as prints and don't want any thieve'n.

Lotsa stuffs today

2009-06-10T20:14:00.005-04:00

Lady Gaga. Why not?

Lee and I have been playing N64 nightly...Mario Kart 64 and San Francisco Rush 2 to be specific.

Peace sign tattoo design for my best friend, Mandy. What a hippie. :P

And a little card I made for my friend Laura, who's getting married in July. :)
That's it for today, kiddies.

Horsey sketch time

2009-06-02T21:19:00.005-04:00

So, without really realizing it I've had this favorite illustrator all my life. Wesley Dennis is most known for his work illustrating books by Marguerite Henry, who most famously wrote Misty of Chincoteque, Stormy, Misty's Foal, and King of the Wind.
What spurred me to remember this was that I bought a 1945 copy of John Steinbeck's The Red Pony from Half price books the other day just for the illustrations of horses. Then I realized, duh, this is the same guy who illustrated all those other horse books I was obsessed about all my life. I read the book that night, by the way, it's a favorite of mine. Then of course I felt like drawing horses. Well, I always do, but more than usual. I see alot of Dennis's influence in some of my work. Neato.
These are a couple horses a girl I went to high school with owns.
Done with a Sharpie. To quote the 'Turff : "You too can do magical things with a Sharpie."

Hedgie

2009-05-30T14:55:00.002-04:00

Hedgehogs are so cute. This is a new print in the shop.

In Drawing mode...

2009-05-29T21:52:00.007-04:00

To you other artsy peeps, you know about these days. Some days, you can't draw for shit. Nothing comes out right. Nothing works. Then otherdays, you can draw ANYTHING. You can draw it perfect the first time around. And it's awesome. Anyways, I slipped into one of those awesome drawing fevers a couple hours ago. I just keep going through pictures I took at my moms house over the weekend and drawing away. Also I finally planted my flowers and they make my house look dandy.

This is my moms dog, Bill.

And some buttercup flowers.

Sketches of my Dog

2009-05-22T19:08:00.002-04:00

Here's some sketches of my dog asleep on the recliner.

Book Cover done

2009-05-05T00:39:00.005-04:00

This is the cover for my fake children's book, Cherry. Oooh, guess who it's about. Hah.

Ink and colorful things

2009-05-02T19:00:00.005-04:00

Due to my uplifting portfolio review with Mr. Frank Sturges (illustration rep) and Mr. Groff (a fine illustration teacher), I was motivated enough to do not one, but two new pieces.
By Groff's suggestion, I did the retro Airstream camper. And because I love both coffee and tacky things, a 1980's coffee maker.
Both are in the shop.

Oh, and I started running again. I'm officially not able to fit into more than half my clothes anymore and that just has to stop. I can't afford new clothes. I can't believe I used to run 5 miles back in the day like it was nuthin'. Sigh.

:P

2009 Spring Art Sale

2009-04-19T23:54:00.003-04:00

The spring sale went really well. Luckily, I failed at signing up for the December sale so I had a lot of stuff that I was supposed to sell at this one. I was way more prepared too, so I'm sure that helps. Lee as always was my salesman and he did a swell job. I bought a totally sweet big ol' handmade coffee cup from Sumiko Takada of Functional and Decorative Pottery. I've been wanting one since last year. Lee got a print from Maxe Smith of a nicely dressed sloth, it's fantastic. I can't wait to hang it.
Ooooh I have less than one more month of school left. I have so much to do, I wish I could quit work for a few weeks to get it all done. Bleh.
I'm looking to get a mac laptop and give my compaq to lee. This thing can't run CS3 programs for crap. But of course money is needed for such things. Ah cripes.
Also, the Spice Bar in Columbus is lame and full of jerks. I went for my friends bday and it was alright until about 11 until a million people showed up. I wouldn't go back though, no sir. Just give me the Plain City Pub.
They opened a new dog park a little bit ago in Victorian Village, called Wheeler Park. We've taken Cherry twice so far and she had a good ol' time. It's great to finally have a dog park kinda close to home.

CCAD Art Sale

2009-04-03T13:41:00.003-04:00

The spring sale is coming up in two weeks, so you if you live around Columbus it's worth a looksee. I'll be selling lotsa things. :)

Apple Queen

2009-03-31T21:08:00.003-04:00

I call this lovely lady 'Eve'. 7" x 10.5", ink, marker, and watercolor on watercolor paper. I am obsessed with apples lately.

Birds and words.

2009-03-30T13:07:00.004-04:00

Here's a couple things I worked on this weekend (instead of my impending homework, of course).
Marker, ink, and digitally colored background. The prints are in the shop. :)

Also, I cut off a good portion of my hair yesterday. I like it.

Love my horses.

2009-03-24T23:47:00.003-04:00

"Where I Should Be", 7"x9", watercolor and ink on watercolor paper.
Drawn from a photo taken at the Morrow County Fair last September. God, I miss home sometimes.
(Greatly inspired by Jack Unruh)

O'Reilly Ink installation at Caribou Coffee

2009-03-24T21:38:00.004-04:00

I was lucky enough to get my artwork put up again, this time at Caribou Coffee on Grandview Ave. I have to say it looks really amazing there. The manager, Sarah, is a really cool girl who pretty much let me do what I wanted and even wants to keep them up for a long time. The walls are an olive green color, so it sets off the prints really nicely. Plus, I get free coffee!! Woot!! I'm so excited, as always when someone digs my art. I had to take pics with my phone as I stupidly forgot my camera, but heres a pic. :)

It's my birthday (and heres something new)

2009-03-21T15:05:00.003-04:00

This is my newest venture. I enjoy it. 9"x7" Watercolor, marker, and ink on watercolor paper.
Plus, some sketches..

Goin's On.

2009-03-19T13:15:00.005-04:00

I scored my very first interview last week. Lucia of SNOU Contemporary Jewelry interviewed me for her blog. You can see it here. I was so happy and surprised. Thanks again, Lucia! :)
In other news, I'm going to be hanging up more work in Grandview next week at the Caribou Coffee on Grandview Ave. The manager approached me to do it and I'm more than happy to have another place to hang my art for a while.
Spring Break next week...thank goodness. CCAD is eating my soul. I have no time for anything. Except school, work, and homework. I wish I were graduating this spring with everyone else. But no, gotta wait even longer. I just want some freakin' time to work on my own stuff. Not assignments. Ugh. I want to submit something to Juxtapoz again. I've been trying to break into some mixed media stuff when I have the time.
Spring seems to be on it's way. We had a nice couple sunny days and now it's a little cooler, but not at all like the frigid winter.
It's definately dog-walking weather though. So hurray for that.

Happy Belated St. Patrick's Day!!!

Maaaaaarch.

2009-03-06T01:47:00.005-05:00

I'm on a kick where I've decided it's time to take another direction for a lil bit. I'm pretty much drawing what I feel like drawing and not just an animal or a coffee cup-although I do enjoy to draw those as well. Anyways, I have felt highly inspired lately by Tara McPherson, who came to CCAD last week and I kick myself in the ass for sleeping in and not going. Her way of making things just weird enough is something I've been wanting to attempt for quite a while, but I end up tip toeing around it. I dunno. Here's some marker/ink junk from the sketchbook lately.
Ohio finally decided it's time to stop being in the 17 degree and under range and get ready for spring for a minute. Who knows how long that will last, when Ohio starts to warm up it also means an ton of rain. Ohio is such a tease. But yay, St. Pat's day is soon, Spring Break, and my birthday. Yes, March is a fine month for me, freezing or not. I shall enjoy lots of beer.
And woot, the CCAD student sale will be coming up in April. Hurray! Promoting!

My art is up!

2009-02-01T16:56:00.006-05:00

I put up 13 pieces at Aladdin's Eatery in Grandview today. I wanted to do 19, but I'm too poor for that many frames. Anyways, I'm really excited. Grandview is such a neat little town. I wish I lived there instead of dumb old Hilliard. My parents lived there when I was born, so technically I did live there...for two years.
Anyways, I don't know how long they want them up for, but hurray for exposure!!

What's New

2009-01-29T14:19:00.004-05:00

So we got totally shit on with snow this week. Ohio is laaaaaaaaaaame.
Anyways, got a few new prints done for the shop. Hurray!

Someone in an Etsy forum inspired me to draw an Alpaca-they're so funny lookin'.

If you're in the midwest...drive safe!!!

Twitter me this, batman

2009-01-20T19:33:00.003-05:00

I gave in and joined Twitter. Make a note of it!

http://twitter.com/toxicguineapigs

:)

my car sucks and more

2009-01-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

Took my car in to see whats going on with the oil leak, and of course it's coming from the head gasket and will cost more than that car is worth to fix. So, I'll just keep putting a quart of oil in it every other week. Bleh. Figures. (thats an old pic from when we lived at the old place)

I sat around for like 40 minutes today googling people and then finally myself. I googled 'toxiccavies' because I use it for a lot of usernames. So this blog in another language
came up and featured a drawing I had. But they credited me, so it's all good. It was just odd.
Like when homer finds the Mister Sparkles box and his picture is on the front.

So here's some sweet news, I might be getting a little exhibition spot at Aladdin's Eatery in Grandview. It will be on the month Gallery Hop route too so hopefully I'll get some much needed exposure. Excitement!

Front Page Awesomeness

2009-01-04T14:23:00.000-05:00

I opened my email this morning and to my surprise I had a
butt load of etsy orders. Things have been painfully slow since Christmas ended and my hours at work have been getting less and less. I went to the Etsy Front Pagers group on Flickr and BAM-I was totally on the front page yesterday.
It was my roller skates print that I did this past week.

So yeah, I am always insanely happy when I make the FP, especially when it gets me much needed sales :)

The weather was decent yesterday so I took down all my damn christmas lights and cleaned up dog poop. Hurray! Accomplishments!