Art & Soul

Looking Back - 2005

Austin writer, Chris Barton, keeps a running tally of his successes. I find this such a positive practice. What a way to bolster yourself when your self-esteem flags a little.

With that in mind, I decided to take a look back at my year and my accomplishments.

• I had an excellent year promotion-wise. I feel that I really got my name and work out there.

• I worked consistently through the year with no real downtime (thanks Maggie!).

• I worked with several dream clients for the first time this year, including Scholastic and Highlights for Children.

• My first trade-book illustration job was published (this month!).

• I moved forward in my writing, including taking workshops with Anastasia Suen and Uma Krishnaswami.

• I have several proposed book projects making the rounds and getting some nibbles.

• I licensed several images to a crafting company (thanks Michael!).

• I was invited to join a couple of amazing groups of my peers (and heroes).

I'd have to say this was a great year for me. I'm moving in the right direction and getting some fabulous opportunities. I can't ask for more than that.

I'd love to hear about everyone else's successes!

Merry, Jolly, Happy from Me to You

I love Christmas, but I'm afraid I'm one of those people who is still wrapping as the guests ring the door bell.

We went to a party last night. I put the finishing touches on the gift tags minutes before we were due to leave.

For all you fellow seasonal procrastinators, here's a late Christmas gift to you from me. You can *download and print a set of the snowman gift tags here to use on your own presents.

Merry Christmas, y'all!

*Gift tags may only be downloaded for personal use, and may not be used for any commercial purposes without the written consent of the artist.

Marketing Time

I had big plans to send out a Halloween promo, but ended up having a very steady stream of work coming in the last few months.

I'm making up for my procrastination on this project by sending a big mailer instead of a postcard this time. I found these awesome 9x12 full window envelopes from Action Envelopes.

I hope that seeing some artwork through the window will entice art directors and editors to open them up. This is the insert that will show through the window. I write the editor's address on the little envelope the snake is holding. I'm very happy with how this turned out.

Behind the insert, I'm including two letter sized promo sheets. I've got two styles I'm working in right now, so I've included a few samples of each style.

I added Highlights for Children to my client list as a result of my last promotion; so I'm hoping this one will be as successful.