piccolinodesigns

Happy St. Valentine's!

2012-02-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

Today I am cutting invitations for a wedding shower.

This card was done for last year's holiday at Heights Flower Shoppe.

Much going on...

2012-02-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been substituting at schools. I like doing this, specially at my son's school. It is also a nice little income to help out at home.
I am moving along contacting WBU stores, sending out flyer or PDf catalogue, but so far only one store has bought. I need 10 to 15 stores to carry my cards. There are over 200 stores nationwide.

I went to a COSE Leads group to check if it would be good for me. Not sure yet.
Last night I attended a talk at our NOIS meeting with Chris Morris, illustrator & art director for the Plain Dealer newspaper. He is very talented.www.chrismorrisillustration.com

I have been in contact with a fellow etsian that lives south of here. She made a crocheted baby booties (BOTINES) for my sister.
Her name is Ana and her shop is www.etsy.com/people/AMarteBaby
Got an order from etsy for my General Greeting cards--to a customer nearby!! I will meet her next week.

WBU Good News & resolved the printer problem

2012-01-28T20:34:00.000-05:00

Well, Epson cannot fix the problem, but I can save an Illustrator file to a PDF & then print. One way to do it from my new mac.

I got my first order from one of the WBU stores yesterday!!!! WBU stands for Wild Birds Unlimited. So exciting! I am getting the order ready to mail on Monday morning.

I have also added my First Communion invitations to etsy. Getting ready for that too!

I am really mad at Epson...

2012-01-23T21:34:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that I spent so much money buying a new Mac with Lion operating system and the new Adobe CS5 Illustrator and I CANNOT print properly. The image looks jagged!!
Had a Chat w/Epson and this is what they said:
I need a Third party software RIP
because my Epson R1900 is a non-PostScript printer. The new CS5 cannot print to that. It needs a PostScript printer.
So we searched online to find that and the only thing that popped was this PowerRIP that does not support the Lion OS.
OK, so now what? Epson does not have a driver nor it recommends any software. That is ABSURD!
The guy suggested I imported my Illustrator file as a PDF into Photoshop. This is just ludicrous!!
I am looking for their Feedback & boy are they going to get it.
I think I can still create the design in the new CS5, but I have to transfer the file via flash drive to print. Nightmare!

Proud of Cleveland

2012-01-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

I have learned that making things about Cleveland---there is a pride movement in this city---will sell. I love my Rock & Roll Pingquik.

T-shirts, prints for framing? Wouldn't they like a mascot?!

New Year 2012...

2012-01-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

Well, I went on vacation to PR and it was definitely NOT calm. Plenty of activity: flying kites, parrandas (Puerto Rican caroling), parties, getting together with family & friends...
I did sell cards at the Room Service store and I mailed flyers to the WBU stores and one responded so far. I sold almost 100 Tweet&Flora cards at the Heights Floral Shoppe last year.
What is next?
Finishing my Tweet catalogue to mail out to one store, while approaching more stores.
Creating a HNY & promo postcard (almost done) to send out as a reminder to the WBU stores & previous clients.
Here is Jim and Jorge, the creator of my website.

MADE in the 216 Holiday Store--cards available

2011-11-21T18:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I dropped off TWEET&FLORA & Pinguink cards
to the Room Service store on West 25th St and Lorain in the West side of CLE.
They hold a holiday shop for artists living in the 216 & 440 zip codes.
If you go shopping at the West Side Market, stop by & check us artists out.

A Shaker Store selling my cards

2011-11-07T16:58:00.000-05:00

My cards from Tweet&Flora and Pingquik are being sold here too.

http://lakeerieartists.com/default.aspx

Allow to sell my cards to WBU franchises!!

2011-11-04T11:41:00.000-04:00

Today I got a letter of approval from Wild Birds Unlimited headquarters to sell my Tweet&Flora and Pingquik cards. I now have to send out postcards to offer my products and see who of all those franchises will be interested in selling them. Oh, my I am soo excited, but I really need to get very organized and start figuring out the logistics!!! There are 270 stores nationwide! Yikes!

Tweet cards in stores now-----more later on in holiday shows.

2011-10-28T18:03:00.000-04:00

Tweet & Flora cards are now available at

the Heights Floral Shoppe on Fairmount Blvd. in Cleveland Heights;

at Lake Erie Artists store in Shaker Square; and

at Wild Birds Unlimited on Mayfield Road in Mayfield Heights.

This was one of my first funny Tweet Christmas cards. I will be offering this one as a single card. One Tweet got into Santa's Bag, another one is trying to get him out while the big Tweet just rolls his eyes.

Claymation class at Cleveland Institute of Art

2011-10-22T17:52:00.000-04:00

This was a fun class that taught us how to make clay figures with stop motion and morphing them into other creatures. The other students were Floy Juszli (Lobster), James Wiles Swan creature, I did the parrot (Pingquik) and Mary Elizabeth Norman (light bulb). Our teacher was Adri Wichert.

New iMac ...

2011-10-12T08:05:00.000-04:00

My yahoo account & Facebook were hacked by a Nigerian (organization) sending a scam that I needed Euros because I was mugged in Spain. I am not really using that yahoo email & Facebook is now giving me trouble that I am logging into an insecure website. PINTA.
Now I have a Mac ProBook so I can be more mobile & be able to show my work to places. I have to transfer files into the new one. So many things to do.
Going to show my cards for a Holiday Bazaar soon. Hopefully I can sell them there.
Back to doing stuff.

Thinking of the past

2011-09-13T13:51:00.000-04:00

This is back in 1975? when Big Wheels were all the rage. Just getting ideas on how to do some illustrations. Drawing some dahlias & other flowers, babushkas, more birds...

I just inquired about who to contact at Martha Stewart magazine to feature a small pix of my Tweet&Flora cards.

"My purpose is to bring a chuckle and a smile to people who receive Tweet&Flora cards".

I have to go & buy more paper. Later, dudes.

Learning Floral Design

2011-09-10T20:15:00.000-04:00

I finally have learned by osmosis to do small arrangements. Tammy from the www.Height Floral Shoppe has a great talent in doing loose, European "gardeny" arrangements using 3 set of different flowers. Here I just chose fuschia gerberas, with bupleurum as a foundation and hypericum berries for an accent in a small white ceramic vase. Very summery.
So, besides illustrator, graphic designer, I can cal myself an amateur floral designer.

A Double message for Cleveland from Pingquik

2011-09-08T19:28:00.000-04:00

Today I created this image using Pingquik dreaming about making it in the music business and promoting Cleveland. This could be great for t-shirts and a print, cards. etc....
Any comments? The font? colors?

Personalized Stationery

2011-09-06T12:50:00.000-04:00

I created this personalized card for my niece showing her dog & location.

I have been Etsy Stalked!

2011-09-03T12:54:00.000-04:00

I forgot to announce that this group of etsy curators chose my LOVE-PEACE-JOY Tweet&Flora cards for their site! Unfortunately, I think the next day that item expired in etsy! It is now back up plus the assortment of greeting cards from my little birds.

I have to paint for the NOIS show, but I don't think I am going to make it.

etsystalker.com/2011/08/16/peace-love-and-happiness/

Tweet&Flora Calling card to give away in gifts

2011-09-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

I am having a lot of fun designing Tweet images. This card I gave to my friends who were moving away as a gift that they can use to place on gifts or to give to new people they meet.

• I can add more information on the back such as email or cell phone #s.
• Anyone interested, business size card 2 x 3.5" on nice cover stock paper in bright white using archival (pigment) inks.
• 20 cards for $12 or 30 cards for $18
• I can also make this bigger for Note cards, a print to have it framed, etc...
I will post this in etsy soon.

New things I am discovering in my blog

2011-08-28T22:16:00.002-04:00

I just discovered that I was missing my websites & my store in etsy and here there are right at the top :)
Now a flavicon, I made one, but I have no idea where it is showing!? I put my Tweet bird.

LOVEBIRDS: A modified version using calligraphy font

2011-08-28T21:48:00.002-04:00

Which Love Birds card should I pick?

2011-08-28T17:10:00.000-04:00

I am in the process of printing professionally my greeting cards so I need your input on which one should I use and if I should do any changes.

Sign for the store

2011-08-23T11:34:00.000-04:00

Check if this sign looks good to advertise my cards at Wild Birds Unlimited.

School just started so now I am back in business....

It's August & my birthday is around the corner

2011-08-07T18:35:00.000-04:00

School is almost here so I am just trying to do activities with my son before it starts. I do have many ideas to draw in Illustrator, but I just can't seem to sit down inside.

Today was beautiful outside so we rode our bicycles and hang out on our beautiful deck. I read about a woman who wrote a book called Decorate, on the best sellers list--about tips on decorating --in the new edition of Where Women Create by Stampington & Co.'s Somerset Studio.

I am waiting for my husband to help me install a big cork bulletin board & a magnetic erase board so I can post in an nice & organized way all my clipping & GOALS.
Must start preparing some delicious looking salmon & shrimp burgers from Heinen's, my favorite supermarket (besides Trader Joe's & Whole Foods).

Wild Birds Unlimited in Mayfield Heights selling my cards!

2011-07-21T22:08:00.000-04:00

It's official! This great store of all bird things will be selling 114 TWEET&FLORA greeting cards!
I have Thank You, Love, Friendship, just plain funny, Christmas, Birthday...
and soon will be adding Hanukkah, Get well, Thinking of you...

I now have to add my little TWEET&FLORA logo to my piccolino home page and info regarding the cards. Got to talk to Jorge about that.

Labels for school books available: awesome animal illustrations or tweenies.

I feel like Snoopy when he is dancing! Mama is watching.

One order coming up, another store is interested

2011-07-13T22:34:00.000-04:00

Well, tomorrow I shall be picking up an order from one of the stores. Which are very exciting news! I went to another store to show them my cards and they seem to be pleasantly surprised. Very nice people and they gave me a few ideas for more cards.
The best idea was Happy Bird Day! instead of Happy Birthday, quite clever from the owner.
Well, Mama is definitely helping me from heaven, although she never got around to see my Tweet&Flora designs. 8 weeks since he passing. I still can't believe it.

Card Catalogue--done....

2011-07-10T23:58:00.000-04:00

I already created a catalogue of all the cards I think are good to sell at stores. 2 stores have it and I am just waiting for the order. Tomorrow I buy the large paper and additional greeting card envelopes. Then I have to make changes in the color for the designs (digital colors are brighter than inkjet) before I print them professionally. This week I can work more as my son is in camp while my cone flowers are starting to bloom...

A new look to Breakfast at Tweetffany

2011-06-25T15:42:00.000-04:00

I did some changes because it did look like a penguin. This is a bird, but I think I can do a penguin too. The actual card has glitter on her brooch & her tiara with turquoise envelopes.

Things are happening...

2011-06-23T19:20:00.000-04:00

Well, 2 stores are interested in selling my greeting cards, specially for Tweet&Flora. Got the paper & the printing prices, so now I am waiting to check how the color changes when printed digitally and not by ink jet. Very excited!

Sunbeam sold 2 of my Pingquik baby onesies!!!! Yeah!!!! All I need is time to sit & work---I have created more designs for Tweet that are quite funny..... Please let me know what you think about this image. Would it sell between girlfriends for a card or as a print to hang anywhere?

Sorrows, but back to work.

2011-06-02T22:38:00.000-04:00

Mama died on May 15th, but I was able to see her before she left us. It was nice that my brother and I went back home for a special family party 2 weeks before. Mama had a great time, but I just had a premonition that I wasn't going to see her again. I can't believe she is gone... She was the most beautiful & sweetest mom ever. The church was full and the priest ended the mass with a Our father a "lo flamenco" music.
My arms were moving to the music, just like she would have done. We all miss her A LOT.

Back to work with some orders trickling in from back home. School is almost over so now I have to juggle more ideas for selling at etsy---to make a niche where there is a demand. First Communion was great. Next year I'll start in February.
Calling cards will be posted soon for my Spanish speaking friends who use them for their kids' birthday gifts.
Mama will guide me for the next big thing this time!

Great Charm from WWII in England!

2011-05-08T19:22:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went to check out a craft show called Oddmall - Emporium of the Weird. I found this vendor called LiLu Designs (I have no email nor website for them). I bought this charm for my necklace which I love. I have seen this as a poster in CB2 catalogue.
This was a message for the British during the WWII to raise their morale--during the period of King George VI--The King's Speech.

So when I went to mass today, Father Ackerman saw my charm & gave us mothers a blessing referring to this saying "how appropriate it is for mothers..."
So keep calm & carry on, although sometimes we can loose it in a second :)

The SUN came out today & I did 2 orders!

2011-04-26T20:56:00.000-04:00

Well, the sun peeked out for a bit and the temperature was quite WARM, for a BIG change.
Meanwhile all that was happening, I was busy printing & cutting 2 First Communion invitations that I manage to mail today!

Something from Tweet&Flora to cheer us up!

2011-04-20T20:42:00.000-04:00

I feel like I have to post an image all the time, but to me it is a bit complicated. If I have to take a picture, I have to open Photoshop, reduce the size to 72 dpi & save it to post. It MUST be a SUNNY day to take photos and we are having a HORRIBLE COLD Spring, if you call this spring.

I just posted a set of 3 designs from Tweet&Flora featuring Tweet whistling hearts, holding Happy & a peace sign. I called this one LOVE-PEACE & HAPPINESS Tweet&Flora set. Check it out in my store etsy.com

more etsy orders!

2011-04-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

This is a good one, someone who must know Spanish & appreciates my HOLA! cards by Tweet&Flora purchased a set. I am soo happy.
And I have many in the makings....I just need to sit down without going out (to exercise, or Heinen's supermarket, Target etc...)

I NEED TO SIT DOWN & CREATE.

Anyhow, I got 2 more orders for First Communion--COOL!

El Follón de la Comunión is almost done.

2011-03-31T21:19:00.000-04:00

That means the First Communion Frenzy is almost done. Possibly 2 more to do locally.

12 clients from etsy & some have already added feedback, positive so far.
I guess I have a good product!
Must do something in a grander scale with it. maybe the Catholic Market...

more etsy orders

2011-03-23T18:43:00.000-04:00

I had 6 clients buy First Communion cards and they are all done. The first one to Canada hasn't arrived there yet?! It takes more than week? The second client received it & loved it! Now I have to see what the others say.

I have some new ideas that I hatched today while having lunch at the museum of art. I have realized that I need to hang out somewhere with my creativity notebook to come up with ideas OUTSIDE of my home.
Birds & fireworks, Tiffany & birds...

I also found an awesome book called "642 Things to Draw" by Chronicle Books. This morning I was wishing that I need to draw more often & this book has suggestions in each page. No excuse now to draw!

Sold 2 more First Communion Invitation/note cards!!

2011-03-16T12:01:00.000-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
If you know Gaelic, it means Dream...

Sold my first item in etsy!

2011-03-10T18:27:00.000-05:00

Now I am international! First Communion invitations going to Canada!

Those varmints, the Squirrels...

2011-03-10T18:17:00.000-05:00

Does anyone have trouble with squirrels?

Wondering what I could write as wording so I could sell it as a card.

Piccos Line--Great for Note Cards -- Can be Personalized!

2011-02-13T16:22:00.000-05:00

All these images were digitally drawn by me. Baby or child's name can be printed in place of Thank You.

Set of 10 cards with envelopes $13 or 20 cards for $26, or any other quantities.

Clothing in etsy

2011-02-07T19:57:00.000-05:00

OK, I have all the onesies designs posted in etsy + 2 toddler tee designs.
Now I am planning some ¡HOLA! cards featuring Tweet&Flora so you can send them to friends & family...

I have other ideas in mind, will post soon.

FINALLY! I am selling in etsy!

2011-01-30T21:37:00.000-05:00

I have Pingquik & penguins Thank U note cards and a Pingquik onesie. I will be adding more items--but I need a sunny day to photograph the products! And we are getting more snow on the way, arrrgh!

www.etsy.com/listing/67077838/organic-baby-onesie-fair-trade-pingquik

Wildlife hanging out in my wintry garden...

2011-01-23T14:45:00.000-05:00

I am trying to look at winter in a positive way. When the sun comes out briefly, I just stand there soaking up the rays. I miss the sun everyday...

Gearing up for sales

2010-11-29T21:49:00.000-05:00

I know, I have been neglectful. I am waiting for an information about my t-shirt printing so I can place a few more orders for toddlers. Thanksgiving in the middle & working all week last week have put me behind my duties.
It's almost December & I have to finally post in etsy. Now I can't find the camera booklet so I can figure out the white light for photographing products.
It will happen soon. It has to happen soon.
Will print sign for World Headquarters of Piccolino Designs/Pingquik/Tweet&Flora to inspire me.

Tweet&Flora card line

2010-11-13T08:06:00.000-05:00

Most of the images I am making for Tweet are funny. In the recent show that I participated, the "I like the View" gave people a chuckle and a smile. That makes me happy.

Baby Pingquik Designs for Onesies

2010-11-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

Here are several designs which I have in the organic cotton onesies made by the local organization, Esperanza Threads.

Sizes are 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months

The collar of the onesie.

Results of the Beachwood Art & Craft Show

2010-11-10T11:08:00.000-05:00

It was an experience showing my work at the show. Many laughed at my Tweet&Flora card line. I call that one "it brings a chuckle and a smile."

Many ooohhhs and ahhhs at my Pingquik birdie's onesies. Sold 5 baby onesies!

Sold many of my Penguin & Pingquik Thank You cards!!! A popular one! Thanks to Chiqui's suggestion of adding the letters Thank U to the penguins figures.

It's Halloweeeeen!

2010-10-31T14:53:00.000-04:00

Last night my husband & I went to a costume party. It's been a while since we have been to one. Those were the days without kids. So last night Jim dressed as Survivor Man (Les Stroud in Discovery Channel) and I as Cleopatra. My son and his babysitter burned popcorn in the microwave. Thankfully, no flames, but plenty of smoke.
At the party, met a person who made me think about what I want to do with my business. I know I want to keep designing/drawing, but I also need to market myself so I can sell plenty.
My goal: to see my card designs in stores, to see my Pingquik, Tweet&Flora licensed in stuff.
Market-market-market!!!

Beachwood Holiday Art & Craft Show:
So in 7 days I will be selling in my first Crafts & Art Show. In Beachwood's Community Center on Fairmount Blvd. Sunday, November 7th from 10 to 5.
Items available: onesies for babies, tees for toddlers, greeting cards, thank you notes, note cards for kids & adults, calling cards, and a Catalogue to choose for personalized cards.
Much work this week...

A funny Christmas card from Tweet&Flora.
All images are copyright ©2010 cbrucekaiser

3 product lines: Getting ready for the Beachwood Holiday Art & Craft Show.

2010-10-11T22:24:00.000-04:00

I am getting ready with my 3 product lines: Piccos, Tweet&Flora and Pingquik.
Got together with girlfriends for lunch to brainstorm ideas & to look at my designs so we could tweak here and there.
Make a calendar! Note cards, tees, so many swirling... And logos to go along them.

The birds are pretty funny. I get ideas just by looking outside my kitchen window at the bird feeder.
All illustrations should bring a smile or a chuckle.

The SHOW will be on Sunday, November 7th 10 to 5 in Beachwood's Community/Municipal Center.

Illustrator Conference

2010-09-24T21:38:00.000-04:00

Pingquik is in the Tri-C Campus East Art show. By now quite a bit of students have seen my Pingquik Peace T-shirt & illustrations.

Today my son & his friend were wearing their Pingquik t-shirts. One had the Ripper skateboarding Pingquik dude & the other had the Master Pingquik (like a Jedi). So I gave my son's new friend a t-shirt. He picked the baseball Pingquik. He was extremely happy to have one. Hey, who knows, maybe this age group would like them.
We shall see...

Oh, I will be attending the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators Conference. It looks good.

Entered the NOIS About Face art exhibit.

2010-09-04T12:57:00.000-04:00

So at the last minute, not realizing that Monday was August 30th, the deadline to enter art for NOIS' Sept. exhibit, I frantically illustrated my Pingquik going to the school and hanging out at the beach. I wanted to paint a portrait of myself with a big straw hat, but this summer was too hectic. Meaning, I had no down time to paint. You need uninterrupted time to be able to paint.

Vamos a la playa

Lost in school

Anyhow, here are the 2 digital illustrations. The main artwork was the 7 human emotions portrayed by Pingquik.www.nois.com

Ahhhh....school begins. Now it's time to get serious about...

2010-08-23T18:10:00.000-04:00

About the t-shirts. They are being printed as I write this. Got to get the local business list to show the toddler/baby line & get the organic shirts made. And post in Etsy.
I am in the middle of getting my son's school supplies ready for tomorrow, while he is playing Lego with his friends. Instead, I am writing this and I am supposed to start cooking. My husband might have found a client to make them a logo & I might get some freelance illustrating to do. That would be wonderful.
Today has been great, not that other days haven't.

Slow Summer movement...

2010-08-02T22:34:00.000-04:00

Yep, I have been quite slow w/Pingquik, but I have created more Pingquiks and have altered the logo, etc...Editing, editing, editing.
I am finally ready to go to the printer & work with him to see how the t-shirts come out.
This should be a step forward; a commitment to finally get this product done.
Now I have to get buyers.
Let me say that Pingquik was inspired by the Puerto Rican endangered, little parrot that flies around my Mom's apt. back home. They are very noisy, but cheery. One way to sell them in PR.
Also, I have finally created a catalogue of my Piccos line. I have to create another one for Fairmount Letters, but it does take time to prep.
LABELS!!
I have finally found good, rounded edge, business size labels for kids & their books.
More news to come soon...

T-shirts & new ideas

2010-07-09T22:21:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting for the t-shirts to come in. We have settled on the women's brand & sizes. We have for all ages. Good idea to feel them first. Now we are going to print them with pingquik in different designs that assimilate that person's tastes.
While driving I came up with a pretty good story to explain why pingquik and his positive attitude. It's a start. My friends and kids will be wearing them around. We are almost getting ready to launch them!!

The Trashmen : Surfin' Bird ( 1963 )

2010-06-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

Let's talk GOOOOOOOOOOOl!!!!!

2010-06-16T11:33:00.000-04:00

After meeting with several friends yesterday to get some input in my pingquik designs, I created my little guy to commemorate the World Cup 2010 series. I love it! I just want to post it on Etsy (for t-shirts) & see if I get any emails requesting it, but I have a feeling I must type all the shipping, payment, etc. policies too.
Like I said, I moved the desk facing the door & boy, are the creative juices flowing. I am finally writing all the projects in small papers (to be transferred to a large poster on my wall) so I can see all my future product lines. (You should see my husband's office wall, full of stickies & charts outlining his 2 major projects.)
I am reading the The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp & I HAVE to follow a habit/a routine to start my creative day.
GO USA!!!!! (We are also for Spain & Italy-hehehehe)

Feng-shui Desk

2010-06-13T23:03:00.000-04:00

I finally moved my desk facing the door. It feels much better & I hope I can focus better on the business at hand: finalizing the T-shirt designs for a focus group. I have the samples! I have the transfers! J-U-S-T N-E-E-D to Do It!
I also need a punch line for my Tweet&Flora illustration in my head. I have the 4 birds, but I need that punch line (4 girlfriends chatting).
Good news for Tweet&Flora. I placed 2 cards in the flower store & people did enjoy the cards. Found them hilarious. Thanks to Jim's sense of humor. He wrote the lines after I illustrated them.
Jim is pretty good at coming up w/wise cracking remarks. BYT, Jim is my hubby.
Let's see what I can accomplish this week. I must start planning the week & set little goals (which I forgot today).

pingquik in the works

2010-06-02T10:02:00.000-04:00

I thought of something. I think it's a good idea. I want to work with kids, make something they want, but also something that helps them. Very important is to teach children self-confidence, perseverance and integrity. I am getting these ideas formulated & how to illustrate them in my pingquik. If I can make a product that instill good ideas, help others to make a living, make money and donate, that will be a good thing to do. N'est-ce pas?

partner anyone?

2010-05-24T22:55:00.000-04:00

Well, I am looking for a partner, a colleague. I do the artwork & stuff, but I need someone to do marketing, sales, looking for buyers, locally, internet. Bookkeeping, do the excell spreadsheet. I just stuffed the receipts in a folder for now. Quickbooks when we are getting semi-big.
Did some really & funny designs for pingquik. My friend Chiqui is pretty good at ideas.
The seminar was great. I am organizing the info into a big resource business book covering, you name it: branding, market research resources, definitely copyright the pingquiks soon.
Did anyone watched the season finale of Chuck? I like that silly show.

My brain is whirling with ideas...

2010-05-20T09:19:00.000-04:00

Developing 3 lines: Piccolinos, Tweet&Flora, pingquik. My collection is divided into these. Now...start making production so we can sell them.
Tomorrow at the seminar and today preparing flower arrangements for a wedding. Got to go.

2nd Day of Seminar

2010-05-16T19:18:00.000-04:00

Wow! There was such good info! We had Susie Frazer Mueller, an environmental artist & co-founder of Sparx in the City (Cleveland) which showcases artists & their studios. She gave plenty of good books to read, about wholesale, sales strategy: test market in craft shows, better than focus groups, try etsy...
We had Charity Ewanko who owns a graphic design firm Chartreuse here in the West side, with great info like planning your week, use a contract, where to money pinch, deductions, time tracking, networking.
A fellow artist told me about propay.com about doing transaction using a computer or phone when in an art show.
I have loads of info I have to organize so I can use. We were on info overload on Friday.
I already ordered those books from the library (we have the #1 library system of that size in the nation!!)
Books:
The Creative Habit by Tharpe Twyla
How to Survive & Prosper as an Artist.

We had more info which I will write later. I am hungry now.

Attending the Artist Entrepreneur seminar

2010-05-13T22:09:00.000-04:00

That was last Friday. A Big overview of basic business stuff. An attorney came in to explain legal identities: whether to be a sole proprietorship, Corp-S, or LLC, its tax implications.
For me right now, I am sole, but it seems that eventually I will have to be a Corp S. Got to consult with accountant. Hopefully next week.
Pricing: the perceived value of pricing. Very interesting. Not good to go cheap nor good to be too available with donations for events. We have to be very choosy. I still need help in pricing my services.
Overall, it was good. Although I was already aware of many things.
Now, tomorrow we shall see. I hope there is new info.
Meanwhile, I am brainstorming ideas for my little birdie. Jim says that I have to have 500 shirts to sell. Tammy suggested I pick 6 designs. I am working on a French theme, another on a skateboard, Marco wants it with a lightsabre....
Tomorrow is another day, and a penny more.

Illustrator Raul Colon - NOIS

2010-04-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

The group NOIS hosted a talk tonight with Raul Colon, a Puerto Rican illustrator, who is super nice. Suddenly, it hit me that I recognized his illustrations from Banco Popular's music shows/CD covers. He is very good; has had covers for The New Yorker magazine and is has done many children's books.
www.workbook.com/portfolios/colon
It was nice to mingle & talk Puerto Rican for a while. He has an image of a vejigante-chupa cabra looking figure which he chuckled when I said Chupa-cabra. I like that word, just like Burundanga.
On more serious stuff--for we were all talking about copyright & how we must NOT sell our rights to our art. Must get a lawyer to review all that before we sign.
I must copyright all the images I am now creating for the T-shirts.
Came up with an idea of a product shot. Marco wearing a T-shirt with pingquik figure while hiding his face with a set of cards (only showing his smiling mouth).

2010-04-12T19:09:00.000-04:00

I am forgetting to write COPYRIGHT on all My images. Everything that you see here was drawn by me.

Making more connections

2010-04-12T12:04:00.000-04:00

Making more connections this past weekend. There's an organization in Cleveland that helps out women learn to sew & create clothing to sell in Fair Trade practices. I want my t-shirts to give back too. So I will contact them soon.
Haven't heard from Tiny Prints. I made the mistake of not including a SASE postcard to tell me they did receive it. I guess I will send them another letter, brochure & postcard this week. I found a phone number which I will try to call soon. There's a 3 hour time difference.
I have figured out that by selling invitations here and there is not enough to make a living. I have to sell my designs----license them is the key---for cool object, like t-shirts, bags, mugs, etc...
I have created some funny animal designs for t-shirts (or cards). So far the name I like is PingQuik.

Working on some orders

2010-03-28T17:19:00.000-04:00

Well, I just finished a few orders--already on their way to PR & NJ. One already made it to FL. Now I have a several local orders that need to be delivered this week.
T-shirt designs: did a very funny group of penguins and another of budgerigars looking for something. I just googled that word & it means PERIQUITOS. I had no idea what my husband was talking about. I grew up with those funny birds. I love to watch them, but I remember I had to clean their cage.
Anyway, I will be enrolling in the Artist Entrepreneur Seminar held in May 7-14-21.

A bit of research...

2010-03-16T21:45:00.001-04:00

I have a partner for marketing the T-shirts. We found a place where digital printing is done on fabric. Very cool. I also contacted a digital printer for printing cards, possibly for "boxed fill-in" invitations, greeting cards & note cards.
I have a series of funny animal drawings with expressive eyes that I have to develop.
I just need to sit still in front of the computer & create.
Besides that, I need to put this blog public (have to figure that out), organize the info for shipping, payment & other pertinent info on my etsy site. THAT is time consuming.
"Tomorrow is another day..." Scarlet O'Hara

Submission to Papyrus ...

2010-03-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

Well, today after my mentor friend gave me a cool font for the type on the Easter baby chicks tug-of-war design, I emailed it to Papyrus. I love my baby chick & bunnies. I hope they like them. I did other religious designs, but I prefer my designs to be small, not large.

I also went to a digital printer for fabrics. We are going to have T-shirts for babies-toddlers-tweenies & for adults a series about man vs. a particular animal. I have to work on all those designs.

Etsy is taking quite a bit of time to set up. The seller portion is partly filled out. Pay Pal account is opened. I need to write the info on shipping, payment, etc... Then take product shots. I have an idea of what I will try to sell there....so much to do...

Working on designs for a card company---Keeping my fingers crossed!

2010-03-03T21:17:00.001-05:00

Well, I met my contact & she was very nice and helpful. She gave me some design ideas that particular card companies are looking for. So I made some for Easter & religious.
Today was my husband's birthday, my son's piano lesson & then I got a slight stomach bug (probably from the Tempura food that I am not used to eating).
Tomorrow I intend to do a few more in other themes.
I hope that at least one of my designs is good to forward to a card company. As always, as a work-at-home mom, I have to balance house errands, subbing, a teacher conference, etc... along with creating.
I love to get into the zone of creating.

A hopeful new contact

2010-02-23T22:14:00.000-05:00

I think I contacted someone that might give me good insight on this business. I shall be meeting with her next week. But for now, I am working at a flower shop...

In the Mail

2010-02-22T21:19:00.000-05:00

I did it!
After working as a sub in kindergarten today, I finally mailed brochures, samples, price list & cover letter to Tiny Prints. Let's see if they like what they see.
Serendipity: today I was talking to a mother from school that mention a person who has designs in Target. I googled her & she is quite accomplished. She represents other artists. I am going to give her a call.
Tomorrow I will be working at the Flower store.

Submitting to Tiny prints

2010-02-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

I haven't done anything productive yet, 'cause I have been running around doing errands.
My goal by tomorrow is to finish the "brochures" of 3 categories, plus my kid's calling cards.
Designs for First Communion & baptism, baby announcements (including for adoption) & Christmas. A price list, cover letter & my business card.
I should also make a postcard featuring 4 designs & info. using both sides?

Communion Invitations posted in facebook under piccolino designs

2010-02-14T18:14:00.000-05:00

Yes, I just posted my precious designs in Facebook's Piccolino Designs. I haven't figure out how to place an icon (is that how it's called?) on my personal Facebook.

While attending mass, it hit me that I should post them if the nice people at the Sunbeam store on Fairmount is handing out my business cards so they can see what I offer.

Today I bumped into Cindy (Tammy's friend) who happens to know about the Artist Entrepreneur seminar. It will be held in May 2010. I hope it is not too expensive.
So now my incentive to make money is for our vacation expenses. I am dying to get out of this darn cold, snowy weather. I won't be going anywhere soon., snif-snif.
Back to work, need orders....

Happy St. Valentine's!

Note: Tammy owns the Heights Floral Shoppe on Fairmount--look for her blog.
Fairmount Letters has my catalogue too
Sunbeam is a non-profit children's store.

First Communion Invitations

2010-02-13T11:45:00.002-05:00

I am ready for the First Communion invitations. I have the paper, the designs are ready so I am hoping people will come looking for a custom invitation at Fairmount Letters where I have a catalogue. I am hoping to get several orders from my son's class.

My favorite invitation is the little girl dressed in her outfit on the invitation. I can custom draw the dress and haircolor & style. Not to leave the boys out, they are dressed in their communion outfits and their haircolor & style can be customized too.

I already have orders for "recordatorios" small cards given to the guests, some invitations (2 of them are my gifts to my godchildren), 2 more from friends...

Let's see what happens.

What to do next?

2010-02-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in front of the computer contemplating on all the ideas I have in my head as I read other people's accomplishments. They are selling their stuff in Etsy, or at local stores, etc...and I ask my self: Why does it take me sooo long to decide & do it (post it, call,etc...)?

Organization: I am organizing, deleting & fixing my designs. Then printing them to see what I have so I can choose & redo those designs.

I am in search of one single figure to be the spoke person of my little company. The elephant is not going to cut it. The elephant in the logo looks fine.

One thing I found out after reading an old copy of CBC magazine (Cleveland Business Connects): there is a seminar for us artists in need of business help called The Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute offered by Cleveland's Community Partnership for Arts & Culture. Hopefully they will have it in March or April, although I couldn't find it on the web.