by Linda | Jul 13, 2011 | DIY printables
Download this free printable to do list with a cute lady illustration saying “Check it Baby!” because we love to check off our lists!
Lots on my mind these days and so much to do! Of course, I had to stop and stall a bit by designing my own to-do list printable. There’s nothing like a little bit of cuteness to get me back on track and motivated to get all the tasks done.
I hope this free printable will give you some inspiration and energy to get through the day and check off all your tasks. We can be productive in style, right? So check it baby!
Download the free printable to do list images below:
Click on each image below to open a window with the full-sized version. Then you can save it to your computer at full size – both colored or black and white version. I hope these will help you get productive and checking off your to-do’s.
Keep checking this blog for upcoming posts and if you don’t want to miss out on free printables – Sign-up for my email newsletter to get all the updates >>
by Linda | Jul 8, 2011 | my creative journal
If you would like to learn about the Notes to Myself project from the beginning, check out the introduction post here.
Here’s the latest progress for my ongoing minibook project – Notes to Myself. I’ve been spending some time just journaling my thoughts and getting those text pages ready. Many of them are simply general accounts of my thoughts and feelings. They help to illustrate how and why certain phrases have ended up as a pivotal “note.” Of course, this means that a specific photo might not necessarily relate. In the case of – Enjoy The Ride – I have chosen to include a graphic print I created instead of a photo. Can you tell that it is rain or shine, enjoy the ride? 🙂
There is actually much significance in the graphic print though. I had created it after my father-in-law passed away…that bike illustration is modeled after his racing bike now on display in our living room. It means a lot to me…to have created something to represent all that he taught me about the slow life and living well and happy…
You can see in the photo above how simple and uncomplicated it can be. Just imagery and journaling. I added the consistent strip of patterned paper to the journaling side and also added some doodling to the top as I felt it need a bit of visual weight. Otherwise, it’s pretty darn simple and I am still debating on what embellishments to add. In the meantime, I actually added a bit of white gel pen embellishment to the cover…see the dotted lines?
I often go back and add little details to previous pages or throughout the minibook…whatever feels right at the moment. It’s important to realize that everything is a work in progress and it’s okay to change things up, add more or leave as is…for now. I think the fun in creating…is not having too much of a plan and going with your fancy. I believe even in the simplest little things you add in…personalize your work. And ultimately that is the important part to show…it’s your unique work.
For example, I add doodling here and there and even in my journaling I do a mixed english Italian type of writing at times…it’s an honest authentic reflection of me. There’s no need to do things like xyz, these are your memories and your scrapbooks after all! So after getting this first entry put in, I wasn’t sure on how to move forward with decoration. So I decided not to force it. Instead, I just to the back cover of the book and added the final element.
It’s a studio photo of my parents in 1959, when they were in Vietnam and it’s there to remind me of the most important concept they could have instilled in me. To be happy. Seriously. There were soooo many struggles for them and our family growing up, but ultimately they always said that it was important that we are all happy and living well. What else do you want in life ultimately? So I thought it was the perfect ending to this minibook…even though I’ve barely started.
Perhaps my jumping around seems chaotic, but really it’s still quite planned. I decided on my minibook structure and journaling structure to begin with. Now I can keep adding in the pages as I complete them, with the consistent patterened and color paper cardstock to match throughout…as well as consistent journaling for each story and note. Pretty cool, huh?
Let me know what you think and if you are creating a minibook of notes for yourself! Would love to see. Until next time!
by Linda | Jul 8, 2011 | my creative journal
A major part of my growth as an artist is simply in asking questions! You’ll be surprised how nice and helpful veteran artists can be. I always have a few questions floating in my mind about the world of art licensing, and the more I learn the more questions I have! I started reaching out to the masters in art licensing with a quick question…and guess what? They were all happy to share their point of view.
Question: Do you sign your artwork for licensing?
Tara Reed from ArtLicensingInfo.com said:
“Since you have to manipulate art so much to get it onto products, and it’s done digitally, my signature is a separate layer in Photoshop. I always try to have it included on products but there are times when it isn’t for one reason or another. Keeping it separate keeps it flexible!”
Cherish Flieder from Something to Cherish said:
“When I create my art I don’t put the signature on it because, depending on the product, it could actually be in the wrong sort of place. If I wanted a signature on a piece, I would add it in digitally so I or a production team can move it around on a separate layer. I think the identity of an artist is part of what is being licensed, not just the artwork itself. I am sure there are companies that are looking for generic art, but I think art is more meaningful to our retail customers when it is attached to a name or a person. So, if I don’t have my signature shown on the art used for the product, I would at least insist on it on being on the side, back or bottom of the product and/or its marketing and packaging. The artists’ copyright notice needs to be expressed as well in these types of expressions adjacent to the work. Having the artist’s name and/or signature adds value to the item for which the art is being licensed and is helpful in building the artist’s brand value. On a side note, I do sign my original paintings, but only after having a high resolution scan preserved.”
Joan Beiriger said:
“I put a copyright symbol and my signature on ALL my art for licensing but no date. The reason why I don’t put a date is that it “dates” the art. When I send a file to the manufacturer, the symbol and signature is on it. So far manufacturers have not commented about the signature. They just go ahead and print it. I suppose that I may some day find a manufacturer that wants to remove it and then I’ll have a discussion with them on the importance of having the symbol and signature on my art. However, so far that hasn’t happened.”
Pilar from Puffy P said:
“…no I don’t sign my work. For the type of thing I’m doing, it seems distracting. I do though add a brand logo where applicable, so that would be similar. I consider my work to be attached to my various brands. I usually have my brand logo or company logo on the product, which is in essence my signature…”
Khristian A. Howell said:
“I don’t sign my work as in the same sense that a gallery artist would. However, usually all the products that use my artwork have my copyright on them. To be clear, I mean on the actual product, not just the packaging. Depending on the product it may be as simple as ©Khristian A. Howell or ©my logo.”
Sue Zipkin said:
“Yes, when I submit my designs to manufacturers I always include my name on it. I usually keep my name (which is my standard signature logo) on a separate layer. In certain situations, depending on the product sometimes the artist signature will need to go on the back of a product and or a label. In most cases artists who are licensing do get there name on the products. If you are selling all rights to your work, then most likely you will not get your name on it.”
Kathy Weller from WellerWishes said:
“It depends on 1) the final use of the product and if it makes sense in the context of the product, and 2) the client’s flexibility. Each case is different. Regardless if signature is used or not, it is important to insist upon a printed name credit © name of artist printed somewhere on the product.”
One important topic I learned was how everyone stressed the importance and value of having an artist connected to the artwork. The exact location of a signature or copyright might vary by product understandably. Many illustrators work their signature into the artwork itself…whereas a surface pattern designer would have their name elsewhere given the nature of the work and final product. I was happy to learn about dates and copyrights as well. It’s funny how a little detail, can lead into so many different avenues of discussion. I am starting to believe that whatever works for you as an artist will help to determine your style and brand…however being flexible also helps you to grow and change with the times. Who knows how products might be manufactured and labelled in the future!
It’s been really helpful to learn what works in this industry today…and I’ve been reminded of the simplest way to grow as an artist – by just asking! My sincere thanks to all the artists that shared their thoughts on this question. Do you have questions about the art licensing industry? For more useful information, check out this article about branding and signing your work by Lance Klass, adding copyright to your artwork by Joan Beiriger and be sure to listen in on the live calls by Tara Reed at art licensing info, where art licensing masters answer your questions directly!
by Linda | Jul 7, 2011 | my creative journal
No doubt, you have probably heard of Pinterest. It’s the new thing to do online, a place to literally “pin” things you like from the Web. A great way to store inspiration and to follow other people’s pinboards as well. I have not jumped in on that game, simply because I haven’t the time and I already have a system of bookmarking and tracking my inspirations. However, I was wondering if people were pinning my content by chance!
And it turns out that it’s super easy to see what others have pinned from your website. Simply type in your URL instead of mine like so: https://www.pinterest.com/SOURCE/tortagialla.com/
You’ll get a screen of all the pins that link back to your site. Pretty cool, huh? Just a quick tip I wanted to share. It’s a great way to see what others – at least Pinterest users – find inspiring from your website. What do they want to bookmark or keep on their boards…safe to say some of your popular content. This gives you an indication of the type of content you produce that could go viral…
by Linda | Jul 4, 2011 | my creative journal
Amazing how the weeks are flying by, I’m into chapter 9 of The Artist’s Way that talks around the topic of fear. Fear of many things and I think we will be forever searching for ways to combat our fears in some way. I don’t think they will ever go away. The important point is to figure out what helps you to break through the fears and get to action. I really like how Cameron has stated that procrastination is not laziness… because that is what most people think. It’s more about fear blocking you from moving forward. I that that is an important point.
Interesting this week we are asked to read our morning pages as well. Yikes!
My handwriting is so bad, I can’t even understand half of what I wrote. But I understand the point of the exercise… to find out what we are rambling on about day after day. It’s very enlightening indeed.
For myself, I’ve realized, it’s amazing how much negativity can come out of me. Here I am judging myself, first thing in the morning. Lots of doubts and fears, driving me to be critical, so brutal.
I was thinking at some point, I might want to type my morning pages, since it’s a lot faster and easier for me. Easier to read after the fact as well. But then again, maybe that’s not the point, to read them back or go over them.
And perhaps writing by hand means something more? I’m not sure on this part yet.
Related:
by Linda | Jul 1, 2011 | my creative journal
After playing around with bookbinding and creating journals for fun, I decided to go ahead with my idea of creating something more involving. Rather than a totally blank journal, I’ve decided to include some prompts to get you to start journaling and beat the blank page fear. A simple longstitch bound notebook, approximately 8.5 x 6 inches. Every journal is unique, a different piece of leather, a different cardstock lining inside. Pretty cool, eh?
I thought for the Independence holiday, I would give away one of these journals – in the spirit of freedom and letting go – in Art! I know there are many people out there who do not journal for fear of the blank page, for fear of judgement or what they think they should write or create inside. It’s time to let go of all preconceptions and just go for it!
Just comment below on what you look for in a journal or sketchbook for a chance to win. Open to anyone in the world, I’ll randomly pick a winner from the comments on July 5th. You can also buy one directly in my Etsy shop. Happy holiday weekend to those in the USA. Ciao ciao!
UPDATE: Giveaway has ended! Random.org came up with 9 – so the winner is Andrea – congrats!
by Linda | Jul 1, 2011 | my creative journal
It’s come to my attention that I often don’t post my scrapbooking layouts on my blog. Why? I have no idea. How lame is that.
Perhaps because I post in my 2ps gallery and somehow I feel like it would be double posting. Now that I think about it, nothing makes sense. So let me share some of the layouts I’ve created lately…
I’m still not sure if I have a recognizable style. I tend to do whatever I feel like at the moment…because it’s just more fun that way! I have a weakness for paper though…patterned or just plain cardstock. As well as using my computer for titling or journaling. I also start with a lot of plain cardstock. Otherwise, it’s a big mish-mosh. I guess that is a reflection of me…sort of all over the place!
by Linda | Jun 30, 2011 | my creative journal
As June comes to an end, every business is faced with the midyear review. How is your creative business coming along? Have your reached half your goals for the year? What might be working or not working for you and your business?
I’ve taken a moment this week to look at my finances with a closer eye, to compare my goals with the actual results…and there’s definitely a long, long way to go. Although it may be disheartening to realize that I’ve fallen short from completely realistic and doable goals, at least I have another half of the year to realign myself. I can achieve the success I’ve defined…it simply means shifting certain things and trying alternatives as well.
Think about what has worked for you in the last 6 months and what has been a big waste of time. I believe that it is supremely important to assess yourself and correct yourself when necessary. Checking in the big plan…to make sure you are still on course. I think I’ve been drifting a bit too much, so now is the time to pull the sails tight for the adventure to come…I think…
Have you done your midyear review? Think about it.
by Linda | Jun 27, 2011 | my creative journal
“…what we can handle intellectually far outstrips what we can handle emotionally,” from chapter 8 of Cameron’s book… wow, the statement really struck me. I think it’s because I’ve been learning a lot about Ayn Rand and her philosophy of Objectivism. I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom and selfishness, reason and faith, life and living it. Definitely engaged in my reading of The Artist’s Way (here’s a link to the copy I bought on Amazon)…
I’ve often stated that I can understand something, logically, reasonably… but then there’s how I feel emotionally. Such a difference at times, most of the times? I don’t yet know, if my reason is supposed to be able to control my emotions… or if they really are separate… or if there really is some miracle at work beyond all our reason. Lots of philosophical thoughts swirling in my head for sure.
But going back to this chapter, I did find myself gaining strength from realizing that my core values have been there all this time, perhaps I had simply not been relying on them enough. When Cameron shares her story of forging her own path, I was re-energized. When people told her that you have to do this and that and this and then maybe you might get what you want… she finally learned to just go out and grab it for herself. Make it happen. It all reminded me of Do the Work
by Steven Pressfield as well. I’ve come to realize not only must you do the work, you must accept losses, overcome defeats and keep moving forward above all. And the best thing is that we all have the ability and strength to do so…I truly believe it.
At the end of this chapter, I really took to heart Cameron pointing out that large change occurs in tiny increments. It is much more approachable, thinking of the small daily things we can do…rather than defeating ourselves in worrying about the far away unseen goal.
Although I have not “religiously” (LOL) been following everything in the book, I am still learning a lot and enjoying the process.
Related:
by Linda | Jun 23, 2011 | my creative journal
Many blog for the joy of sharing and writing, but when it comes to your creative business, your blog is an important marketing tool. Ultimately, you need to get in front of people’s eyes, so the right people can find you and fall in love with you. Great products, services and content keep people coming back, but driving new traffic to your blog is essential as well. Otherwise, you won’t get new readers to continue growing your audience.
So here enters the giveaway – one of the many marketing promotions used by bloggers. It is meant to attract lots of people given the FREE aspect, but are you really accomplishing something? I’ve been trying to understand how one goes about a giveaway and if they truly work as a marketing tool. Of course, I understand that many giveaways are about giving back to your current readers…sort of like a thank you or perhaps a pay-it-forward idea. But I’m talking about using giveaways as a business tool.
I’ve experimented with giveaways in the past
There’s no doubt that giveaways attract people. I’ve had experience in getting a huge boost in traffic and so many more comments than usual. But sometimes I think you are attracting the wrong people. After all, there are websites dedicated to simply listing giveaways online. I’m pretty sure there are crawlers out there who enter all of them and win just by sheer volume and chance. It doesn’t seem like a giveaway would attract the right people. In fact, it sort of runs into the subject of free stuff and how offering lots of free, actually dilutes your audience. I know that Sister Diane has blogged a lot about the topic and it’s definitely something I wrestle with.
If you are trying to make a business out of your creative work, getting an audience of people who are only looking for free stuff doesn’t work! Certainly there’s something to be said about community participation and the sharing of ideas, so it’s not all about sales. But ultimately, you do have to find potential customers…otherwise your business isn’t a business.
In my opinion, I think giveaways do work, to a certain extent. If you think about advertising in general, there’s the idea of brand advertising. You are just getting your brand out there and more known in the community. So you aren’t pushing a specific product with your advertising, you are just saying here I am and I’m kick ass because of xyz. This plants a seed…so when people actually need your particular product or service, they will say – hey, I have heard of them before…and hopefully it leads to sales.
So giveaways do help in the brand advertising department…but you have to realize that posting on your blog alone, will mostly attract the “I want free people” and your current readers. You have to do a lot of promotion to get brand new people into the game. That’s why many folks do a giveaway on someone else’s blog. You auotmatically get the brand advertising with a whole different audience. In a way, it is like partnering up with another business…because you might have a common audience.
I’ve joined giveaway events – reaching really huge audiences
But what if you want more? This is when a giveway is coupled with a product review or hook to sign-up or get connected in some way. When you include a product review, you are in fact trying to “sell” a particular something…usually what you are giving away. No doubt that if someone really wants the product, they’ll just buy it directly. So you get the branding and the sales offer.
In addition, if you ask people to follow you in some way, then the connection has started. Although you might not retain all those people – many just subscribe and unsubscribe from newsletters for example – you will still get a certain amount of new eyes following you in the end. I think you have to realize that it is okay to say goodbye to the people who are uninterested. They aren’t your people, afterall.
So I think giveaways work, but to maximize the potential you should try to hit all options available to you and get the most out of your effort. If your goal is to attract a new audience and potential customers, you need to reach a new audience, introduce something specific and get people hooked in some way.
What do you think about giveaways? Have your experiences been positive or negative? Do you track the success (or failure) of your giveaway?
