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!
