One Down, Nineteen to Go.

Only one person who reads this blog might possibly recognize the scene in this window painting. Two or three years back, my friends took me up to a cabin in the mountains north of Atlanta, GA for a gaming weekend. Though I can’t say I’m as fond of the rule/dice/feats/skills/and so on based Role Playing games as much as I used to be anymore, but the view, the serene feeling of being out there in the middle of nowhere without traffic and sirens and everyday life bothering me is a bliss I dream of returning to.




And so, with a photo I had saved on my computer from that first year the gaming weekend retreat was started, I painted this scene upon the window. My aunt and uncle are buying it from me, as it didn’t sell at the craft show I set up a booth for.

Yes, I’m doing shows again, not comic book conventions like I used to, as that’s something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford again, nor am I wanting to go back into that industry so much. I’m still in the process of moving…my stuffed stored at my parents’ place while I live with my sister as I apply for jobs and figure out where the hell to settle down. At least the venues I’m going into have thus been free of charge, which means for the first time ever I made even at my first show at Mercersburg’s First Friday this month. That’s right, I didn’t sell a thing! But hey, I got a ton of compliments! Let’s give me two thumbs up and a forced grin while I try to think positively of this venture!

I think I need to change my game plan. I still have the same goal, starting my own candle carving business. What do I need? $7,000.00 to buy the equipment. I might haggle this price, asking to exclude certain items in the package deal as I’ll see if I can’t convert this company’s way of carving candles to what I’m more familiar with. I originally hoped to earn this money via a steady job, but considering that stupid me can’t bring myself to lie on an application questionnaire because I’d like to think that companies would want to hire an HONEST employee instead of one that they only become disappointed with when they don’t live up how they answered a question…I don’t see myself getting hired by the neighboring art supply stores anytime soon. Let’s not look at how much experience I’m bringing with me to the job! PLEASE! I have a feeling I’ll be making subs at the local Subway…and I was so hoping to stay out of the food business after working the overnight shift at the gas station so many years ago.

So…with that said, I’ll again have to rework the plan to reach my goal using a different source. My parents saved me 20 windows they had replaced in their house for me to paint on. So I’ve been going around taking as many pictures as possible of what I thought would be interesting to see through a window; like looking through a window into another world…only sometimes it might just be a scene of my own backyard. I received compliments on the painting above, and with the idea of having more options up for sale, there’s the hope that they will sell better than my character prints and old comic books.

My personal goal is to phase out (as in sell all back stock) my comic books and character prints to in part help pay for the candle supplies. In doing so, I want to push the window paintings and some of my personal art (ink and pastel drawings, paintings, mixed media and random stuff I’m ready to let go of and empty out my portfolios) to help make up the difference. Once I can start making my candles, the window paintings will be phased out so I can focus more on what I have planned for the candles. However, I do plan on upgrading and keeping my CafrePress shop for those people who still like the character art, and will be updated on a random basis depending on commissions and personal inspiration. In fact, some design plans I have for the candles will more than likely be included in the CafePress shop once my experiments prove to be as successful as I hope them to be.

I am confident that my candles will sell well and even better than my artwork. The business I used to work for had done well under its original management for roughly 20 years, more so than that if I remember correctly. It’s all a matter of keeping your new customers happy by getting the product done in time so that they will become regular customers and their word of mouth will bring in more new customers; and I am positive that I can manage that once I get my supplies.

A part of me wants to try and boost my sales at the shows by holding a fund raiser raffle. Promote my plans to start my business, and with each purchase made the customer would write their name, address, and number down to be picked once I’ve reached my $7,000.00 goal. Makes sense, right? I’ve got candles available to show as demos, and the raffle prize would be a free candle. I believe a good incentive is not a small candle of my choosing, but the largest size candle of the molds that will become available to me, colored and carved to a design of their choice. So, if they wanted a double bow design in a green and yellow color scheme, that’s what they’d get for their prize.

Sounds simple enough, but of course everything is easier said than done. Time will tell if anything ever works the way I hope it will, though past experiences have always proven me wrong.

To say the least, I’m keeping myself busy and attempting to stay positive. I am still a firm believer that this year will be a good year for everyone, as we’re only half way through it. Of all the bad and hectic things that have happened thus far, it can only mean that the last half of it will wind up better than anyone dared to imagine. New jobs will be found, businesses will be started, homes will be made and settled, and the bonds between friends and family will be strengthened. All will be right with the world.

Wondering what shows I’m looking to participate in? Here we’ve got:
Mercersburg’s First Fridays (PA) http://firstfriday.mercersburg.org/
Mercersburg’s Town Fest (PA) http://mercersburgtownfest.com/
Ellicott City’s Second Sundays (MD) http://ellicottcity.net/gallery/second_sunday_market/ (looking into as we speak)
Possible Quarter Auction (MD)…not entirely sure on this one as of yet.