I was expecting to be back on after my birthday, maybe a week or so afterwards when things with the new how were falling through. But the bank got its act together, and low and behold, another couple of weeks blew right by me and landed me moving again. I swear, once I turned 30 everything came crashing down on me; new house, new job, now new internet and the prospect of new projects from two different writers. My prints, windows, and merchandise might not be selling well at the shows (though I was excited to sell my beloved dragon throw pillow to a young girl who seemed quite smitten with it, how giddy with joy I was at the thought of it having a good home! ), but the idea of other people liking the various styles I have to offer to put a visual aspect to their stories gives me hope; hope that maybe my Illustration and Sequential degrees will actually be appreciated.
My cat is still coping with the move, having stayed with my parents and their two cats for so long, filled with empty promises of a place of her own only to finally be fulfilled. The only problem she finds is that she’s completely alone when I’m away at work, or out doing something. She pines for attention and affection when I get home, purring ceaselessly, and rushing up the stairs in hopes that I’ll follow her to the bathroom to turn on the faucet. That’s a habit that really needs to be broken.
And so I look back in the past few weeks to see what I’ve done. Artistically, I’m working on three designs for my sister and a few friends to put up on my second CafePress shop.
http://www.cafepress.com/CerynitisD
I know that I will be constantly updating and rearranging this shop for a long while…as right now it is split into three different sections, soon to be four different sections, which will eventually be split into their own sections as I organize the types of images and artwork I put up on there. All in all, I hope it makes it all the easier for people to find what they want and understand the concept behind the images I put up there. Or…it could just turn out to be futile and nobody buys anything in the end. Either way, I’ll continue on with my own progress.
I have been thankful for the part time work I’ve picked up, as thus far it’s given me plenty of days off to attempt to work around the house, go visiting with family, and work the First Fridays…thus far. The hours seem to be pretty descent, and if they keep up as they are I should be able to scrape by with what I make. Means I probably won’t be saving much money for my candle venture, but I suppose that’s what tax returns are for. If they’re anything like what I got back from the past couple of years, it’ll be seven years before I get the money saved up for my candle business; that really disheartens me as I was hoping to get started on it sooner before I start losing hope on the idea again.
I was saddened even more when I came to the realization that, except for my favorite librarian who checks up when he remembers to and a girl I role play with when I remind her to, none of my friends really read my blog. They don’t look for the art, don’t read my updates on my personal life…nothing in my feeble attempt to try and keep in touch with them. If it’s not on FaceBook, then I guess it’s not worth looking at…? I hate thinking like that, believing that my friends don’t care for me because I’m not chasing after the latest and greatest fad…which to me, FaceBook and MySpace are just that…one more thing to get needlessly excited about only for it to get ignored later one by Twitter or the next best thing that has yet to come. LiveJournal turned out that way back in the day, right? Even my librarian admitted he doesn’t keep up with that as much as he used to. So I kind of have to wonder if it’ll be worth joining up with it in hopes to reacquaint myself with my friends again…or if it’s just a trap to be easily found by others I have no desire in getting to know all over again. For whatever reason, I really enjoyed the idea that I can manage to disappear, as I found out when my high school couldn’t find me to send my 10 year reunion invite, and my ex-comic partner thought I had disappeared from the face of the earth…just because I stopped playing all the expensive games that she required everyone to play in order to keep in touch with her.
Ah well…it was bound to happen. I knew it would happen, actually. Life goes on as you venture out on your separate ways, and the people you once cared about get pushed to the wayside as you create new friendships…caring more and more about them until the time comes where even those relationships become less and less active as well. It makes me wonder what new bonds I’ll make here in town, though at the moment I can feel the bond between family strengthening now. After living with Statler and helping her prepare for the quarter auctions, she keeps me up to date with when such events are in hopes that I can help her some more with them, arranging gift baskets and such. I need to get her to come into town sometime and take her to Hobby Lobby…I think she’ll find a lot of what she’s looking for there. She also wants me around as we both learn how to run her tea business, in preparation for when I open my candle business; filing and keeping up with taxes and such…
Kermit and her crew might be temporarily moving into the area for her husband’s job, which means the little Muppets will be closer to our parents. This in turn makes my dad EXTREMELY happy, because he misses having his daughters so close to him. However, Kermit also has plans for me in helping to tutor her kids in the various forms of art. First and foremost, I need to teach them how to draw. My eldest nephew showed interest when he asked how long it would take him to be as good as I, and my niece is already taking after her namesake in leaps and bounds. I’m excited for them, honestly…and already have an idea of where to start…first by teaching my sister how to draw. This will surely be an amusing experience to add to all the rest…but at least I’ll actually be contributing something good to the kids.
All in all…I think this is a good start into my thirties. It’s fresh, it’s new…which was what I was hoping for, and as long as I keep a positive outlook on what may happen…then surely I’ll be rewarded with nothing but good memories. Actually, if you think about it…it rained on my birthday; and though walking through town on that day stirred up a lot of sadness in my heart, I believe that it helped to wash away the old and prepare me for the new. I’ve got nowhere else to go now but forward.
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label moving. Show all posts
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Good News & Bad News…
…but I’ll let you decide what you think is good and bad.
The move to the new house…is yet again delayed. If this keeps up, it might just not happen at all. I’m not going to complain, as I’m still on the job hunt…but a part of me is still relatively tired of living out of my suitcase; and I feel horrible because it seems like I’m continuously breaking my promise to my cat about her having a domain to claim as her own. A part of me feels that it would be beneficial to her weight health.
However, I might…just maybe…possibly landed myself a job. I submitted my application, immediately requested to see the manager about an interview…and despite having all of their positions filled, he wanted to talk to me the following day. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! I managed to positively express my experience, reflect my knowledge on the day to day work situations, and though he expressed that he couldn’t give me a lot of hours right away, he did feel the need to have someone with two defining qualities that is hard to find in one person; detail orientation and creativity. And here I thought I wasn’t good at multitasking. HA! I proved myself wrong!
Now, raise your hand if you remember that lovely painting commission that kept this blog oh so busy while I fretted and squirmed and squealed over for about a month or so! Guess what?! I’VE GOT LAYOUT PICTURES!
Before my handy work with a paintbrush…
Aaaaaaaaaaaand after my handy work with a paintbrush…along with more detailing work on the owner’s end.
Commence grinning and squealing like I’ve lost my mind again! Doesn’t it look awesome?! I’m so excited! AND I HELPED! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
The move to the new house…is yet again delayed. If this keeps up, it might just not happen at all. I’m not going to complain, as I’m still on the job hunt…but a part of me is still relatively tired of living out of my suitcase; and I feel horrible because it seems like I’m continuously breaking my promise to my cat about her having a domain to claim as her own. A part of me feels that it would be beneficial to her weight health.
However, I might…just maybe…possibly landed myself a job. I submitted my application, immediately requested to see the manager about an interview…and despite having all of their positions filled, he wanted to talk to me the following day. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?! I managed to positively express my experience, reflect my knowledge on the day to day work situations, and though he expressed that he couldn’t give me a lot of hours right away, he did feel the need to have someone with two defining qualities that is hard to find in one person; detail orientation and creativity. And here I thought I wasn’t good at multitasking. HA! I proved myself wrong!
Now, raise your hand if you remember that lovely painting commission that kept this blog oh so busy while I fretted and squirmed and squealed over for about a month or so! Guess what?! I’VE GOT LAYOUT PICTURES!
Before my handy work with a paintbrush…
Aaaaaaaaaaaand after my handy work with a paintbrush…along with more detailing work on the owner’s end.
Commence grinning and squealing like I’ve lost my mind again! Doesn’t it look awesome?! I’m so excited! AND I HELPED! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
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.
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.
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