WalnutBeachArtist

I have another aceo-size painting-ornament up for auction tonight! This chubby angel-tabby cat reminds me of a cat that walked into my life at a most opportune time when I was a young girl. To read more and view the auction: http://tinyurl.com/ycwvhlw

About the picture to left of post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs all rights reserved.

My Christmas Witch ACEO Painting/Ornament

This here is "Nana" my Christmas Witch miniature painting on an ACEO-size stretched canvas. Yes, she's minute-only 2.5"x3.5" with vintage Campfire Girl wooden bead secured in place to hold a decorative wire for hanging. 

To read more about "Nana" and what she does with leftover Halloween pumpkins visit my auction here: suzanne.artist

About the image to left of post: ©2009 by Suzanne Urban all rights reserved.

My Newest ACEO/Ornament is up for auction on eBay for all ye halloween fans:

http://cgi.ebay.com/OOAK-Folk-Art-ACEO-ornie-ptg-EHAG-AHA-suzanne-artist_W0QQitemZ260519549114QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFolk_Art?hash=item3ca82cd8ba

My Newest Sketchbook Project. . .

 One of my goals for the near future is to return to the children's illustration field-only this time with a new more polished style.

I fear my old style, was more what people expected out of me, than something that rang true of what spilled out from my pencil.

My duty to grab jobs to pay bills while freelancing didn't afford me time to really sit and think things through. Taking a day job-far removed from art-did though; as the day job with steady pay check took the edge off paying monthly bills. 

I used the past couple of years to really think about the way I draw, the way I love to draw and what I love to draw. My work involves humor-this is what spills out of me, and is character driven. I'm a people observer, always  have been, even as a child, quietly drinking in conversations, watching mannerisms and peeking at funky ways people and animals present themselves to the world.

To this day I feel one of my biggest influences was a card I happened upon in the den of our Oregon house when I was six. It was addressed to my mother from a friend who was no stranger to humor. On the front a vampish ink drawing of a woman totally swathed in beaded outfit like Theda Bara. The outside read: I would've written you sooner. . ."

Inside: " But it took me all year to string these damn beads!".

To this day I remember liking the quirky illustration-not unlike the style of my Eloise Books. And though I knew "damn" was a bad word back then-so tame by today's standards-I sensed the humor of the card. Thus that card and others to come plus friendships with funny friends influenced new the work I'm creating today. I'd like to be considered an entertainer as much as an artist.

So to develop the thought process and style more, I have scads of drawings on scraps of paper-many from an awful freelance gig at a puzzle company-not a happy place-but I did learn to draw smaller and reduce shapes down. At first I chose to gather than all in binders, but the binders took up too much shelf space. Then I thought scrapbooking-and a scrapper friend took me shopping for supplies and loaned me cutters. But the work didn't get done.

Finally, and recently I thought, buy a big fat sketchbook, past in the drawings and re-draw them with commentary. I"ve just started my first sketchbook-I think it may take two fat books to finish this project-but it's fun and easy for me to oblige as I love sketching. Thus I give you pages from my new big fat sketchbook with almost daily postings-hopefully daily-as I'm sketching daily.

About the images to left of post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs-all rights reserved.

Back in the Saddle again Selling my Ornaments on eBay

 It's been awhile since I've tossed one of my aceo/art ornaments up for auction on eBay. I've spent that last several months investing more time in local shows and building my ETSY shop.

This also means I've been developing new ideas and honing my signature chubby style for all ye who enjoy the visual entertainment. 

And I've enjoy the entertainment too, as ideas rush in from my muses and I anxiously scribble down a thought, or sketch before it drifts away.

Currently I have a  new Mermaid aceo/painting/ornament up for auction here: suzanne.artist

Her name's Mirna and she's attending her first Sea Creatures with out Partners meeting. Mirna's raised her young fishmaids, endured a wandering merman who sailed after a foolish Siren; and now she's ready to do for herself again.

 I have new prints and pinbacks,  featuring my own illustrations and designs and musings on ETSY and if you'd like to take a peek, the paper poppet to your left is one:suzanneartist

I was to open a new shop on ETSY and did, but am still working the email kinks out.

Hope you all had a wonderfully full Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Cheers!

Suzanne Urban

About the pictures to left of post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban all copy and images are rigorously protected.

I have new prints up in my ETSY shop! Quite proud of these. I print these out and then manually add some embellishment, blush for cheeks and nose, graphite pencil for shading. My goal with my work is to perpetually amuse, thus my personal musings accompany all my images.



I plan to join in in ETSY's black Friday event later today. But for now, herewith my new work:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/suzanneartist?ga_search_query=suzanneartist&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

I am thrilled that my work was accepted into Bridgeport's seminal CITYLIGHTS gallery. This show will be part of a city-wide gallery art stroll and I invite all ye nutmeggers to join in the fun!

My Illustrated Buttons. . .Hot off the Press!

I like to write. And I like to draw. My goal some day is to combine these two elements in a published children's book. But for now, I give you my blog.

I'm a Gemini and we are the sign of the communicator, I suspect I came out of my poor mother's womb babbling. When I was younger I could chat up a storm to many an old boyfriend's chagrin. As I've matured, I've broken off from long-winded chats on the phone with girlfriends to creating more in my studio. 

This is because I've learned to edit my tongue. However I could still use some help in this department-ask the husband-especially when it comes to emails. Unfortunately I type fast. . .

But most of what pours out of me in words is the same as images, always with a witty bent. I don't question why, I just put it down for all of you to (hopefully) enjoy and for me to relax that I got another Urban musing-waiting to burst out of my being- out to the public.

My witty emails are popular, but they go no where when they're gone but to some server in server neverland. So I give ye my Aceo's, prints and now my own illustrated  pinback buttons to be for sale in my NEW ETSY store this week. Look for SuzanneUrbanDesigns on ETSY this week.

The above pinback buttons will be for sale in my gallery store. I have some others in my old store that are a part of my collage series:suzanneartist

May you be the first to wear them to amuse the masses, or yourself, hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them. And another goal? to market these nationally in stores, this is in the works folks.

If you would like to place an order on the buttons shown here right away, please email me at: suzanne1urban@optonline.net  Watermark i.e. ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs will not show on face of button. All buttons are 2.25" in size.

About the images to left of post: ©2009 images and copy by Suzanne Urban Designs, all rights reserved. To not use without express permission of author/artist, thank you.

My New Work Up For sale on PFATTMarketplace

I've been awol as far as selling my art online, why? I committed to some local shows and one that I organized myself at a local winery did usurp valuable time.

But I"m back in the saddle again and happy to announce I have some new whimsical pieces up in my PFATTmarketplace gallery shop as of this morn. The aceo painting of "Grumpy Santa" is sold, but my two prints are currently available. I've priced my work to reflect the current economic client so collectors can enjoy my work without worrying about emptying the piggy bank. 

Next I will be unveiling a lot of new work in my new ETSY shop and I hope you will keep posted (pun not intended) here for the announcement!

My PFATTMarketplace gallery shop:SuzanneUrbanDesigns

Thank you for looking! 

About the picture to left of post:©2009 Suzanne Urban all rights reserved.

Fun Times at White Silo Winery Holiday Show in Connecticut

Our November 1st holiday show opening at White Silo Winery in Sherman Connecticut was a hit, and we thank all of those who attended our event. The show continues until November 15th. For directions: whitesilowinery.com

Special thanks goes out to Suzanne Sherman Propp and Kendall Alderman, who although slated to entertain for two hours, continued to sing and play the day away. Suzanne's beautiful voice can be heard on her CD's and she even has a recorder book designed for young musicians-great gift ideas! Her webiste: www.suzanneshermanpropp

The winery is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment until 6pm. Be sure to venture out and see the variety of work for sale by the following artists:

Suzanne Urban: www.smirkinggoddess.com

Whimsical paintings, prints, buttons, cards and more.

Barbra Ziemer: black*eiffel

Artisan jewelry and environmental photographs

Cynthia Dobie: theartofcynthiadobie

Ceramic Wall hangings

Catherine Collins:cathycollins.net

Brec Morgan: brecmorgan.com

Marine paintings

Rosilind Liljengren-Art pottery

All the award winning-wines featured at White Silo are made from the fruit grown on their own land.

About the picture to left of post: ©2009 S. Michael Urban

Come Join Us Gallery Show at White Silo Winery Sherman CT

Gallery Holiday Show • November 1st, 2009 • 11-3pm

at:

White Silo Winery • Sherman CT •

Show runs Oct. 30-November 15th

Come meet the artists, commune with friends, make new friends, try a tasting and find out why White Silo's sweet and dry wines have won awards, enjoy the music of Suzanne Sherman Propp with musician Kendall Alderman. View the work of whimsical artist and humorist Suzanne Urban, marine paintings by noted muralist Brec Morgan, Landscape and Coastal art by Catherine Collins, Ceramic wall hangings by Cynthia Dobie, environmental photography and artisan jewelery by Barbra Ziemer and Art pottery  by Rosalind Liljengren. For directions: whitesilowinery.com

About the images to left of post: ©2009 by artists represented, all rights reserved.

My Newest Happy Halloween Devil Painting on PFATTmarketplace

I love taking an icon that can have negative connotations for some and turning it into something delightfully witty and whimsical that one can laugh at.

I am back this season after a long absence with this 4x4 chunky acrylic painting created solely by me. My miniature paintings work for those Halloween and folk art collectors who have a space that needs a little uplifting, all paintings are sealed with a non-yellowing varnish for longevity and collage elements are added-this time a gold earring in little Devil's ear-to add interest.The painting is up for sale here:PFATTmarketplaceThank you for viewing and there will be more art work up for purchase soon. My absence has been due to commercial obligations, soon you will see my art on needlepoint designs and gourment ice cream labels!

About the image to left of post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs all rights reserved.

On Sale today My Siren's Button!

My mermaid buttons with my accompanying story about the mermaids that reside here in our New England Sound were a huge hit at the Walnut Beach Cafe here in Milford Connecticut-so much so that I'm expanding my line of buttons to other beings that exist in mythology and my mind.Behold my Save The Siren's Habitat! Button, these Siren's need your support as due to the economic downturn their seagrass bras and bluefish smoothies just aren't selling. Some of the musical mavens are turning to picking pockets of unsuspecting beach tourists-so buy a button so we can rehabilitate the Sirens! MORE MERMAID BUTTONS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT the CAFE SOON!!!!
Button will be available in my ETSY shop in the future: suzanneartist
About the image to left of post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs • www.smirkinggoddessstudio.com

My Wine Button Made Etsy's Treasury!

Yesterday my husband and I took a break to pick up some of my paintings from 101 Gallery in Collinsville CT, a charming village that is worth the visit.

We stopped by two vineyards in New Hartford on the way and our tongues were pleasantly surprised at the quality of wine we found there. First was Connecticut Valley Winery, winner of Big E's best small winery 2009. Many of their wines are on the sweet side, I prefer dry, until I tasted their refreshing selection-you won't be disappointed. And the black bear who showed up one eve to chomp on some of their grapes gives two paws up too! We purchased their "Just Peachy" and "Chardonel" and plan to go back for more.

On to Jerram Vineyard, just up the street, a lovely gallery space/winery we purchased their oaky Seyval Blanc, yum.Funny, when I returned home, I received a lovely email from an artisan on Etsy who's shop name is THE LOST EARRING, she created a treasury entitled: "She's got legs and included one of my humorous wine-themed button in the treasury!I've never been selected to be in a treasury and so this is a thrill for me, to have someone I've never met select one of my art buttons for display.

More of my buttons can be found locally at the Walnut Beach Cafe and Given to Gauche in Milford Connecticut. Or you can shop for them here:suzanneartist

About the image to left of post: ©2009 copy and design Suzanne Urban Designs • Smirking Goddess Studio, all rights reserved.

Adopt a Pet :: Gwen - Calverton, NY - Chihuahua

Adopt a Pet :: Gwen - Calverton, NY - Chihuahua

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Last Chance Pets of CT Need Your Love

Twitter was the conduit that brought me to Last Chance Pets of Connecticut. The East Haven Animal Shelter is over-flowing with beautiful animals ready for adoption. The idea that these potential pets will be euthanized is upsetting to say the least.

I'm amazed at the quality and variety of cats and dogs available at this shelter, two white siamese kittens, a Rhodesian Ridgeback (young) dog-who may lose his life, a six-toed orange manx cat and more.

Please contact the shelter if you honestly have room for more or can help them out:

LAST CHANCE PETS IN CT

Introducing My Funny Buttons for the Wine Enthusiast

My husband and I journey the Connecticut Wine Trail over the summer months and we're often surprisd how good the wine is in this little state.

We also enjoy keeping our dollars in our own state for a turn, and supporting local home-grown businesses. This new hobby of ours has inspired me to lend my humorous insights to creating my own spin on the language wine enthusiasts use during tastings. 

I have a new line out of wine-themed buttons, but oh my! the first batch just sold, but more will be up tomorrow folks! But here's my etsy shop for those who wish to take a peek:

suzanneartist

Cheers!

My Mermaid Buttons were a Hit!

As you all can see, I've been bitten by the button bug!
Growing up in a family of English Lit majors and published writers influenced my proclivity to write as well as draw.Many of you following my blog know that my goal is to write and illustrate a children's book some day, I even have a script-a three year work-in-progress; and I joined SCBWI this year. And as mentioned I had a turn at writing for a greeting card company a decade ago.So now my ideas are tumbling out of my brain and I want to share…and sell my witty-isms.Hope they tickle your funny bone.
When owner of Walnut Beach Café Wil Rodrigues and curator Stephanie Peterson–who's delightfully whimsical-encaustic painting of a mermaid sold wicked fast–invited me to be in the Mermaid Show. I did two things.I painted a Mermaid using coffee as my medium and created a print from the original.
Then I thought-wouldn't a button go great for those attending who believe, really believe, in Mermaids?Especially those flipper-endowed ones who live off the shores of Walnut Beach.

Voila! my mermaid button with my accompanying story.Almost all sold out. So hurry! if you want one.And I have one in my etsy store too:suzanneartist

And there will be more Mermaid buttons in stock soon! Magnets too!

About the images to left of post:©2009 by Suzanne Urban Designs•Smirking Goddess™ Studio-All rights reserved.

My Funny Buttons

I like to write as much as I like to draw, create and stay busy at my iMac and drawing table.
I'm known for my funny emails at work, and seeing the popularity of buttons or pinbacks on ETSY I could hardly resist the temptation to put my musings on these little round metal accessessories, either for one's fashion statement or as I call them "cubicle adornment":

To see more of my musings: suzanneartist

Collect them all or trade 'em! Give as a gift too!

About the images to left of post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs ALL rights reserved.

Out on a Whim-Three CT Artists Show in Collinsville CT

All ye nutmeggers! I will be showing with artist Doll Barnes and Karen Rossi this Friday July 31st in a quaint little town called Collinsville for their Friday nite stroll 6-8pm:
Gallery101

 

Jane Green's Humorous Blog and My Cubicle Buttons

I'm a fan of local Connecticut author, Jane Green. I know Jane and find her literally "down-to-earth" sense of humor refreshing. Recently I requested she sign a copy of her new book DUNE ROAD for me, and despite her hectic schedule filled with five kids, a new husband and book signings, she obliged. I tucked the novel in mini-me's backpack and the very next day it arrived via Jane.
Thank you Jane, it was a gift for my Stepmom who was thrilled. And as a thank you, I responded with a token of my appreciation as seen on her blog. You see I like to write too, only novels don't spring from my head, rather humorous quips. When Jane writes best selling novels flourish from her pen, when I write humorous gags leak out, but my claim to fame is some published post-it notes and my emails to co-workers, family and friends.
I'm revisiting this muse that sold a few gag lines to greeting card companies with my own line of cubicle buttons.
Yes you heard me right, "cubicle buttons", I supposed one could wear these 2.25in buttons proudly, but I write for all those and then some stuck in the confines of a greyish-blue or tan cubicle, and hope they will use one of my buttons that "speaks to them" as an artful reminder to laugh even if co-workers look at you oddly.

My line is up on etsy: suzanneartist
And I plan to add many more, thank you for looking!

About the pics to left of post: ©2009 Jane Green and buttons: ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs • Smirking Goddess™ Studio. All rights reserved. My thanks to graphicsfairy for Vintage image of harlequin clown-woman.

I Got Published in SCBWI Magazine!

I joined SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. This is a dynamic organization of professionals and those wishing to break into the children's book field. I've been interested in becoming more involved in this market for some time.

It's exciting to be part of an organization with so many helpful resources and when I saw they sought illustrations for their magazine I submitted three pieces and found out  two of my illustrations were published when the check arrived first!

I'm excited that my work passed muster as the b/w spots by other artists are truly top notch.

For anyone hankering to learn more about the children's book field I highly suggest you check this organization out, they have regional chapters with critique groups and more. . .

The magazine has many informative articles on publishing house updates, art tips, writer and illustrator interviews-this month's interview-artist Dan Yaccarino who's work is on the SCBWI cover. There's even information on what subjects specific editors are looking for from writers. Joining this organization is worth the fee which is pretty fair!

About the picture to left of post: ©2009 Cover art by Dan Yaccarino, b/w spot by Suzanne Urban.

Anyone can have Fans on Facebook, or so it Seems. . .

From time-to-time I receive requests from individual artists to join their “fan club” on Facebook. I’m often floored by these requests, as the artist offering this position usually isn’t someone well-known in the field-or at least known enough that their hired PR firm sent the request instead. This doesn’t mean their work isn’t good or even awe-inspiring-but my point has to do with perception. I wonder if the individual offering the opportunity for me to become their fan realizes how pompously grandiose their gesture appears?

 Facebook means to me that you’re electronically “face-to-face” with the public. I doubt if some of these artists who created an instant fan-base for themselves would ask someone outright-face-to-face in public i.e. not online-to be their fan. I mean would you approach people at a party, at work or on the street and flat out invite them to be your fan?

 I think not.

 Facebook comes with a lot of bells and whistles and many partake in the games and quiz sections, but to put it out there that you’re fan-base worthy is a turn off for me. To be fair, I think some artists do this thinking they will attract new buyers, or to seek feedback. And I’m sure there are some recipients who kindly oblige and sign up-but on the whole I think many might be put off by the imperious presumption- especially another artist-that they're considered as nothing more than an adoringly-loyal follower.

 Ironically, some very famous Facebook members-(and I know one individual)-don’t approach the public in terms of idol vs. worshipper on FB, they just put themselves out there like the rest of us. But if someone that is generally known to the public either regionally or globally asked me to be a fan-and I really am– or a professional group- well, in that case I’d consider the offer.

 Perhaps my take is a little harsh, but after a few emails to join so and so’s fan club and I’ve never heard or seen the artist nor know the artist personally, I get a little grumpy.

 About the picture and post: ©2009 Post and drawing Suzanne Urban all rights reserved.

What's in a Name? BRANDING! That's What!

A decade ago when I decided to come up with a studio name, I hemmed and hawed quite a bit. It's so much easier to offer up a studio/business name help to others rather than one's own. I mean it's like naming your baby.

Unfortunately my studio name branding- choice came before I met my husband-to-be did.   At the time of this name-branding exercise the "goddess" word was a big hit in the public consciousness. My work is humorous so I wanted something that relayed the wry wit I'm known for.

I came up with "Smirking Goddess" and later when Mr. Urban waltzed into my life, thus transforming my name into an easy to spell, and remember name– it was too late to switch. My commercial customers already knew "Smirking Goddess Studio™".

The name works well for the tone of the kind of work I produce, but it's hard for others to remember-i.e. "Oh I thought it was Screaming Goddess." "What's the name again Suzanne? "Squawking Goddess?", "Squeamish Goddess?".

And the name didn't quite fit the commercial illustration arena I was soon to venture into: Children's book illustration.

Today it still fits the tone of my gallery work, but I've since referred to myself as: Suzanne Urban Designs or Suzanne Urban Designs • Smirking Goddess™ Studio.

I made the change where I registered my domain name for my blog and website so both names will direct people to my online sites.

When naming your studio I suggest ALWAYS using your name-unless you have a difficult name to remember/ spell or pronounce. Then select a name that reflects the kind of work you create ex: plein-airstudio.com  or Halloweenmoonart.com.

In other words make it easy for buyers to find you!

If you don't, you're sunk.

This follows through with artists who sell on eBay and ETSY. I kept my selling ID consistent: Suzanne.artist on eBay and on ETSY: suzanneartist (Etsy doesn't allow periods or dashes in shop name). Yes I wish I made it SuzanneUrbanArt for both-but ye live and ye learn. AND keep your blog name consistent too! Yes, I made this mistake as well too.

Names can date you too. I'm seeing some artists switch from using the term "prim" in their blog/studio name. I guess the word "prim" is out but "Primitives" is considered still in vogue as far as I can surmise. It also may mean the artist is developing a new non-prim style-so keep in mind that your name should reflect you and not the niche market you're selling in unless you plan to stay within that market for the long haul. And give dignity to your work, don't refer to it as "stuff" or "critters" or "things" these words make my skin crawl especially when I see it attached to a truly talented artist.

This is all hard to foresee, I know, and ask for friends/family/buyers for input when branding your studio/website/blog name. Some artists create a name after their niche market or after something very dear to their heart which influenced their decision to  become an artist-the latter can make for an interesting, memorable story on your blog and website.

As a co-leader of a national artist group: (www.AmericanHolidayArtists.com), I often have to remind artist members to put their name on their eBay About Me page and their ETSY Profile-this is often just an oversight, and not because they're a member of the witness protection program.

But I feel letting your buyers know who you are gives them a warm and fuzzy, they know whom they're buying the art from, not some anonymous person.

Lastly, when Fairy, Faery, Faerie art hit the world big, many creatives were grabbing polymer clay off store shelves and sculpting little winged beings to sell online.
 
And many of these people came up with the hoakiest names for their website/blog/seller ID. I hate to sound harsh, but if writing isn't your forté ask for help in coming up with a name. And don't confine yourself to one subject matter i.e. Fairies, as you might move on to sculpting other work in the future.

It's been my observation the more romantically dramatic a studio name, the poorer the quality of art featured. It's almost like the artist wants the studio name to compensate for their earlier not-so strong pieces.

So "Whispering Softly in Wee Fairy Voices Studio or
"The Hollowed Glen of Imaginative Beings" just doesn't cut it for me, nor for buyers who certainly can't remember all that.

Keep it simple, keep it direct, keep it authentic, and they will find YOU.

About this post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban-all rights reserved.

Supporting the Arts in Your Local Schools

In our school district we have a program called "Arts Smarts". PTA moms come in to volunteer teaching students a project on a famous artist.

Thank you PTA moms for all you do.
Though not famous, I was asked by one Kindergarten teacher to participate in the Arts Smarts programs for her class.

I taught the students how I paint, in acrylic and adding bits of collage elements and objects once painting is dry to enhance the painting.

The students dug in with relish, and I'm pleased with their results. The school had a "Museum Night" and parents and students descended upon our transformed school to view all of the Arts Smarts exhibits.

About the pic to left of post: ©2009 B. Essagof

Artists and Their Gardens-Blog Posts that We All Love to Read

Artists seem to end up with their hands in the dirt, one way or another. By dirt I mean garden, maybe this fascination with sowing seeds and growing beauty started with Monet. But every artist I know can till the land and create a beautiful space whereever they've plopped their homestead.

Today my husband, I and a helper-friend weeded, cut, cleaned, mowed and lay down mulch and some stepping stones around our garage. My little 15x15 foot space isn't impressive, but it throws forth enough color in the summer to make me feel I've created a masterpiece.

The downside of gardening, is after all the hauling-I decided to move the birdfeeder one more time–I'm so achy that I swear I have more than my share of sore muscles inside.

But this morning's weed whacking and pulling and rearranging made me realize how much I enjoy garden posts on artist's blogs.

Some artists strictly use their blogs to promote their art, that's fine, but gets a little stuffy after awhile. How many blogs have forced you to quit out fast simply because it was a singular promotional tool to sell one thing? Even with art this can get tiresome.

I believe people want to know more about the artist they collect from, why else would lifestyle magazines run articles on creative people that features more than just one aspect of the person? Sharing what makes you create, and what else you create is inspiring to others, it is to me.

So sandwich those inspiring posts in between the art promotions! Let people in on who you are. Personalizing your posts helps others to connect with you the artist.

Oh, and the picture above? please note, my garden is a work-in-progress, I haven't even started on the middle island part-waiting for a friend to come over and help me to design the space better.

About the post: Article written by artist Suzanne Urban ©2009 Suzanne Urban all rights reserved. www.smirkinggoddess.com

The Case for Netiquette when Promoting your Art Online

The upsurge in online presentation has skyrocketed over the past decade and many artists not only have websites, but blogs to post current work. To add to the mix, many artists now Twitter and have Facebook profiles to further their exposure.

All this is good, provided the artist keeps in mind that online presentation means the world–more specifically, collectors and art buyers are viewing your work AND you.

Many artists forget this fact, and this is especially clear when viewing their blog. It's okay to make your blog entertaining, in fact it’s a sure fire way to attract viewers. but if  you’re posting personal rants on your blog or using your blog more for political posts, religious posts i.e. promoting your religious/political belief system in a strident manner, or filling most of your posts with endless pictures of grandchildren, family and pets; many readers might think twice about subscribing to your blog and following your work. Is it really worth it to alienate potential buyers?

Remember, a blog is global. A diverse population is reading your posts.

As an artist member of two online juried artist groups, plus a member of some listservs-one that counts 700 members with collectors lurking, I’m often amazed at how some artists conduct themselves online. As the founder and leader of an online group of  artists I’ve been the brunt of angry, rude emails. I don’t engage in a battle with these people as I don’t have the time, and my goal is to focus on the majority of artists who behave professionally and if they have an issue they know not to publicly drag it in to the group, they email me and the co-leaders individually.

When I was younger, naive and generally stupid, I related to the world in terms of how it related to me. Young people do this. But as one grows older and interacts with the world at school, in shared living quarters or at work, one quickly learns that many things aren’t ALL ABOUT THEM. There are artists who've worked in the confines of a lone studio upon graduation, how fortunate they have the opportunity to do so-or who've been enabled by family members/patient co-workers for too long. These people  haven’t interfaced in an environment where they’ve been forced to compromise, negotiate and generally get along with someone they personally don’t care for or disagree with- the call to professionally promote themselves and think beyond their ego is a challenge they usually dismiss.

And these argumentative people can be a pain to manage, they’re the first to feel shunned, or slighted or react inappropriately to an innocent misunderstanding. And usually the situation IS innocent, but because it’s ALL ABOUT THEM and not US or YOU the drama begins. They make a dramatic exit and generally state how THEY FEEL about WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM. They dis the leaders who spent voluntary time promoting their art, and helping them with technical issues-not a wise move. . .

What these folks don’t understand is negative outbursts never win favor with the public, and for the lurking collectors and art buyers-( and I include myself in this group)  I’m not so sure I’d want my hard earned income going to such an immature person-especially, one who saw fit to publicly insult me and others, people the offending party only knows briefly through online conversation. And if I were a gallery owner viewing a flaming post, I’d immediately blacklist them as unprofessional and difficult.

However there are times when an unpopular post is acceptable, if it pertains to your art and presented in a calm, fact-based way.

Seven years ago I was approached by an editor to create a paper doll for a national magazine. I agreed, despite the low pay, I typed up my purchase order/contract stating I was selling first rights to the magazine and the editor abruptly told me “I won’t do business with you.” Startled, by her abrupt retort and refusal to negotiate a simple contract accepted by most editors I'd created paper doll art for, plus her hanging up on me-(what?!), I went online to my doll artist group to discuss my frustration with an editor who didn’t respect artist’s copyrighted material. I didn’t name the magazine or editor by name, I simply stated that it hadn’t been a problem for me in the past and due to the labor and low fee this was what I could negotiate for.

My response met with a few who were “bothered” by my post the listserv manager even stated she “allowed” me to continue posting but wanted the copyright posts to discontinue. Some artists posted to explain the importance of copyright law and why it pertained to everyone in the group-hobbyists who thought they could copy patterns and create work as their own to sell, artists who’ve seen their designs bootlegged in large chain stores and those wishing to know more on how to protect their doll art.

Now discussion of copyright law and how it pertains to artists and their work is openly discussed and information shared from time-to-time. My intent wasn’t to blast a misinformed editor or to post angry indignation, but to illuminate how contracts are needed to protect one’s art. And more importantly what happens when an artist loses negotiation leverage.  I had to quit my freelance career due to Work-For-Hire contracts, and take a day job seven years ago. I compared this situation to the jobs Americans lose to oversea companies everyday. When American workers–artists included– aren't protected–we all lose. Every American artist should have the right to negotiate for fair pay.

So again, the rule of thumb here, state your case calmly and back up with facts.

Last but not least, think about what artist’s blogs you love to follow? What are the elements present that keep you coming back to read and view updated work? The following are what engages me to return again and again:

• Humor
• Update posts of artist's work
• Work-in-Progress pictures i.e. initial sketches
  
• Tutorials
• Informational posts
• Frequent updates, musings from the studio, daily life of the artist
• Contests
• Well-written posts-no slang 
• Graphically appealing blog that give me a sense of their signature art style.

So there you have it. Artists need to remember, if you're selling your work you're a professional, you''ve left the ranks of hobby-dom and with a blog, all eyes are upon how you perform.

I would be interested in hearing comments from viewers on what makes them subscribe to a blog!

One addendum to this post. My spelling of the new term "Netiquette"  was publicly corrected by an individual on Facebook. Publicly correcting someone online in front of others instead of through private email really isn't the kindest way to inform someone of their mistake,  my apologies to all for the glaring oversight, I've made the correction. In the future I plan to use spellcheck twice not once, but I also deleted this individual from my Facebook account as I found her choice of how to correct the error uncomfortable.

About this post and drawing: ©2009 Suzanne Urban all rights reserved.

Joining in on EHAG's Skeleton Key Hunt!

As a member of EHAG-Eclectic Halloween Artists Group I will be part of their fun Skeleton Key Hunt starting May 4th! For more information:
ehagart.com
About the image to left of post: ©2009 EHAG all rights reserved.

Why I don't Have an MY SPACE PAGE-is it for Visual Artists or Musicians?

Myspace has done a lot for artists, but in my book not visual artists but rather, recording artists. I have musician friends who have a site on MySpace and I think it's very savvy of them to be represented there. My friend Mark's excellent band is on MySpace:bonesmen

The demographics i.e. average age of MySpace viewers is 35 years old. Some of the visual Artists in the juried group I organized three years ago-(AmericanHolidayArtists.com) are on MySpace but not all.

Even at it's edgiest I don't put my art on MySpace, this is because whenever I check the site it looks like a place for young pucker-faced females to advertise their wares-and I don't mean tupperware. I joined MySpace two years ago and started receiving spam emails that had to do with these puckered-face females with little cloth to cover their personal wares. Very disturbing. MySpace has worked to clean up their image, but still the bad taste remains for me.

In my home town here in Connecticut a scandal broke out when a highschool coach was accused of having an affair with a student. The evidence was posted on her MySpace page. This episode furthered my distaste for MySpace's image. Also, a commercial establishment close to where I live that over-serves alcohol to people who look like walking zombies with pickled innards has a MySpace page. They apparently want to generate the image of a sexy lounge that serves Martinis. Their friend links all look like the puckered faced females and the men like something the cat dragged in. So much for pretending you're something you're not.

So MySpace in my book isn't a serious avenue for the visual artists due to the kind of crowd it sometimes attracts. However due to the demographics, if your work is edgy-like grafittiish in flavor-you might do well-but could those visiting your page afford to buy your art? And would you feel comfortable having some young female with puckered up face wanting to add you as a friend? Especially if said female looks underaged? Very scary if you ask me.

As for musicians, singer Lily Allen put up a MySpace page and it's presence jettisoned her career. Somehow it just seems to be a better forum for musicians.

I chose Facebook and Twitter and LinkedIn for social networking over MySpace, but if I could carry a tune and organize a band and needed some gigs…the story would be different.

©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs-all rights reserved.

Customizing My Prints to Offer My Collectors Something Special

I've been hired in the past to customize my work or customize a hand painted piece of furniture for a teacher, a child or someone else. I feel when an artist offers customization, provided they can afford to sell at a purchase point that is agreeable to both collector and artist for time involved, the offering can be worth it.

It's worth it as it makes the collector feel they have something truly unique and personal, and worth it because the person who sought out my work to purchase, feels I've individually catered to a need of their's.

Because I live in a beach community in Connecticut, I sell my prints with the name of our local beach in the Mermaids banner. It suddenly hit me that others may want a banner-toting mermaid print of mine with their town beach–or favorite beach–printed in the banner.

On Etsy I now have such a an offering up in my shop and will add more this week, i.e. my little mermaid sports more than one aquatic costume. Please take a peek if you're so inclined:suzanneartist

About the image to left of post: ©2009 Suzanne Urban Designs all rights reserved.