Speaking of backup plans, sending cards to people has been something I've always enjoyed doing but for quite some time I've been having difficulty finding ones I like. I may be overly picky, but a lot of smaller companies who made clever cards have gone out of business entirely while the big greeting card manufacturers lost the thread long ago. After my last failed attempt to find a birthday card I decided to see if there were any online options and discovered Fine Art America. Considering the fact I can't afford to buy a good printer, never mind the inks and peripherals, it seemed worth a try.
I posted a couple of high resolution paintings (a trick in itself), ordered cards of the images, and waited to see just how disappointed I'd be with the results. It turned out I wasn't disappointed at all when they arrived last week. So I've taken the next step in putting a little gallery of images up for sale. The company charges a baseline $3.95 for a card and $12.00 for a print to which I added a small amount if anyone wants to purchase something I've painted. I'd be happy enough if you'd just like to look and tell me what you think of the idea. Being chronically ambivalent about commercial enterprises I feel a bit silly asking. Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to designing my Christmas cards.
Now I have to get back to the story. I hope the weather is good where you are.
♡
Good to hear the story is coming along and I do like the drawings, Susan.
ReplyDeleteI had a look at the card - it is lovely. Your work suits the card format with its beautiful border that to me is so characteristic of much of your work. I rarely buy cards as I make my own, but I think yours will do very well, including the larger prints - good luck!
The trick so far is dealing with how many images vs just plain writing. I'm glad you like the pictures so far.
DeleteStrangely enough, the borders are sometimes a problem in that format - at least for cards with the auto-trimming. We'll see what, if anything, happens but I do appreciate your good wishes.
Holy crap, if that's really how they look in the flesh, then you have found a company that knows what they're doing. I might, for the first time ever, actually send Christmas cards, I just have to find some people.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the hi-res pictures don't look half bad. I'd shrunk most of them for the blog and had some work finding originals.
DeleteI know most people don't send cards anymore but I still like to.
I'm glad to know your still working on your story, and that you're not getting story bored.
ReplyDeleteAnd your excursion into the greeting card process seems quite delightful. May it be a successful venture for you.
You are such a talented Bird . . . er, um Human.
Raining here on the Prairies. But I suppose we need it. Heard of a place that was so dry a farmer claims he saw two trees fighting over a dog. Don't know how you would draw that.
Being story-bored is a danger but there always seems to be another picture lurking. Thanks for the encouragement and the kudos :-)
DeleteTwo trees fighting over a dog does make for a silly picture - but only in my mind's eye.
I'm so looking forward to seeing all of this story! and the cards!!!!!!!!!! are!!!!!!!! gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete... went back for another look..... not just cards. prints too!!!
DeleteThanks, my friend. The story could take years as it grows larger every day.
DeleteAt least now I have a place that can print cards for me to send :-)
The storyboarding images are enchanting. I already love the little trusty companion and want to know what adventures you have planned for them.
ReplyDeleteIt's just fascinating to me to read your thoughts about your process (and your backup plan, of course).
A good dog is always the best companion a kid can have. The story is well on its way to becoming something at least novella size. We shall see how it goes.. and the backup plan too.
DeleteI'm delighted you stopped by.
the card idea is really nice. my stepmother took a series of scenic photographs, and had card packs made with them which she sold.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know your stepmother had good results. Meanwhile, doing what we do because we like to is best.
DeleteI would love to see the story in its glory! I hope Fina Art America stirs interest, Susan
ReplyDeleteI want to see it too but we'll all have to wait for the story.
Deleteand thanks :-)
i can't wait to see this story when it's finished ... you are the picture of tenacity and work ethic, something i know little about...
ReplyDeletei went over and am really impressed with the images. i always love your art and they show well on the site. i am going to buy some cards as i just happen to be running low. are you considering putting them into packs, or selections or do i just buy whatever. the only thing was the charge THEY charge you! wow it's hard to make much with that kind of mark-up! etsy didn't do it i suppose, it's such a crazy mis-organized place.
well, wanted to let you know... and prints too!! that was REALLY exciting! xoxoxo
Oh dear, this story is going to take a while. More and more, I'm thinking I need to be writing rather than planning to paint and draw the whole thing. My work ethic lasts for no more than 2-3 hours on a good day :-)
DeleteI'm glad you like the images over there and delighted you went by to see them. Etsy is a whole other kettle of fish..
I think your site on artamerica looks great! I shared and pinned and plussed and...well...if I can stop being a lazy blogger, I'll post as well!
ReplyDeleteMaurice Sendak has left this world. Thinking of you his wonderful illustrations brought back a lot of wonderful memories.
Take care, dear Susan
Yes, the comparison to Maurice is unavoidable in my mind.. Godspeed Maurice, you Devout Secularist!
DeleteSusan, the cards look lovely! If I wasn't eating off a credit card at this point, I'd order one of each. Have you investigated pricing for packs of half a dozen or so? I ask because I want them all, and can't decide!
Hi Gina. Thanks so much for the high praise and the promo :-) It's really appreciated even though I expect to remain my own best customer.
DeleteIt's sad news to hear Maurice Sendak has departed this world - his was a very bright and singularly honest light.
Much love to you, my friend.
Hey CR - what a nice coincidence the two of you appeared here the same evening. Yes, Maurice will be missed but, boy, did he have a fine career and a very productive life.
I'm glad you liked the cards. I too would like to order a few of each but the deal at that site is we only get a discount with 10 or more of the same card. It's a big commercial operation after all - one that's pleased to print anything. You might be interested in making use of the service for some of your own fine work.
1. I'm glad to hear you're still working on the story even as it's pulling you out of your working comfort zone.
ReplyDelete2. I love the idea for cards and prints. Your work is so beautiful, it needs as many outlets as possible. Don't hide that light!
3. Two of the cards you've sent me are part of my cubicle decor. Not surprised, are you?
1. What comfort zone? You wouldn't believe the level of angst between knowing what I know and doing what I do.
Delete2. You are very kind - thanks for tweeting about them. Nah, I don't tweet but I did see yours :-)
3. I'm delighted they've given you a cubicle big enough. Surprised and pleased.
Okay. WHERE is the Local Exposure post? That is some of the funniest writing I've read in a long, long time.
ReplyDeleteYou and your rss feeds :-)
DeleteIt's back.