31 July 2015

Life of Art SitRep #286 2016 Calendar Magnets

No sooner than I'd finished updating my calendars last week than there was a site update which compelled me to remake my traditional wall calendars. In the long run, this is good. My calendars will be evergreen (I won't need to create new versions each year) since it's now simple for the consumer to change the calendar's year. Took me a few iterations to get everything squared away.

Created new thin 2016 Calendar Magnetic Cards to provide a larger 5"x7" magnet at an economical price point. They are also available postcard sized.

Rocklawn Arts blogged New 2016 Calendar Mousepads at Rocklawn Arts, New 2016 Calendar Magnets at Rocklawn Arts, New 2016 Calendar Posters at Rocklawn Arts, New Customizable Calendars at Rocklawn Arts, and New 2016 Calendar Magnetic Cards.

Made 4 calendar collections, one for each grouping (wall calendar collection shown above).

Updated calendar folder image in store.

Rearranged store categories a little.

Watched Logo Design 101 with Tim Frame on Creative Live.

How was your week?


Two years ago on TTaT: Vantage Point

30 July 2015

This Week's Dream Appearances

Sometimes it feels like I can go months without dreaming, or only briefly recalling an elusive fragment or feeling.

This week I've had two detailed, memorable dreams. I won't bore you with the totalities, but here are some highlights in list form:

A thin orange 10-speed bike on an epically long ride.
An art studio classroom space in an industrial complex.
A classmate from high school showing me around that space.
Natasha Lyonne was also there, giving me sass.
A long hill down from the museum with an animal park near the entrance.
A split path through tall grassy golden fields.
A mama black bear and her 3 little cubs between me and the exit.
Two bald eagles, taller than the cubs.
A park ranger with bits of raw bacon who was able to lure them away.

My living room, larger than it is and full of people I don't know but didn't mind being there.
Also Michelle Obama, the guest of honor, radiant and gracious.
Hands covered in olive oil and sea salt.
Watching a movie with everyone, perhaps 9 to 5.
During commercial breaks, The First Lady Skype-chatting with someone on a TV network.


I don't know what's triggering these dreams. Staying up too late? Doesn't make sense but that's what I did last night. Whatever the reason, I am enjoying them.


Two years ago on TTaT: 21 Minutes

24 July 2015

Life of Art SitRep #285 2016 Calendars

My focus was definitely pulled to other life things demanding my attention this week. However, I'm happy I did finish updating my existing calendars and calendar posters/mouse pads/magnets for 2016.

Check out the entire collection of Calendars. Here's a selection:
Light Reflections On Water 2016 Calendar Poster
Light Reflections On Water 2016 Calendar Poster by RocklawnArts
Browse through more Posters, Art & Prints at Zazzle.com

Watched a Creative Live video clip: Pricing for Profit: A Simple Formula for Crafters

How was your week?


A year ago on TTaT: Migrations: Wildlife in Motion

17 July 2015

Life of Art SitRep #284 Shot A Lot

Put me somewhere visually interesting and I'm gone. Prepare to be patient. I will be in my own world as I create photographs that capture details, nuances... my unique view of my experience of a place.

I did that twice this week and it bolsters my soul.

Shot 275 photographs and 1 video at a botanical garden and easily a few hundred more (haven't downloaded yet) at a beautifully restored garden estate.

Created white and black thick and thin 2016 calendars in PS, a task that clearly pushes the limits of my old computer. Fortunately, I was able to download the files to an external hard drive after its most recent crash. Reminded me of its fragility though. C'mon, Apple, update your entire iMac line for back to school.

Started updating my 2015 Calendar Products to 2016 versions:
North Window Arch 2016 Calendar Poster
North Window Arch 2016 Calendar Poster by RocklawnArts
Browse anotherPoster template design online at Zazzle
Rainbow Polka Dots on Grey 2016 Calendar Poster
Rainbow Polka Dots on Grey 2016 Calendar Poster by RocklawnArts
Browse through more Posters, Art & Prints at Zazzle.com

The rest of my White Stripes and Chevrons on Red with Monogram products posted. Here are some of the new additions:

Rocklawn Arts blogged New White Stripes and Chevrons on Red with Monogram pattern.

Updated links and LOA files.

Read Popular Photograph April 2015 issue.

How was your week?


4 years ago on TTaT: The Return of the Black Pig

15 July 2015

Progress

So apparently my small town has a local community magazine. This month's issue featured photographs from the prom held at our historic town library back in May.

Mom said she initially thought the couple on the cover was part of a wedding party. She was right, they could have been. The young man wore a tuxedo and his date had on a stylish cocktail dress.

The photos were all shot outside of the library with varying backgrounds which made it a pleasing spread to peruse rather than having a mugshot book feel.

What caught my eye and made me smile was a couple comprised of two young women. They looked as happy as all the hetero couples, no shyness or reservation in their smiles. One wore a more traditional calf-length prom dress with high top Chucks. Why didn't I think of that? Her date wore a good looking tux. I wish I'd had the guts to do that.

For me, the prom was over two decades ago, so I won't berate myself for choices I made in a different time.

Instead I will revel in victories large and small: two young women attending the prom together wearing whatever they felt like; a month later, marriage equality for everyone in the United States; and a month after that, those same two young women receiving photo coverage equal to all the other couples in the article of a small town magazine.

Huzzah!


A year ago on TTaT: Are you ready to Jummmbbbllleee?

14 July 2015

Today's Sighting

Spotted early this fine summer eve: a bald fucking eagle.

I'd never seen one before, save possibly at a zoo.

I'm chuffed!


A year ago on TTaT: 4 feet isn't that long, right?

10 July 2015

Life of Art SitRep #283 Stripes & Chevrons!

Huzzah! My new design White Stripes And Chevrons On Black With Monogram is up in my store now after some additional tinkering. (Stamps are coming soon.) Here are some highlights:

Rocklawn Arts blogged New White Stripes And Chevrons On Black With Monogram pattern.

Remade The Link in Kansas City binder and deleted the old version:

Created and added the design variation White Stripes and Chevrons on Red with Monogram to my shop. The custom sticker and fabric are currently up and the rest should filter into the link above hopefully before too long. This part of the process is, alas, out of my hands.
White Stripes and Chevrons on Red Fabric
White Stripes and Chevrons on Red Fabric by RocklawnArts
Browse Red and white Fabrics online at Zazzle.com

Updated LOA and links files.

Finished reading Popular Photogaphy May 2015 issue.

Made monthly backups.

Have you backed up lately?


A year ago on TTaT: Leaf + Deck (2)

03 July 2015

Life of Art SitRep #282 And now we wait

I was excited to add a new design to my shop this week. It seemed the glitchiness that'd been plaguing me these past few months was fixed, huzzah! Alas, it's taking longer than usual for the items to publish. Cross your fingers and I'll be able to show it to you next week.

For fun and to celebrate Pride and the Supreme Court's ruling for marriage equality, I made a sheet of Rainbow Bullseye temporary tattoos:

Revised descriptions for a lot of designs and photographs.

Did some back end organizing in my shop.

Updated LOA files for end of month.

Finished reading Popular Photography March 2015 issue.

Have a Happy 4th of July if you celebrate it!


5 years ago on TTaT: Sticks and stones...