Thursday, April 25, 2013

Computer Update

A couple of months ago, my computer crashed on me and I couldn't do anything. The only way I have been able post is because I had scanned drawings ahead a time before it died. I've also been able use other computers to upload everything and generate the posts.

When I brought my computer in to get diagnosed, they eventually came to the conclusion that I needed a new hard drive. Finally, the hard drive came in and they installed it. After trying to install the OS, they started to think the hard drive wasn't the issue and they now believe it's the mother board... yay!

I am now at the point where I need to get a new computer because mine is in their words "too old and not worth the money to replace the mother board".... yay!

What computer should I get?
I'm starting to research some computers and weighting the pros & cons of the situation.

Here are a few options I've been looking at:

The mac pro would be ideal... It's a beast and would be great for graphics and video work.  The mini is an option, but low on the list.  However, I am most likely going to go with the Macbook Pro. It's the best of both worlds, as I like the portability of the laptop and this is similar to my old computer.



The other negative from my computer dying, is the cost of buying a new one. Maybe I should start a kick starter ey? Has anyone out there started a kick starter campaign??

How did you campaign go? Was is successful?

What computer do you have?

I'll try to find someone with a scanner to upload more art, sorry for the delay.

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Cheers!






Wednesday, April 17, 2013

How To Make Money As An Artist- Part 2

How does an artist make money? Part 2

As an artist, I know it's tough to pursue your passion when starting out and trying to make a living at it, I know because I am going through it. About a month ago I posted some ideas about how to make money as an artist and I said I would be posting some more ideas at a later day. Well, here they are.

Here are a few more ways to make money as an artist.

  • Hang Art in galleries, cafes, and shops
  • Submitting art to magazines and newspapers
  • Send art to stock photo web sites

Do you have any other ways to generate income? Post them in the comments below and help your fellow artists out!

             


Ordering from Amazon.com (affiliate link) any time soon? Click on the web banner I have to the right of my blog or on the link.

Amazon will give me a few pennies from every purchase which helps pay for the blog.

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Cheers!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Back Rooms of My Mind Door#16413

Back Rooms of My Mind Door#16413 is the latest of my creations. It's been tough  over the past few months as my computer is still down. The computer people are trying one last thing in hopes they can fix it, however, it's looking more and more likely that I will have to break down and purchase a new computer... BOOO! I will keep you updated as I know more info.

Prints available here.

I've been using these pens Pigma Micron Pen Set 0.45mm 6/Pkg - Earth/Heritage (Google Affiliate Ad) over the past few months and they are awesome for drawing with! I recommend using this for your ink drawings. The bonus is that they are waterproof.

In other news, I would like to take the opportunity announce that over the next 2 months, I will be donating half of the proceeds earned to the Greg Hill Foundation which will help anyone injured in the Boston Marathon Bombing on Monday. This was yet another senseless act of violence which seems to be happening way too often these days.

Feel free to donate directly to the cause here or purchase a print or original piece of art and support the marathon


Thursday, April 11, 2013

Better Late Than Never

This is a drawing I did back in December that I intended to post around the end date of Myan Calendar and Potential end of the world. Ironically enough, I never ended up finishing this drawing so I figured it was about time to post it!



Prints available here.

These pens are great for drawing and I use them all the time!



I've been working on a ton of art lately and few secret projects that I can't wait to talk about!


Ordering from Amazon.com any time soon? Click on the web banner I have to the right of my blog or on the link.

Amazon will give me a few pennies from every purchase which helps pay for the blog.

Cheers!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Back Rooms Of My Mind Door 17812

Here is my latest drawing to be added to the back rooms of my mind series.


Prints available here.

Here are some pens I use when creating my ink drawings. They are  great for adding detail and they are waterproof too! Check them out when you have the chance. Pigma Micron Pen Set Assorted 6/Pkg - Black (Google Affiliate Ad)

I've been working on this series for a few years now and I don't think I can ever sick of creating them! 

In other news, my computer is still down so I haven't been able to scan in any recent creations. That said, I am still finding away to upload my art for the world to see each week! I am hoping to get my computer back soon.


Ordering from Amazon.com any time soon? Click on the web banner I have to the right of my blog or on the link.

Amazon will give me a few pennies from every purchase which helps pay for the blog.

Cheers!

Thursday, April 4, 2013

5 Tips For A Better Sleep

For a long time, my favorite time to create art was at night. I was a night owl, staying up until 3-4am and not waking up till 10 or 11am and doing it all over again. I loved those days off from "life" where I could get lost in my own world.

Nowadays, (Sun-Thurs) I have to stick to a schedule and be in bed by a certain time in order to wake up in time to head to work in the morning- (I have to pay the bills after all!)

However, there are lots of nights where my body and mind will not agree with my schedule. Often I am rolling around restless as ideas for new drawings come to the forefront of my mind - no longer in the back rooms of my mind, these ideas are scream at me, insisting that I get them down on paper before they are lost forever. Thankfully, I keep a notebook at arms reach.

They other night, I couldn't get the ideas down and this is all I could get out...


"Can't Sleep" prints available here.

I lay awake waiting for for my mind to turn off. Sometimes it does and sometimes, I just need to turn the light on and get everything out of my mind and down on paper.

Do you have a similar issue? Here are some things I do to try and sleep:

5 Tips For A Better Sleep


1. Have a night cap. Whatever your vice may be, it can sometimes help you get into the proper state of mind to enjoy a nice deep REM sleep. I don't know about you, but I like to have a nice dream or two when I am sleeping.

2. Workout. If you sit at a desk all day and you aren't moving around, how are you suppose to tell your body to "shut down"? It's been on autopilot all day!! Can't afford a gym pass? Go for a walk, jog, hike, run, etc. Walk the dog or walk with the kids, we all know it's hard for some people to do things on their own so, feel free to bring a companion.




I've been working out a lot more over the past year and I find this helps a lot when trying to sleep at night. I also started using Kettle Bells Empower 3-In-1 Kettlebell (Google Affiliate Ad) and this DVD above, is a great dvd that gives you a ton of great information. These exercises are practical and will provide you with functional day to day life strength.

3. No Caffeine! Before bed that is. We all know caffeine keeps you awake and gives you energy. Don't be drinking 2 cups of coffee, a soda and chocolate before you lay down. Give yourself 3-4 hours (this is probably too much) for your body to process everything.

4. Creating the perfect sleeping environment. I don't know about you, but when I go to bed, I like it cold and dark! * I recommend a Lasko 2521 16" Oscillating Stand Fan It works great and keeps me cool while I am dreaming at night!

I also like to have a nice fluffy comforter or "Puff"- don't judge me :) - that I I can wrap myself up in. Believe me, when I do sleep, I don't ever want to wake up! Here's one that you may like: Orvis The Softest Blanket Ever - Yellow (Google Affiliate Ad)

5. Manage your stress. I don't stress out a lot, but I know people that do. Try not to hold on to things that bother you for too long or they will dictate your life. You will dwell on something for too long and it will be with you for a while. If it's really important, write it down and come back to it. Don't sweat the small stuff.

I hope these tips will help you out. I know that everyone's body is different and won't always react the same. Don't forget to speak with your doctor about this sleep issue too. I don't have insomnia and if anyone does, they should definitely consult their physician.


Feel free to post in the comments section and let me and other artists what you do to get a good sleep. Any personal tips or tricks that could be helpful to others would be great!

Ordering from Amazon.com any time soon? Click on the web banner I have to the right of my blog or on the link.

Amazon will give me a few pennies from every purchase which helps pay for the blog.

Like me on Facebook.

Cheers!