Coming Down to the Wire--HELP ME

Today is May 31.

In exactly two months, I will have to make a decision about what I'm going to do about my artwork.

The plan back in January was simple--update every week with a new image and a new story for each image, offer each one as a print, put each one up on Cafepress as t-shirts and merchandise, and offer commission work based on the style shown in my character art. People would buy the image they liked on the product they liked. I would give out business cards with all my information, and every site, sig, and blog I had would clearly direct people to my shops. I joined many internet communities that would help me get my art out there. I have even begun the search for an agent to represent me to even more prospective clients.

Now, I have some low-priced commissions out right now. I did get one commission client since this started--though it was barter for a product she sells, so I have yet to actually make money from my work.

I have been told by a lot of people that they'd be happy to buy my art if it was available as a print. Unfortunately, I have not sold a single print since I started offering them in January, despite making it very easy to find and buy them through a reputable, well-established site.

I understand that everyone has financial responsibilities they have to take care of before buying things like art their friend draws. However...I need to make this work. I have worked really hard to make my deadlines, and though I know not every piece is hugely popular, I really hoped I'd sell something before now.

My cutoff date is July 31. By then, I need to have something to show for my time.

All I ask of you guys is that you recommend me to people who might appreciate my work. You don't even need to buy something yourself (though I'd love it if you did!) The prices on my prints are FAR lower than my commission prices, almost to the point of being ridiculously reduced. On top of that, I only get about half of the selling price at all. Or, if you know gamers--video, tabletop, whatever--who might like an artist's portrayal of their favorite avatar/character, please send them my way.

I need your help, everyone. July 31 is coming up, and I can't count on ConnectiCon to make up the business I haven't been getting these past few months.

Jenny

http://chocobogoddess.deviantart.com/store

CROCHET OMG

Your reactions to this will be either OH COOL GOOD JOB or OH GODS HERE SHE GOES AGAIN...



Yeah. I taught myself how to crochet this weekend. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

My third, first, and second projects. From left to right, all with a K hook (as that's the only one I had): My third project, in lime green kitchen cotton; my first project, in Cascade 220, Evergreen, I think; and my second project, in Manos del Uruguay Cotton Stria, in lavender.

My REAL first project was taken apart, actually, and turned into the middle thing on the picture. I have now figured out chaining, single, double, half-double, and treble crochet. I actually have a fourth project (lime green cotton again, also in the round) that I did tonight while in the car on the way to a meeting. (I was not driving. XD)

I also picked up a copy of "Big Girl Knits" after hearing everyone rave about it; once I realized that I would make three of the tops in a HEARTBEAT, I knew I had to get it. Since then, I've looked through it and decided I would actually probably end up making half of the projects in the book. It's just that good. I also love how the models are big and gorgeous but not like, size 14 big. Some of the girls make ME look skinny. <3 Already planning on the wrap sweater, the red tank top, the green coat, and the bombshell sweater. That last one is EXACTLY what I've been looking for all year. I can't wait to start on them. XD

Divine Bird updates coming tomorrow.

Back, Late, but Here Anyway

I signed out at the end of April with the intention of being gone only a few days, maybe a week. Instead, it's been almost two weeks and I'm still behind. Just after I moved in (literally hours after we put down the last box) I got a call from my mom saying that my granddad would not live past the weekend, and I should go see him in the hospital ASAP.

Granddad was sick for a few weeks in ICU; he went in with chest pains, had open-heart surgery (triple bypass), had a stroke, contracted pneumonia, a staph infection, and on top of all that, he was getting dialysis almost every day. Mom, my sister, and I pulled shifts in the hospital waiting room with my grandma. The prognosis was positive until just before I got that call, and so instead of him getting better, he got worse. By Sunday night on the 30th, Granddad had passed away surrounded by just about every family member who needed to be there.

It's been a rough week since then. On Monday, I felt myself getting sick but brushed it off as allergies until I realized I had a fever, too. Turns out I have bronchitis--AGAIN. We spent the next few days preparing for the wake and funeral. It wasn't until just the other day that I was finally able to get online for more than a moment, clear out my messages, reassure my e-family that I was indeed still alive, and update my gallery, LJ, blog, and site.

The new pic for this week will be up by Thursday evening. I still don't have my scanner set up, which means I have to bring my pics to my dad's to get them scanned in. The Javelineer has been 'emotion' inked, and he'll be colored by tomorrow night. I think you guys will like the new pic for this week, too.

Thanks for your understanding and support! Your comments and faves mean a lot to me. Anyone who sent a request or comment and didn't get a response, please comment and remind me to contact you back.

Oh, and check the gallery for final versions of Nemerenth, Iyan, Daene, and the Messenger. All have been given backgrounds and should be available as prints as of Thursday or Friday, and all pics except Nemerenth, Iyan, and Daene are available on Cafepress on the usual selection of fun stuff. The last three will be set up later, but now I'm fried and I need sleep before I help my dad tomorrow.

Anyone ever notice when you move that you seem to have WAY more clothes and books than you thought you had??

CG