JPD Mom

7 Things You Do Not Know

March 25, 2008.

With St. Patrick's Day and Easter in the same week, entertaining, baking, cooking and school parties and I even got some work done and blogged twice...yes my brain is mush I tell you.  And when I was not paying attention someone snuck me a....."meme"?  Is that even what you young people call it?  I am not even sure I know what to do with it, I will probably do it all wrong.

I really do not do these "tagged" things well, I think that I give a lot of information away, and that I have divulged enough dirty laundry about moi on this blog.  However, a certain Miss Domestic Diva thinks not - so she tagged me.  Let me say this is the last time I am tagged, I am not doing this again, thank you very much.  You need to list 7 things about yourself, link person who tagged you, list 7 peeops to tag - and then go comment on their blogs....I think that is it.

So, in case you wanted more information about me (oh please, does anyone even care?) here I go:

1. I tried out for the cheer leading squad in high school twice - even though I can not dance.
2. When I got married I insisted that my husband and I were going to have five children.
3. I can't stand velvet
4. I am a sucker for any Gangster (no not Gangsta') movies, books, articles, etc.
5. I never exercise
6. I laugh when people fall, or trip - don't worry I laugh when I fall too.
7. I met my husband at a bar in San Francisco - but since they served food (peanuts) we told our relatives it was a restaurant....don't rat me out, Grandma still believes.

Oh my that was so painful, let me tell you.  If you could please not bring up the whole cheer leading thing again, I would be mighty grateful.  I thought I gave it all up to everyone all the time - who knew I had more dirt to share on myself.  Now I must forward this to seven bloggers - tough one.  Here I go: London, Vicki, Carrie, Michelle, Amber, Amber, Sarah Jane.  Please don't shoot the messenger - sorry ladies, I really had no choice....

A Read, A JPD Giveaway, and Please Help Out

March 20, 2008.

Silicon Valley Mom Blog

I did get a chance to post a few blogs on a blog I write for called Silicon Valley Mom Blog.  I wrote a piece titled "Dear SAHM" asking why I always get so judged at my children's school.  I am not assuming anything - these were real things said to me on more than one occasion - it has stirred up quite a few um feelings (not all good).  Any of you working mom's want to chime in?  Please do....

Advertisement(s) for Licensing

So.....I am still trying to get licensing work ready, get new products to market, um work, handle Easter party(s), keep house clean, take care of family....oh and design an ad (yes another ad) in 2 weeks!  Please note, the dimensions are very specific - and I get one image and 50 words or less.  I have taken 3 paintings and plopped them on the "ad" sheet.  Please, please do a girl a favor and give me a comment and tell me which you like best.....I am sure I will do another 3 or 4 tonight.  Pirate? Football? Baby?  Stop me - please!

                                                                      Ad # 1 "The Bugs & Butterflies"

I know, I know super tiny, but I only did a mock-up, my super talented graphic designer will have to help me lay it out.  I just want you to get the feel...and the 50 words of copy, sort of garbage I wrote looking at other advertisements.  Trust me - tiny is good.  Do you like the feel of this? Is the art strong?

Ad # 2 "Safari Guide Dudes"

I like this one, it shows my "style" (whatever that is) but it is also very boyish, and if you want to know the truth, girl stuff always trumps boy stuff.  We sell twice as much girl stuff as boy stuff.  I would like to see more boy stuff out there, considering I have one  - but again, best art to show my talent?  Best use of my skills?

Ad #3 "Sail Away"

This one is okay, sailing and sailboats - not best sellers - but the colors pop.  Sometimes when I design I am in a "girly girly girl" mood, other times - all boy, all masculine things.  I love the Nautical theme, but it is not always an over the top best seller.

Ad #4 "Hey Diddle Diddle"

I guess this would be "baby, baby, baby" if there was an actual description for it.  It is one of my favorite birth certificates I designed - I love the little cow.  I am reaching at this point, I realize this one needs the little dog laughing and a border....agreed? A border?

Ad # 5 "Princess Fairies"

This one is a sort of um, threw it together in 20 minutes piece of art.  I really was looking for the "feel" of princess, and would probably do a close up of a crown, or a princess, or a more cartoony looking princess painting.

Free Give Away

Thank you for your troubles - I have a hard time (usually) asking for advice.  However, graphic design is not my strong point - and I know now (older wiser) that I need to get some feed back.  For your troubles you can go see this give away:

In case anyone wants some free stuff....that would be a $65.00 gift certificate to spend at Jamie's Painting & Design.  Click here to leave a comment and get in the drawing!  I don't k now if anyone who reads this actually needs themselves some ceramic keepsakes, but thought I would give ya a heads up. 

Painting, Working & A Request

March 17, 2008.

I am seriously so behind on blogging and so far removed I am not sure where to begin.  My posts are down, my comments are down, my visitors are down and my readers are waaaay down.   In fact I am not sure anyone is reading this now....anyone?  No, seriously, I have just been super busy on way to many projects.  I am NOT having another pity party for myself, I just may have to admit I have bitten off more than I can chew - and I have a big mouth you know?

Painting New Designs

Maybe if I can get it together I can show you a little of what I have been working on.  It's not that exciting, and I have some more paint stained shirts, but it has been a ton of work:

That is one of like 20 new painting that I am trying to figure out how to put them on....well everything.  Licensing is a full time job in itself, not to forget the other 45 things I do (or make that 78 if you are a mother too - you know what I mean?). 

I am so used to working on ceramics, with lots of white space and no borders.  Licensing opens up so many avenues, possibilities and options it is, at times very overwhelming, oh and they loooove borders.  This past week it took up all of my time at the office - only to find out after a consulting meeting I needed to do more. 

Yep - more.  Well - more work is good, it is a must and I like to know how to do things perfect, or close to perfect.   I hate coming to the game (meeting) unprepared, unsophisticated and looking like a total hack.  I swear by the quote.,"You only get one chance to make a first impression."

So, since I am in a blogging sort of um vortex, and totally busy with other projects, I am hoping to help some other entrepreneurs out there, I got this email a few weeks ago and I apologize to Rina for not posting it sooner:

An ABC Exhibitor Requ

Dear Jamie,

I've enjoyed reading your blog and your insights on the ABC Kids Expo.  I am a new business owner and I am still in the manufacturing process of my product.  My product is a handy clip that keeps a blanket or stuffed animal from falling from a stroller. 

I will be a first time exhibitor this year at the ABC Kids Expo.   I am new to the children's industry and am looking to find someone to share a booth with.   I believe that sharing a booth with help defray costs, since I only have a single product.

If you know anyone interested, please have them contact me directly.  Again, thank you for helping a total stranger!

Rina Yano

Serial Entrepreneur

So, not wanting to just put somebody's information out there without know anything about them, I googled Rina (I am still amazed when I meet people that don't know how or refuse to use a search engine to find out information).  It really is an invaluable took for a small business owner, especially if you work alone or you want information fast.

So as I was saying - I found Rina and she is a successful entrepreneur already - her and her sister started a company called Omma Yoga, they create stylish, yet functional yoga bags.  Being the yoga novice (um, actually read totally ignorant, never did it but EVERYONE says I should) I had no idea what this product was.  After closer inspection they seem to really be on to something, it is a great looking bag they have designed that all of your yoga (or Pilates) stuff (again, I have no idea what that would be).  See how that google thing worked out, took two seconds and I have a plethora (love that word for some reason) of information.

If anyone is interested in sharing a booth with Rina, or speaking with her please feel free to comment on the blog (you know how I love that!) or send me a direct email and I will forward your information on to Rina.

Searching the Internet

The funny thing about this 'request' is that The ABC Kids Expo is one of the most frequent searches for people finding my blog.  I have not even attended in 3 years, yet my recent posts last year show up soon after the actual ABC Kids Expo site. The second most frequent search is my post on "What Happens in the Garage Stays in the Garage", just in case you wondered - and here is that post. 

That's all folks....I swear I have a Saint Patrick's Day post for tomorrow, or tonight, um okay give me till Tuesday and I will post on Wednesday, I promise.  I hear they might revoke my ol' blogger badge (that I have been wearing so proudly for two years) if I don't post more frequent, and relevant, and more pictures, and links...and how I need to update my flickr.....better yet if you have any more questions I am happy to answer them, Wednesday, yes I will get to them Thursday, or Friday? 

 

Big or Small Business

March 10, 2008.

A week or so ago I was on the phone with another person like me, a mom and an entrepreneur if you will.  We were going over some project we were working on and I had to interrupt the conversation.  It went something like this;

"I have to leave early today."

"How come?"

"I have to go to UPS to drop off our orders."

"Don't you have a pick-up?"

"Yes, we do have a daily pick-up, but our shipping clerk is on vacation and the UPS driver has still not come to pick up our packages.  And since everyone has left for the day, that means I get to deliver the packages."

"Doesn't that make you feel so small? I hate that."

Just Do the Work

Ouch!  And yes, the answer is a big fat in your face YES!  If you run your own business and you sell choch-keys, art, knick-knacks, whatever you sell - you get what I am talking about.  I know my Fed Ex driver by first name, I know my UPS driver's day off, and my mailman's route - no I really do.

When I have to go "to the UPS store" I walk in with my packages I always want to tell them that I am the owner of the company and we have a shipping clerk, we have an warehouse, no really we do....do you know who Ellen is?  I am kidding , I don't start shouting out facts about me - but it is true, I schlep a load of packages looking like Suzy McCrafty-Craftison and I am usually dragging along a child or two.  I really should get over myself, I know that - it just sucks when you are handing over 45 packages for 20 minutes in the rain to the local UPS store....not my regular job.

A Real Small Business

I could rattle off all the things that I do on a daily basis that make me feel super small, and under utilized.  I think it just comes with the territory of owning your own business.  It also comes with my perfectionist, controlling, mommy guilt issues that I carry around on my shoulders on a daily basis too.  I guess there is no perfect job out there where you love every aspect of it.  I often hear "newbies" say that they so love all parts of their job.  I always think, really?  All parts? - I mean it's okay to put your cranky pants on every once in awhile, we promise not to take away your "Mompreneur" card.   

The conversation struck a cord with me, I mean she nailed it.  It made me feel soooo small.  I agreed completely with her and sort of snorted that she felt the same way I did - and she had been where I am.  Hand delivering our packages makes me feel soooo small. As long as we were commiserating I had to chime in with my thought;

"It just feels like 4 steps forward, and then another 2 steps back."

"Maybe that is just the way it is with small business, maybe we should expect the set-backs"

Be Prepared

I hate to expect the worst out of my business or assume that set-backs are in my future, I really want to walk around with rose colored glasses, quote the Secret, ask the Universe for fabulous things and whistle while I work.  I try to do this, I think I am mostly happy.  However, it is very true that you need a back-up plan, you also need to be willing to do what it takes to get the job done.  This may sound silly and so obvious, but if you are starting a business and raising children - you know that you just have to do it. 

You need to put on your big girl panties, roll your sleeves up and well sometimes you need to do the dirty work.  No matter how big you are (or think you are), you may need to:

• Unload 20 cases of tile
• Empty the garbage
• Vacuum the floor
• Organize the break room
• Gift wrap the packages
• Call AT&T about the phone system
• Fill out all the forms for a new vendor
• Fax and email all your channels about a price increase
• Send out your own press releases one at a time to various publications
• Clean the toilets
• Drive to the UPS Store and the Fed Ex drop-off location (my personal favorite)

Please don't think I am complaining or feeling sorry for myself - well maybe I am a tad pissy today - hence not posting for a week (please forgive).  I just think that it is necessary to view all aspects of owning your own business.  There may come a day when I do not still jump in and do the work, but I think it is a must that you do.  It makes you remember where you came from, where you started and how far you have come.

It Had to be Done

Over Christmas our orders were piling up and there was no way our Shipping Clerk was going to be  able to get them all done before our pick-ups (yes, yes I made sure that the drivers picked up over the holiday season).   Our accountant, our book keeper and the woman who does Ribbon (Ribbon Artist?) all came into the warehouse and we shipped together.  I am happy to say my husband even came into the office to help out with all the "stuff" we had to do. 

Just like the old days, I just rolled up my sleeves, turned up the radio and I started packaging like a mad woman.   I just did what I had to do.  It actually felt good to be back in the trenches and working side by side - I don't want to do it every day, but it felt good to hand over all those packages.  I guess small is okay.....what do you think?

Art for Art Sake

March 3, 2008.

Um, Top 'O' The morning to you, Erinn Go Brach, Don't touch my lucky charms.....Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Yes we are all enjoying some corn beef and cabbage and some potatoes over here.  It is March! March is here and we are knee deep in Leprechaun Traps, four leaf clovers and lucky for me the kids are too young to know what green beer is.  And, yes Abby and I did us some painting this weekend.....

Painting for the Irish

I did an anchor man for the blog and a stress monster, but that is it.  How sad is that?  2 drawings in 4 months just for fun?  I started to realize, I never just paint to create, just for me.  I never, ever just paint what I feel like painting.  I don't know if I lost that desire, or I just don't have the time like I used to.  I usually paint due to deadlines, exclusive designs, new products that customers have asked for or a bedding designer needs something to compliment their products.  Last July I created 20 or so new Christmas designs because our line of products was so limiting, and did not have a lot of diversity....this was lots of research, and lots of painting.  I enjoyed doing it - but it was to sell the ornaments, not to just make art for me.

I think somewhere between 2002 and today I lost the ability to just paint for the heck of it - just for fun.  I never ever draw for fun, I never sketch for fun, I never paint for fun.  I doodle with my daughter, I show her how to draw things, I give examples, I sketch....I do not create.

I Am A Sell Out

Years ago, when I was in college (okay not that long ago but I did graduate in '93) the mantra of the SJSU Art Department was something like this:

• Don't go work for the man
• Do not ever do what the industry wants you to do
• If doing an installation, do it naked
• Come out of the closet some artistic creative way
• Never be a sell-out

Now, dont' get all upset with me, these were not the rules, they were unspoken but Iwas not the  most popular girl in the art department.  I did not color my hair purple, I did not have a nose ring, I did not wear black leather and I uh, did not fit in.  We are talking the start of grunge, the heart of Silicon Valley - before the dot com boom.  I hate to say it, I always knew I would sell-out.

I liked cartoons, I liked animation, I enjoyed cutesy (not a real word, I know) characters.  I majored in Computer Art but I focused my time on cartoons, t-shirt designs and posters.  I used "bubble letters" for every "project".  Not sure if other art departments across the country were so dark, goth and non-conforming as mine was, but I am guessing they were. 

The Children's Industry

I love this industry, I do love creating art for children's rooms.  I create art though, I do not create themes.  I know my strengths and weaknesses.  I create accessories, add-on's, nice to haves - I compliment the popular bedding styles of the day.  I mean who would have thought 5 years ago Pirates would have been popular? 

Sometimes I create themes, tile designs that I think will sell, sometimes I am right.  Other times I am wrong.  I now (only took 5 years) know what my job is - to make accessories to help accessories a child's room.  I love my job, no really I do.  But I am not going to cure any diseases, I am not going to re-energize some long lost over-looked design.  I sort of go with the "there are no original ideas" theory on this one.  Whether I change the industry or not, I know that until I get to design bedding and wall paper (no I am NOT doing that....yet) I just have to go with what is popular.

When I started a popular store told me to "NEVER, EVER do Dinosaurs, because they are so 1980's".  Yes....well, I did "dinosaurs" a couple of years ago and our Name Plaque and Just Because Plaque are both best sellers....thank you very much.  Sometimes I do choose to buck the trend, but for the most part I just do as I am told and I follow the lead of my large accounts.

Just Paint

So, yesterday I got to paint just to paint.  The blogs header is just for fun, it is just for me - I will not use it again, wait I may use it  again - don't quote me.  I designed the cute little guy, I actually got to paint a rainbow, I have not painted one of those since 4th grade - I LOVE rainbows!  No one told me what the new "hot" theme was, no one demanded I do a <in the blank> product.  I just got to paint, with my daughter - just paint.  She painted a birthday card for her Papa - I painted St. Patrick's day art.

I have been reading many a blog for about two years.  At first I laughed at all the "art for art sake" and the old "just create" days.  I mean, I am not able to dilly dally with my acrylics on a Wednesday and bake a cake, sew a skirt, plants some flowers and um well fool around.  Don't get me wrong, I love these blogs and I wish I could just paint somedays.  So, I digress - it was nice yesterday, even it was only for a couple of hours to just paint to paint.  I hope you enjoy my little March Madness header....because you know in about two weeks I'm going to have to switch to Easter.  I know, I know I have a real problem, I am working on it.