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.
Hi Jamie, It is true girlie stuff always catches my eye...and in this case the Bugs and Butterflies one really stood out, not only for the bright colors but also the border and/or framed look of it. I do like the princess one also....yes, maybe with the crown. I think you have it on one of your prior blogs. Even though I love pricessee stuff you see it everywhere so then I wonder if you should do something different. I hope this helped!!
Posted by: Debbie P | March 20, 2008 at 06:30 PM
I love the castle best! Perfect for a princess!
Also love your blog...I read it religously!
BTW, you've been tagged:
http://thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com/2008/03/21/quirks-obsessions-and-random-things-about-me/
With friendship,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa thedomesticdiva | March 21, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Wow.
That Dear SAHM post was really passionate. I'll not comment either way on the subject matter though. As I'm very passionate about my feelings on it. I, too, am a tell-it-like-it-is-person.
Posted by: Jus Shar Designs | March 21, 2008 at 09:57 AM
I love #2 "Safari Guide Dudes" just because it really shows your style off. It's so cute and whimsy. I look at it and smile. Although everyone else seems to go with the girly girl things which is a safe way to go. But a tad trite. I can't wait to see what you decide.
Posted by: | March 21, 2008 at 06:57 PM
I love the butterflies one and the safari one the best. Don't you get two ads? Use one for each. You really did great work! I read your passionate post and wasn't offended. i know people take things differently. Some read things into it that others don't, so I'm not saying anyone is wrong in their feelings. But since these were comments made to you by other women, I don't understand how someone could take offense to it. Keep your head up and just accept that everyone is entitled to their opinion, I guess. It's a shame we are all women and feel this need to play tug-of-war with each other instead of showing respect and supporting each other.
Posted by: London E | March 22, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I like Safari and Castle...very sweet!
Posted by: Carrie_in_TN | March 23, 2008 at 06:35 AM
this is funny, you had said you hadn't heard from me... i had read this post the other day and thought for sure that I had commented on it but i'm looking and if i did it didn't go through. i also went and read your sahm post and all the passionate comments that went with it. i was overwhelmed by the time i got to the end of them!
my vote is #1, especially coming into summer : )
Posted by: michelle | March 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM
You will like this....
http://www.skirt.com/node/4495
Posted by: joni | April 02, 2008 at 11:35 AM