The last 2 years have been interesting for my career. Health, financial, emotional, and business decisions have all impacted the quality of my work as well as the quantity. I've watched as some of my peers have grown and just become incredible artists, seemingly overnight and for some, thru incredible adversity. I have been truly inspired to reach down and kick myself in the a$$ and get back on track.

I suppose this has been a long time coming. And I'm probably not saying anything that all the other artists haven't said previously. I've made some explorations into licensing and have learned a great deal of things. Some good, some bad. And I know it's a bit late in the year to be making New Year's resolutions, but I've decided to take control back of my work.

I've had a lawyer look over several of my contracts and have found so many problems with half of what I've signed, that I am now encouraging all artists to be sure to be very careful of contracts and licensing deals. Be sure to contact other artists and listen to their experiences. Don't base your choice off of one artist and their experience, talk to multiple individuals and weigh all of their experience. Both good and bad. Avoid companies that tie up your work for long periods of time without producing actual product. A good established company will invest the time and money into creating you a sample of your licensed item at no cost to you whether they have it in stock or not.

Avoid contracts that auto renew without your approval. Sign on a per image basis and never offer first rights to all of your work. Be sure you are dealing with a professional company with a professional approach to how they contact you and present you with offers. Never let anyone take advantage of you. It's YOUR work! You don't owe any licensor the right to make money off of you. And you are NOT obligated to sign anything.

Check their sales records if you can. You can ask other artists who are licensed with them and if they are willing to disclose an estimate of what they have received in royalties. See of they feel like the deal is worth it. Lots of companies look big and successful. But you can't always judge a book by it's cover.

There are several very successful and professional licensing companies out there. These companies understand contracts and typically follow these suggestions. And you will find that they stay out of the drama some artists seem to enjoy getting themselves into.

Also, never talk about, gossip, or make up lies, rumors, etc. about other artists. It only makes you look bad. And it can lose you a great deal of respect when you are caught. (Yes I know who you are and I am deeply disappointed.)

But beyond all that negativity, I am not giving up. I've had some great experience, and some not so great ones. I lost a great deal of money and compromised my health. But I have some really great things coming. I will no longer let myself be taken advantage of and will stand up for myself and my work.

Until then, here is my #1 tip to art fans and buyers. Buy directly from the artist whenever you are able to! Or from companies the artist endorses and supports. This will insure you receive your product and that it is the quality the artist expects and approves of.

Blessings to all!

Well I figured I'd do a live journal since it seems to be the 'in' thing. Looks like it might be a neat way to make announcements and keep up to date.

So, my first announcement~
I have been invited as a professional guest to Norwescon in Seattle, WA over Easter weekend. I will be displaying my original work in the art gallery and being a speaker on a handful of panels. This will be my 6th? year attending this convention. I completely stoked. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make it but with some very kind help from the programming and art director's I will be going after all. I've got my plane ticket, but still will be looking for a place to stay. Hotel rates are just insane! Maybe I'll just stay up for 4 days straight. Who sleeps at these things anyways!

Last year I got the privilege of meeting Todd Lockwood in person and getting a lesson in Corel Painter from him. He completely made my year to see an artist of his caliber and notoriety being very friendly and happy to share his tips with a few of us new comers. I really enjoy conventions because the artists who show tend to be very professional and humble and just genuinely great people! I only did 2 shows last year and I definitely miss going to them. I will definitely be getting back into showing at conventions and faires again this year.

I will be showing 5 new originals at Norwescon, maybe more depending on how fast I can paint. It's been very nice to actually paint again. It's been nearly a year since I've done a painting. Several black and whites, but no paintings. I'm really excited to be creating again.

There will also be a huge up date and redesign to my website in the next couple of weeks. I'm really cracking down on myself to get really serious about keeping on a strict release schedule and create some great products. My life has changed drastically over the last year, some things have been great, others a deep learning experience. But I feel it's time to really make this work for myself and be what I know I have the potential to be.

I'm excited about 2008 and am just thrilled to have new goals and actually be moving towards making my dreams happen!

Blessings to all.