Throw Me A Bone.

So I launched my new website a few months ago and I have not received any feedback from family and friends. This is typical because I generally do not ask for it and only hope that I do get something in return. Giving me nice compliments will not help and constructive criticism is really beyond reach.

The other day, I stumbled upon a website that will review your website for free. http://peek.usertesting.com. All I did was give them my website address and my email and they would get back to me within three days with some feedback. This sounds like what I really need but I can't help think about why this service is free. I guess they feel that sometime in the future I will need their services again, and there will be a charge.

Whatever the reason, I am looking forward to this unbiased report and (hopefully) the results will give me that big idea that will change everything! or they may just say that my website is "nice".

Editorial Cartooning

On occasion, I will come up with an idea for an editorial cartoon but it does not happen often. I enjoy a good cartoon gag but it does have its limitations and I really could not sit on a daily basis a slug it out on the political arena.

  Doing a recent google search, I found that an editorial cartoon is an illustration containing a commentary that usually relates to current events or personalities. They typically combine artistic skill, hyperbole and satire in order to question authority and draw attention to corruption and other social ills.

That actually takes a certain individual that has all that going through his mind everyday and probably speaks the same way. look out!

Well, I have this blog so I can try different avenues. Here is my latest entry into editorial cartooning.

There's An App For That

Just when you thought technology could not get any better in the commercial art world, Adobe comes out with an app for your cellphone that translates color.

So lets say I have an illustration idea and I would like the color scheme to be like that of a famous Gauguin painting. All I would have to do is go to the museum, snap a picture of the painting inside the app and in seconds, I have swatches that match that particular painting.

The next step is to send those swatches to my home computer via the cloud and I am all set to begin my illustration project when I get home.

It takes the guess work out of choosing a color and I don't have to lug a large Pantone book to the museum to get the right match. Very cool indeed.

Building A Brand

If you noticed the photo on the landing page of my website, thanks for checking in. The success of that photo along with my new logo gave me the idea to use this on all my social media platforms. Now when you check out my Facebook page for example, you will be greeted with the same photo that introduces this website. It's all about building a brand and I think the photo will make my brand become more recognizable to potential clients. I learned the two basic laws of brand building, Stay consistent and reach across all social media outlets. If you agree, don't forget to "Like" me on Facebook.

Sketching From Life

I noticed that the National Gallery of Art hosted a sketch day this past weekend. Students were encouraged to bring a pencil and their sketchbook and describe what they see in front of themselves from an array of sculptures, artifacts and people. I have always been an advocate for sketching from life. I do it all the time so I was delighted to read that such an event took place.

The benefits include improved hand-eye coordination, confidence, and boosting your creative thinking. I use it to help get me out ruts and to advance my design quality. If you constantly draw from life you will grow as an artist. That is a guarantee.

Occasionally, I would get into arguments with fellow painters who say that drawing is not necessary and a waste of time. It is those artists who need to look at their work from ten years ago. If they see little improvement from what they are producing today, then it is time that they get out the sketchbook and join in on the fun.