My New Years Resolution

[littlebeast13]

I'm not the kind of person who makes silly resolutions at the beginning of the year because they're silly. If you want to change something about yourself, you can do that anytime. The new year doesn't stay new for very long, and it usually doesn't take long for the old ways to return....

Well, I began starting a new project right after Thanksgiving, and the new year just happened to coincide with the time I figured I would be far enough along in it to finally unveil it to the Bored. As I'm sure you all know, I have been gracing the Bored with my drawings now for the better part of four years (As it happens, I started on the very first portrait in the BB series 4 years ago tomorrow). Those crude drawings soon began to churn out a series of characters.... with the centerpiece of course being Evil Squirrel. Over the years and through much inspiration on the Bored, in chat, and in real life, a veritable parallel universe would emerge in which my characters would come to life, gelling with different storylines and sources, and becoming more and more defined and well-rounded as time went on. Also improving was my skills at creating these works of graphic art on my computer. From needing the help of crude sketches scanned to my computer, to working out of the kinks of drawing only with my mouse, to eventually being able to draw these characters and scenes at a level that far surpassed what I could have even dreamed of back in 2007 when I was first bitten by this anthropomorphic art bug.

Even before I became truly impressed and satisfied with my craftsmanship, I got numerous suggestions from people on this Bored that I should be drawing these things for more than just the Bored's entertainment. Not being one who was blessed with any patience, business acumen, or wanting to take risks, I continually brushed back these ideas as unrealistic, and I was more than happy to just do this for fun and as a way to continue to pay back the people who have kindly taken me in as one of their own for the past 12 years....

That changed on the morning of Black Friday when I went to CafePress to make a gift for someone and noticed their option to sell your designs on all kinds of products on their website. The more I looked into it, the more I decided it was worth a shot. I decided to shutter the LSWE notebook (now you know why....) and devote as much spare time as I could into making this happen. It wasn't easy, I finally had to obtain and learn the basics of Photoshop, learn how to draw on "canvases" in Paint that were three times larger than anything I ever drew on before. And learn how to draw foregrounds separate from backgrounds and fuse them together.

I also started a blog to support the shop and attempt to explain the wacked out world of ES. Some of the art on there is better than the stuff I'm hoping to sell....

So anyway, here is the link to my store on CafePress. It's nowhere near as fully stocked as I hope to have it yet, and of course I will always be adding new stuff as I get time. If you see something you like, hey, feel free to support your local starving artist! The prices are marked up 10% over CP's base prices for that merchandise, and it's that 10% that I get in commission for each sale. Right now, I have exactly $0.00 in my CafePress account.... because other than those who may have stumbled onto the site through CP and the couple of people who got a sneak peek at my store the past few days, the store obviously hasn't had any traffic...

Even if you can't support me directly by buying something (Or even if you do), there's a way you can most certainly help me out indirectly. I want as many people as possible to know about this place. I'm going to try to start working on my family and work connections, but some of the most well connected people I know are right here on this Bored. If you really think I have something here people should know about, by all means SPREAD THE WORD!!!!! Use your Facebook accounts, Twitter, word of mouth.... whatever works! I don't think I ever would have dreamed of doing something like this without all the encouragement I got from many of you here, so it's time to put your money where your mouth is!

Thank you for all the inspiration, support, and most of all, for your enjoyment of my creations.....

lb13

[silvercamaro]

I wish you success with your new venture.

Now, as executrix of the estate of the late Annie Camaro Brownhound, who gave Evil Squirrel his name (or, as she called it, his life,) what kind of royalties can we expect?

[Bob Juch]

I just placed an order. Congratulations!

[Evil Squirrel]

Now, as executrix of the estate of the late Annie Camaro Brownhound, who gave Evil Squirrel his name (or, as she called it, his life,) what kind of royalties can we expect?

Ummmmmm...... tickets to the Broncos game?

[littlebeast13]

I just placed an order. Congratulations!

Thanks Bob!

lb13

[littlebeast13]

Addenda to my original post.....

While all of the designs I have in the store are new art due to the size/format recommendations to ensure quality, it is entirely possible to upload some of my older designs which should work reasonably well on smaller items (Thinks mugs, glasses, magnets, etc.) If anyone would like me to upload one of my past works to an item in the store for you to purchase, let me know. I'll see what I can do....

Also, while I'm probably still too busy setting up shop to entertain commissions of new artwork, it is something I would consider doing in the near future. Of course, rather than the standard 10% markup, I'd likely charge a flat fee for such commissions (I think $10 added to the base price of the item is more than reasonable). These would be open to anyone who'd want one (Yes, even you heels!) when I decide I am ready to dedicate time to it....

Even though I've been working on this for 5 weeks now, I'm so excited now I can't even sleep!!!

lb13

[christie1111]

Thank you for finally taking us seriously.

Now I need to go check out the merchandise.

Congrats LB! This is a terrific thing for you to have done for yourself! I expect a cult following.

Oh, and those of you on FB might want to post the link there for your friends to check out.

Happy New Year to a new venture!

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

I've ordered a shot glass to drink to your success!

[Bob Juch]

I've ordered a shot glass to drink to your success!

Oh! I didn't see that! With which character?

LB, why are some products available only for certain characters?

[kayrharris]

Good for you! As you know, I've used Cafe Press for a few gift items of ES's artwork myself.
Good luck!

kay

[a1mamacat]

Absolutely wonderful and well beyond time!!!

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

I've ordered a shot glass to drink to your success!

Oh! I didn't see that! With which character?

LB, why are some products available only for certain characters?

It was under ES odds and ends

[MarleysGh0st]

Congratulations and good luck on your new venture!

Hopefully, soon we'll all be able to say "I knew ES when..."

[Bob78164]

I'm not the kind of person who makes silly resolutions at the beginning of the year because they're silly. If you want to change something about yourself, you can do that anytime. The new year doesn't stay new for very long, and it usually doesn't take long for the old ways to return....

Well, I began starting a new project right after Thanksgiving, and the new year just happened to coincide with the time I figured I would be far enough along in it to finally unveil it to the Bored. As I'm sure you all know, I have been gracing the Bored with my drawings now for the better part of four years (As it happens, I started on the very first portrait in the BB series 4 years ago tomorrow). Those crude drawings soon began to churn out a series of characters.... with the centerpiece of course being Evil Squirrel. Over the years and through much inspiration on the Bored, in chat, and in real life, a veritable parallel universe would emerge in which my characters would come to life, gelling with different storylines and sources, and becoming more and more defined and well-rounded as time went on. Also improving was my skills at creating these works of graphic art on my computer. From needing the help of crude sketches scanned to my computer, to working out of the kinks of drawing only with my mouse, to eventually being able to draw these characters and scenes at a level that far surpassed what I could have even dreamed of back in 2007 when I was first bitten by this anthropomorphic art bug.

Even before I became truly impressed and satisfied with my craftsmanship, I got numerous suggestions from people on this Bored that I should be drawing these things for more than just the Bored's entertainment. Not being one who was blessed with any patience, business acumen, or wanting to take risks, I continually brushed back these ideas as unrealistic, and I was more than happy to just do this for fun and as a way to continue to pay back the people who have kindly taken me in as one of their own for the past 12 years....

That changed on the morning of Black Friday when I went to CafePress to make a gift for someone and noticed their option to sell your designs on all kinds of products on their website. The more I looked into it, the more I decided it was worth a shot. I decided to shutter the LSWE notebook (now you know why....) and devote as much spare time as I could into making this happen. It wasn't easy, I finally had to obtain and learn the basics of Photoshop, learn how to draw on "canvases" in Paint that were three times larger than anything I ever drew on before. And learn how to draw foregrounds separate from backgrounds and fuse them together.

I also started a blog to support the shop and attempt to explain the wacked out world of ES. Some of the art on there is better than the stuff I'm hoping to sell....

So anyway, here is the link to my store on CafePress. It's nowhere near as fully stocked as I hope to have it yet, and of course I will always be adding new stuff as I get time. If you see something you like, hey, feel free to support your local starving artist! The prices are marked up 10% over CP's base prices for that merchandise, and it's that 10% that I get in commission for each sale. Right now, I have exactly $0.00 in my CafePress account.... because other than those who may have stumbled onto the site through CP and the couple of people who got a sneak peek at my store the past few days, the store obviously hasn't had any traffic...

Even if you can't support me directly by buying something (Or even if you do), there's a way you can most certainly help me out indirectly. I want as many people as possible to know about this place. I'm going to try to start working on my family and work connections, but some of the most well connected people I know are right here on this Bored. If you really think I have something here people should know about, by all means SPREAD THE WORD!!!!! Use your Facebook accounts, Twitter, word of mouth.... whatever works! I don't think I ever would have dreamed of doing something like this without all the encouragement I got from many of you here, so it's time to put your money where your mouth is!

Thank you for all the inspiration, support, and most of all, for your enjoyment of my creations.....

lb13

Wonderful news!

If you haven't done so already, please register each of the works available in your store with the Copyright Office. It's your only protection if someone decides to rip you off, and once you "publish," a fairly short clock starts ticking. It'll cost some money per work, but if it protects even one of your works, I think you'll decide the expense was worth it. --Bob

[Beebs52]

This is what I get for not being in chat for a few days! I'm so happy and proud and excited for you! I have a lovely long sleeved black t-shirt coming my way with an ES to greet me!

[silvercamaro]

I'm going to get one of those ImPOSSUMble! shirts, because any space alien frien of Lizbit's is a frien of mine.

Now, for those of us who aren't so much the shot glass type, is there any chance that coffee mugs might be available later on?

[ulysses5019]

Congratulations and good luck on your new venture!

Hopefully, soon we'll all be able to say "I knew ES when..."

I can't wait for his PBS tv show...Painting With ES.

[Bob Juch]

I'm going to get one of those ImPOSSUMble! shirts, because any space alien frien of Lizbit's is a frien of mine.

Now, for those of us who aren't so much the shot glass type, is there any chance that coffee mugs might be available later on?

Switch to espresso.

[TheConfessor]

Congrats on taking your work to the next level, LB! I've never quite understood who's who and what's going on in the ES universe, but I've always thought your drawings had a unique look and style that could catch on with a broader audience.

My brother-in-law works for CafePress at their production and fulfillment facility in Louisville, Kentucky. He's one of the main guys who keeps the computers running and tracks ordering activity and trends, among other duties. He said the pre-Christmas season was intense, probably the busiest time of the year. He was either working or on call for much of the time I was visiting family up there last week. He has offered to give me a tour of the CafePress operations when things aren't quite so busy, which would be interesting, especially if I arrive while they're printing a bunch of Evil Squirrel stuff. I'll tell him about your CafePress store and the history behind what you do. Maybe he could get you some extra visibility on the site if they do featured products of the day, or something similar.

I also stopped by the CafePress store at the Mall St. Matthews, where employees sell popular designs and assist customers in producing their own designs on several workstations in the middle of the store. They could probably help move some ES merchandise, once the trendsetters find out about it.
http://www.cafepress.com/in/louisville/mallstmatthews

By the way, CafePress is one of several companies that have relocated to Louisville because of its transportation facilities, especially the UPS hub that serves as the focal point for North American shipments.

[elwoodblues]

I'm glad you are doing this. Good luck!

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

I'm going to get one of those ImPOSSUMble! shirts, because any space alien frien of Lizbit's is a frien of mine.

Now, for those of us who aren't so much the shot glass type, is there any chance that coffee mugs might be available later on?

Put me on the coffee mug waiting list too

[littlebeast13]

Thanks everyone!

I'm going to take a bit of a break from the blog again this week to work on adding to the selection in the store. The reason some designs are available for certain products and not others is due to their size. My large designs were generally drawn for T-shirts and other bigger items, while I went back and drew a couple smaller designs for things such as the shot glasses and other small stuff. They usually don't mix well, but I hope to have more variety available soon, as well as more different characters and designs.....

Ed, any help your BIL could give me on the inside would be of tremendous value!

lb13

[SportsFan68]

YAY, LB!

WTG! Looks great!

Put me down for a commission when you're ready.

[littlebeast13]

Put me down for a commission when you're ready.

But I already drew La Sprotsie Bella just for you!

lb13

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

Love the new avatar