April M Designs

Color Wonderful

2012-01-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

Hey!

I've been super busy lately, but I have had some time to get 2 more paintings done!

Meet Queen Thunder and Sour Candy! Both acrylic paintings and both for sale!

I have a few more sketches in the works to become paintings too! An evil queen, space chick and some more pretty ladies!

Candy Stripes

2012-01-03T15:19:00.001-04:00

First painting of 2012!

Acrylic painting on canvas in a plastic frame. Painting is 7.5"x5.25" big. The whole thing is about 12.5"x9.5". About a medium-small painting. She is for sale and will be hanging up at Plan B for $50 on the weekend. Or you can always buy her through me at emailing me @ aprilmdesigns@gmail.com

2011

2011-12-31T12:10:00.001-04:00

Happy New Year folks!

I must say 2011 was a pretty good year for me.

I kept a steady job all year long, which makes it my first job that I had for this long in about 6 years.
found a great freelance gig that I get to work on some awesome posters for and something else that I can't say until the new year!
have my work being sold in a store for the first time ever. Plus the store is totally kick ass and it just feels right to have my work there.
organized a craft fair this year! How awesome is that? I think over-all it was pretty successful besides a few minor things.
had a table at Hal-Con this year and it was fun!
am officially registered as a business this Spring and now I have no idea what to do for my taxes! :C But I'm sure I'll figure it out!
also did a few small design projects for friends, pro bono
was asked to design my cousin's wedding invitations for her wedding next Spring! I can't wait to post pictures of them! I am super happy how they turned out and they look great printed!
praticipated in the Mosaic for Mental Health art exhibition
started acrylic painting, which I now love to do! I still need to get better at it, but it's a lot of fun and I'm happy with what I have been doing

That's all I can think of right now!I met a lot of awesome people this year due to branching out and participating in events and putting myself out there.

In 2012 I am planning on organizing two fairs for Art vs Craft. I'm hoping to get a table at a few other local craft fairs. And getting a table at Hal-Con for the 3rd year in a row! Maybe a table at Animaritime if I can find a way there and back (maybe we'll have a car by then).
But that's mostly my plan for 2012, just selling at more fairs. Getting my work out there more. Maybe then I can actually sell my work online.

Other than a few personal goals, I think all of that is all very accomplish-able!

I wish you all the best in 2012! Have a Happy New Year! <3

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-10T11:57:00.001-04:00

The Christmas season is upon us again! And I thought I'd give my fans and supporters a little gift. It's nothing much, but it's the thought that counts! :)

Cute little Christmas tags to use to put on your gifts! Just download, print and cut!

Stuff, Stuff and more Stuff

2011-12-04T23:24:00.001-04:00

It seems like it has been forever and a day since I posted here last.

Now that Hal-Con is over, I have been taking 'er easy and just farting around. The past few days though, I have been starting on some small projects in hopes of selling at my little spot at Plan B and at future craft fairs.

I went to the dollar store the other day and had a feild day with some of the new frames they sell there now. Plus I bought a ton of glitter. Which makes everything more fabulous.

I printed off some Christmas cards that I designed last year and added some hints of glitter on them. And now my desk is covered in the stuff. Which is wonderful but it's also a complete mess. Anyway, I'm selling the cards in the store for $3 each. If you want them you can go there, or you could always email me about purchasing online if you're not in the area.

I also have some sketches of what I want to put in the ever-so-fabulous frames I purchased. Let's just say it will all be girly, pretty and sparkly!

And I still have some of my ACEO cards left over that I made to sell at Hal-Con. If you would like to buy them let me know! They're going for $3 each. Either water color or pen drawings. Get them while you still can while they are cheap! I do plan on doing more of these ACEO cards, but I will be putting more effort into them, so I will be charging more.

From left to right top to bottom: Sailor Moon (Pen), Sailor Moon (pen & marker), Sailor Moon (water color), Sailor Jupiter (water color), Sailor mars (water color), Sailor Venus (water color), Sailor Pluto (water color), Wonder woman (water color), Mermaid (pens), X-Men: Storm (pen & marker), Victorian Belle (water color).

Other than that, nothing else is new with me! Been busy with making posters for a local pub and working at my part time job. It's all good! :)

Hal-Con 2011

2011-11-04T22:05:00.000-03:00

Big date coming up! One more week until the Second Annual Hal-Con Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention will be on its way!

And once again, I have a table in the Artist Alley!

Last year was so much fun I just had to do it again! I met a lot of people, had a lot of fun and even sold stuff! At first I was so over whelmed with all of the people, I thought I was over my head, but this year I am a bit more organized and have bacisally everything done and printed. But of course, I have a few last minute drawings I want to work on. Which hopefully will be done in time. If not, there's always next year!

Last year I did some small $5 chibis drawings and this year I'm planning on doing some $10 ACEO cards and $15 on the spot sketches. Samples of how I'm going to do the ACEO cards:

I'll be selling 8x10" prints, buttons, bookmarks and Christmas cards. I'll also be selling the rest of my watercolor abstract paintings and my original colored pencil Star Trek pinup drawing. I won't be taking any other original pieces with me. If you would like to have an original drawing by me, commission me for a painting or purchase one at Plan B.

For more information about Hal-Con and who will all be there, check out their website! www.hal-con.com

And check out these awesome artists! Some friends who will also be selling in the Artist Alley:

Nicki Sullivan
Melanie Mialythia D'Entremont
Ariel Marsh
Sandy Carruthers

I hope everyone can make it out! It truly is a fun time and a great experience where you can nerd it up, meet awesome people, and buy awesome stuff!

30 day count down!

2011-10-12T20:52:00.000-03:00

The count down has begun! 30 days until Hal-Con!

I will be once again in the artist alley selling prints and original pieces. Maybe a few little nick knacks too, like buttons and bookmarks.

Can't wait! I have a lot of work to do in 30 days.

I was planning on dressing up, but I doubt I will find what I want for my costume idea, so I'll just wear a wig and do up my make-up. :)

Commissions

2011-10-07T22:26:00.000-03:00

I'm offering a few spots of commission work for the holidays. Paintings make for a great gift for someone or even yourself. I am offereing two types of paintings, they are listed below. Please email me @ aprilmdesigns@gmail.com if you want one! Will be done before the holidays!

Acrylic Painting $35 -8x10" canvas with a picture of whatever character you want. Perfect for RPG characters or fanart. Will do personalized paintings. These paintings are girly and whimsical. Please supply a ref picture if if you want a certain character/person done. Let me know if you want anything additional added to the painting. Like stars, hearts, etc. Or if you want a custom painting, just let me know what you're looking for. Like hair, colors, theme. Samples:

There are five spots available for this kind of painting:

Digital Pinup paintings - $75 - 8x10" on semi gloss photo paper

$100 - 8x10" on streched canvas

Pinups can be personalized. Perfect for that special someone in your life. You will need to give me a ref picture to do this type of painting.

Or if you want a custom pinup girl, just let me know what you're looking for. Like hair, skin color, what she's wearing, theme, and what pose you're looking for. Please note I will only do classic like poses, and will not do full nude, I will draw boobies. No backgrounds. If you want 2 girls in a painting add an additional $25 to the price. Samples:

There are three spots available for this kind of painting:

1.
2.
3.

Additional notes:

These paintings are one of a kind works. I will NOT be reproducing any commissions. These are 100% yours. You CANNOT RE-SELL these paintings. You CANNOT REPRODUCE these paintings. If you want a tattoo of your painting, sure, send me a picture of it when it's done! :) I am allowed to post paintings on my sites for showcase only. You can post paintings, but please link back to my site so that people will know who did it.

I will only take paypal payments. I will take half of payment up front and once I receive that, I will start on your painting. No refunds if you change your mind halfway through painting progress. If for some reason I do not finish your painting, you will be refunded what you paid. When you email me about getting a commission done, I will email you my paypal info.

I will only ship within Canada (for now! Might ship to the States at a later date). Please note that I only ship through Canada Post, that way shipping doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

If you have any other questions or requests, please comment below or email me @ aprilmdesigns@gmail.com

Shop set up!

2011-10-02T20:53:00.001-03:00

So today my friend Mel and I did a little setting up of our space at Plan B. I thought to take some pictures to show it off a bit. We're going to be putting up some shelves next week for some of the smaller items we plan on selling. Probably will organize things a bit better too. But things are up and are for sale, so check it out! (Maybe buy a few things too... lol). Pictures are a bit blurry, but they were quick snapshots.

Wedding invites!

2011-09-26T22:33:00.002-03:00

One of my best friends, who is also my cousin, is getting married next year. She is the first of our batch of cousins to get married. I always thought I would get hitched first being the oldest, but she bet me to it! Her husband to be seems like a swell guy, never met him, but I'm sure he's great.

So she asked me to design her wedding invitations. It's quite the honor! I've always wanted to do wedding design, and what a perfect way to start then to do something up for family!

She wanted something simple with a sans serif font. Just a basic design, nothing crazy fancy or over the top. And she definitely did not want script font. The main colors they're using for the wedding is a cream color and navy blue. But she also wanted a nice accent color too. I thought pink would be nice, but maybe also red, since the hubby's uniform will be red (he's in the navy).

Right now I just wanted to show you all the rejects. I won't be posting the one her and the hubby picked until she sends them out to their guests. When I do post the final design, I will also post the RSVP cards, place holders and envelopes. And maybe a few snap shots of it all together. :)

So enjoy the rejects!

Lots of Work

2011-09-20T16:36:00.001-03:00

I got a new freelance gig! I'll be designing the weekly promo posters, ads and their chalk boards for a local bar & eatery called Winston's. There are also some future plans that they have that I'll also be working on for them too, but I can't announce it yet, because they're not for sure yet.

Anyhoo, redesigning the initial layout and header designs has been a lot of fun! Here's one of the posters that I've done so far:

Also have been working on some new paintings to sell and display at Plan B. I will be setting up my space later than I thought. So now I'll have my stuff up and ready for sale on September 30. I'll also have some holiday stuff up too, just in time for Halloween and Christmas! The Christmas stuff will be in later on! It's still too soon for all of that!

Still have to finish my cousin's wedding invites, but I have a few designs done for her, and can't wait to show them to her! I hope she'll love them.

Plus, keep a look out for a give away I will be soon having! Still have to figure what I'll be giving away, but it will be awesome I can promise you that!

Plan B; Merchants Co-Op

2011-09-11T22:18:00.000-03:00

Todays post is going to be all about Plan B. It's a store that will soon be opening down on Gottigen street.

A bunch of amazing people have come together to make this store happen. Luckily enough for me, I know some of those people, and will be renting out a small space in the gallery to sell and promote my work there! :D

I plan on selling my paintings and prints! Maybe a few little other things, it all depends on the set up there. But definitely I will be selling my paintings.

There will also be a ton of other artists and crafters and local people selling their work there too. Jewellery, clothes, records, antiques, mystic things, a little cafe, and all kinds of things! Seriously, anyone can walk into this store and find something that they will like. It sounds like it would be a bit over whelming, but they have a great layout, that everyone has a little section to their own, so it's not all right in your face.

I'm not sure when the doors open, but I know that it will be sometime this month! It's located on Gottigen street, so keep an eye out for it! Check out the facebook page for more updates.

13th Annual Mosaic for Mental Health art exhibition & sale

2011-09-07T10:54:00.001-03:00

I almost forgot about this wonderful fundraiser. back when I was selling at Alderney landing I came across a booth that was selling some of the past years tiles and I talked to them about the tiles and said that I would be more than happy to paint a tile for such a good cause. Then 2 months later, I'm like -oh crap, the deadline is approaching!

So I gathered the papers and the tile and started working. I have a great sketch done for it, now it just needs to be painted. The theme is courage, and I plan on calling mine, "making new friends". It does take courage to meet new people and to make new friends. I should know, I still have a hard time approaching people and making new connections, but I'm getting better at it! I'm not as shy as I used to be, which is great, especially since I'm trying to get my work out there.

So anyways, the deadline is September 21st, and the gallery will be open at the Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing from October 13th to October 30th. I can't wait! Tiles will be for sale for $25, and it's going towards a great cause! And there will be a ton of other artists paintings tiles too!

Here's a picture of what I have so far!

Sky Maiden

2011-09-01T12:24:00.000-03:00

As promised a post about the new acrylic paintings that I have worked on from the past few weeks.

Here is a process picture of Sky Maiden. Though about a quarter of the way I stopped taking pictures. I just forgot about it and was just too into it to keep snapping pictures of different steps.

She's the biggest painting I have done yet, 16"x20" ans she's looking for a home. Let me know if she'd be a perfect fit in yours. :) Details here: detail 1 detail 2

Busy Little Bee

2011-08-30T21:15:00.003-03:00

I wish I could keep this blog up to date more often.

I have quite the plate full right now of work that needs to be done in the next few months.

Now that the Art vs Craft fair is over, (and I must say it went really well for my first time organizing one!) I have more time working on my own work again.

Right now my main focus is to work on my dear cousin's wedding invitations. She wants them done by Christmas, that way when she comes home for the holidays, her and her mom can put them all together and what-not. I'm super excited to do this for her, as I always wanted to design wedding stuff. :)

I'm also planning on selling my paintings and illustrations at a few craft fairs in November and December. Plus I have a table at Hal-Con. Which I need to work on a few more fantasy paintings and sci-fi stuff, plus some fan art.

And then I want to start planning my next craft fair. I'm hoping to have the next one in March. I have to call around and see if I can get a space for then. I learned so much from the first, that I hope my second will go 1000 times better.

Then I have a few odds and ends to finish and work on. A graduation present for my sister, flyers for a friend, and to design a few things for myself.

Keep an eye out for the new blog post, which will be soon, as I will be posting pictures of my newest paintings.

Oh, and if you're interested, you can check out the photos from the craft fair here: Facebook page pictures. We were filled to the brim with so many talented artists and crafters and everything in between! I loved it. :)

Art vs Craft

2011-08-19T10:15:00.000-03:00

It's tomorrow!

Getting super pumped about it! I have everything done for it yesterday. Which means I won't be going balls out tonight trying to get stuff done.

I have 4 new paintings done just for this event. 3 are 8x10" canvases and one is my biggest painting yet! It's 16x20"!

I will also be selling my fruit buttons, bookmarks, and prints of all of my digital work.

I also have greeting cards for sale which have photographs printed on them that I have taken in the past.

Besides me, there will be 40 other artists from around the area who are setting up shop! Want to take a peek of who will be there? Check out the twitter feed for it. I have been tweeting about everyone and have links to their webpages, blogs and facebook pages. http://twitter.com/#!/artcrafthalifax

Be sure to come out! It's at the Halifax Forum in the Maritime Hall from 11-6pm. One day only!

Cheers!

Events!

2011-05-31T15:31:00.001-03:00

April M Designs will be selling at a few different events this year!

First up, Boardwalk Artists at Alderney Landing at the Dartmouth waterfront. It's on July 1st! I plan on creating new illustrations with a nautical theme! Being on the waterfront and all. :) Since it is in a month's time and super short notice, I'm going to be crazy busy! Because I have nothing done for it! And I just heard that my manager is going on a mini vacay next week. Which means I work full hours every day next week. Which is great, but holy poop, I'm not going to have a lot of time to do my own work.

Next, Art vs Craft Halifax! That's the art and craft fair I am having on August 20th! Not only do I have to create new things for myself for then, but I also have to organize the whole thing! So far I have got a lot of great response! Lots of people want to sell their work, and a lot of people support me! :) But I still have quite a few tables left that need to be filled. So let all of your friends know about it!

Next up is Hal-Con! The Sci-fi/fantasy convention! Which is November 12-13th at the World Trade centre! I have big big big ideas for it this year! Which I need to work on too! O_o So much stuff to do. I had a table last year, and it went pretty well, so I hope this year it will go even better! And maybe I'll dress up too in a costume. Which would be another thing to work on. lol.

Then! I miiiight have a table at Have Yourself a Gothic Little Christmas. Which is December 3-4th. I met the lady who organizes it the other day, and she is like the sweetest little thing ever! Plus she is also organizing another craft fair around the same time. So she said I would have a table at that for sure! And since I don't really have anything gothic or steampunk or anything like that, I need to work on illustrating something that will fit those themes! But, once she plans the other event, I'll post a link up here.

I also have my work being sold at the cutest little shop in Dartmouth at the Harbourview Marketplace. Their shop is called Toxic Blossom, and they sell a lot of wonderful things! From locals, to all over the world! If you;re into cute, loltia, Japanese street fashion, that is the place for you! Plus they just relocated to a bigger area, and they now have a dressing room! Exciting!

And if you don't live anywhere near Nova Scotia, you can actually purchase my work online! Though, right now my online store is being overhauled, so you'll have to wait for a little while before you can! But it will be back up soon! :)

And I think that is everything! Please check out all of the links. Tons of great event and shops to check out!

Flower Box

2011-05-19T16:31:00.000-03:00

A month or so ago, my great Aunt was giving away some of her furniture and things since she is moving. I got a few things from her and one of things was a wooden flower box with artificial flowers in it.

It's pretty, but old and it wasn't really my thing. It was pretty dusty too. So I thought I could work my magic and make it into something new!

Everything I bought for this project was from the Dollar store. :)

Couple of coats of white.

I put some painter's tape on it for lines. Then I literally slapped black paint on it.

Hey is that a Zebra?

Added some dots.

And some pretty fake Gerber daises! I'm going to have to buy a few more bunches to make it fuller. I think it turned out alright! It's definitely different then what it was before. I like it.

Art vs Craft Halifax

2011-05-17T22:10:00.000-03:00

Some of you may know that I am currently organizing an art and craft fair. And if you didn't know, well, now you know.

This was my super awesome news I was talking about last month. And I'm just making a blog post now about it. I'm a really good procrastinator.

That fair is going to be in the maritime hall at the Halifax Forum on August 20th. I'm hoping to have 45 tables of local and away talented artists, crafters, jewelers, knitters, and a whole bunch more selling their wares. Still looking for applicants! If you want to sell and promote your work, check out the Art vs Craft Blog for more info and how to apply.

The reason why I am organizing this is that I find that there are not enough craft fairs in this city. Sure we have a lot of Christmas fairs and we have the Farmers market, but that's not enough to help support the talented people of this city and province! There are a couple of other craft fairs, but none of them are really in the Summer time. Which is what I am doing, filling the void. Summer time is a perfect time to sell, because this is the time when we have a lot of tourists coming through who want to look and buy local art/crafts/what-have-you. And since it's at the forum, we have a ton of parking space and some of the major buses go past it.

I am pretty excited about this, as it is the largest thing I have ever organized before. And I know it will do everyone some good. My main goal is to help other artists and crafters out there to sell and promote their work. We're all in this together, right?

Watercolors!

2011-04-17T22:57:00.000-03:00

I'm still not that great at actually painting something, but today I went a little crazy and did some abstract paintings with them and then drew on top of them with ink! I saw some other artists paint like this, and thought why not try it out! So I did some of my cupcakes illustrations, and I think they turned out rather neat!

You can purchase the originals online at my shop! Or you can purchase a print of them, once I get those printed, which will be in a few days. :)

Let me know what you think!

Birthday cards & Notepads

2011-04-16T00:09:00.000-03:00

Hello!

Yesterday I got together with a friend and had a painting day. I wanted to try out watercolors again (last time I touched them was about 5 years ago) and I made a few birthday cards! I think they turned out relatively cute. :3

I also tired out some acrylic painting on canvas, but I didn't like how they turned out, so I will have to try again! Practice makes perfect.

I'm glad I'm starting to work on things like this again. Painting is calming, and each piece turns out to be one of a kind! :) I plan on doing a lot more paintings like this and hopefully they will get bigger and better!

Onto other things... For awhile now, I've been wanting to make notepads with my illustrations on them. But every time I try to look for printing shops that offer that kind of service, I can't find a thing! Nothing! Unless I want to pay an arm and a leg for it, and for something that I don't even really want! Places are charging 5-10 per notepad, and all you get on it is a 2 color print of your company logo! BOOO! I want to get a full color illustration on mine! Then it hit me! I can do this sort of thing at my work place! So today I printed off some pages and put together my own little notebook.

As you can see, it turned out super cute! :3 So I did up the math to see how much it would cost me to print off a few of them just for starters... and I didn't like how it was adding up. If I printed them at my work place I would have to charge about $8-10 per notebook. And I don't think anyone would pay that much for them. :C

So my search continues to find a place where I can get notepads like the one above (or a notepad that has glue binding) printed off at a reasonable price. If you know of a place link me! :3

I finally revamped my blog!

2011-04-10T21:12:00.000-03:00

As you can see, it looks a million times better. Well at least I like to think so! I decided to use my vector doughnuts as the background and then just changed my logos colors to match the doughnuts. I think this design really reflects who I am. And if you know me, you'll probably think the sane. :)

Now that I am done of this, I need to update my online store. I already changed the look of it, so now it matches the blog. I am currently making an inventory of all of my prints and other things I plan on selling on it. So far all I have listed are the bookmarks and buttons. Once I figure out what prints I'm going to sell, I'll let you all know when they go up!

In other news, I am going to try to start painting with acrylics and watercolors! And if I feel like it's something that I'll continue, I'll be selling some pieces on here! I already have a few ideas sketched out that I think will make great paintings.

Also on the go, I am design my friends logo/header for her blog. I already had somethings sketched out, but when I put it on the computer and try working with it, it just doesn't look right or professional. So I think I will have to sketch out a few more things and hope that they work.

And I think that is it! OH!

I have some ideas what I am going to do for Hal-Con! But I'm not telling anyone about it! :P I just know that nerds of all sorts will (hopefully) love it! :D

Bookmarks!

2011-03-31T16:23:00.004-03:00

So I got all of my designs/illustration done up for my bookmarks printed. They are ready to go!

If you live in the Halifax area, you can buy them at Toxic Blossom at the Harbourview market place. Orr... This weekend, Toxic Blossom is setting up their shop for the 42: Great Gamer Geek Getaway!

You can also buy them from my online store once I have them listed. Which will probably be sometime tonight.

Also recently, I have designed a ticket for a dance that is fundraising for the earthquake relief for Japan.

Next on the list is to design a logo/header for a friends blog and a business card too. I already have something sketched, and she loves it! So now all I have to do is make it digital! :)

Sneak Peek!

2011-03-24T12:51:00.005-03:00

A sneak peek of the bookmarks I am making. They're all vector images that I first sketched out and then finished them off in Illustrator.

They're 1.75"x8.5" and are laminated and have a little string tassel on the end! :) I am selling them for a $1.50 each or 3 for $4.00. I should be done of all of them by next week and will be selling them in the upcoming art/craft show in April and at Hal-Con, which is in November. Or if you can't wait until then, I will be selling them from my online shop as well.

New stuffs

2011-03-17T18:09:00.003-03:00

Hello!

I created some new vector images today and yesterday. I have plans to make them into stationary things! I just have to find a place that will print them for me for a decent price. Anyone know of a place? Link me up!

Also I am getting a table for an art/craft show in April. I have no idea what it is called, but I will soon find out. All I know it's on April 23rd and it's down on Gottigen street. I will be selling prints that didn't sell at Hal-Con and some bookmarks I am currently working on. Plus buttons!

BTW, I do take commissions for illustrations and I do graphic design freelance work. All for a reasonable price! :)

Long time no post

2011-02-13T00:00:00.002-04:00

Oh hai! I am not lost nor dead, I was just sleeping the past months away...

I was super busy with work, and now I am not! As my contract with my superawesome freelance gig was terminated! Booo... :(

In more upbeat news, for the last 2 weeks and next week, I will be working full time hours at my part time job, as my manager and the owner are taking their winter vacations. So yea! extra money that will help me out for a while since freelance money isn't coming in anymore...

ALSO! I got a table at Hal-Con again for this year. :3 I plan on illustrating some fantasy themed pictures and some more cutesy stuff, as well as pin ups. I still have a ton of stuff leftover from last years one.. so they will be making an appearance!

Oh yah! I am selling some of my work at Toxic Blossom, which is located at the Dartmouth Harborview market place. It's only open on Saturdays and Sundays, but it's still pretty awesome I am selling my work in a store! So if you're from around this area, I suggest to check it out, or you can check out their facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toxic.....11959378865805

I plan on starting to get back into illustrating once next week is over and I get my 3 day work schedule back. :3 So keep an eye out! I shall be posting some things here and on my flickr account.

Toodles!

Tis the season

2010-12-17T10:27:00.002-04:00

Of crazy people.

Work has been hectic for the past week or so and it's only going to get worse nest week. We have so many people coming in wanting to get their gifts delivered before Christmas and some of them get so angry at you because of the price! And then they say that we jacked up the prices for the holidays. Well no, it's a flat rate all year long, so bugger off.

People are so moody this time of year and everyone seems to be out to kill one another. I think we all just need to sit back, breathe and just mellow the f-out.

I'm hoping to be able to work on some newer things in the new year, once work isn't crazy anymore.

I wish everyone a Happy Holiday and have yourself a great New Year! :)

Winner Chosen!

2010-12-13T19:08:00.003-04:00

The winner is the second poster from my blog post contest.

I don't think I will be having any more giveaways in the near future because of lack of interest.

Giveaway extended! Win some goodies!

2010-12-07T20:46:00.004-04:00

Since I didn't too so well on the one I just tried to do, I'm going to try again! And hopefully I will do a better job explaining things on how to enter.

I am also upping the prize! Lots of little goodies you can get right before the Holidays!

You will receive everything that is shown in this picture.

- Original cake illustration w/frame

- 5 one inch fruit w/ onion buttons

- Pink Lemonade 4"x6" print

- King Thunder 4"x6" print

- Alien Pinup 4"x6" print

All you have to do is follow this blog (there's a button down on the left hand corner) and post what illustration you like from my current collect on my flickr account. Maybe I'll make it into a print if it isn't already. :)

Want some extra entries? Here's how:

Tweet about this giveaway. Comment and tell me you did so, and if you tweet about this, be sure to tag me @aprilmdesigns
Fan me on Facebook and/or follow me on Twitter. Comment and tell me you did so. If you’re already a Facebook fan or follow me on Twitter, that counts too! Just make sure you comment on here to let me know.

This giveaway will end Monday night, Dec. 13. I’ll announce the winners the following Tuesday. Good luck, all!

If you have any questions, please email me at: aprilmdesigns@gmail.com

**Please note that this contest is open for people who live in Canada and the United States.**

Contest giveaway!

2010-11-30T23:10:00.003-04:00

That's right. I'm having a giveaway contest! :)

For those of you who watch and read my blog and other websites, I wanted to give back to say thank you.

What is it that I am giving away? A hand drawn illustration with a cute jeweled frame. The drawing is 4x4".

So how do you win this lovely little gift? Follow me here and post a comment on this blog post!

You also have 2 other ways of winning!

Follow me on twitter and post here what your account name is.

And/or "like" me on facebook and post here who you are.

So then you could have 3 entries!

This contest will run for a week. So December 7th is the last day to enter! :) I will draw randomly for the winner!

I will email the winner for address info and whatnot.

Good luck and thanks once again!

Winter Birds

2010-11-23T16:18:00.006-04:00

So this morning I sketched up a couple of birds.

But there's a twist! They're all decked out for winter!

Here they are just inked. I'll be coloring them soon.

I'd like to get some cute little frames for them. Like vintage ones, but I'm not sure where to get them at. Anyone want to hook me up with a few links? Or tell me what places would sell such things?

Thanks! :D

Some Quickies

2010-11-22T23:28:00.004-04:00

Good evening everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Tonight I did up a few quick sketches while watching the hockey game (Sens, we won!). And then I inked them.

I figure I will post them up here for all of you to see!

Enjoy! :)

I think I may color those two. Not sure yet. Either with water colors or color pencils. We shall see.

'Tis The Season

2010-11-18T19:40:00.002-04:00

Hello one and all! :)

It's getting closer to the holidays and I'm getting super stoked about it. I can't wait to go home, chill out for a bit and see my family.

This year I decided to make a few Christmas cards. My Mother has only been asking me to do so for the past five to ten years. I think the illustrations came out rather well. I sketched everything out first and then scanned them to my computer. Everything else was done in Illustrator. I kinda did a little bit of experimenting with them. Like with gradients and the dotted lining around 2 of the characters.

I usually color my illustrations in photoshop or corel painter, but the more I play with Illustrator, the more I like it! So I think I will continue on this road with my illustrations. Well at least with my simpler work.

If you like you can view the cards on my flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aprilbaird/

And if you'd really like to, you can purchase them from my online store! http://aprilmdesigns.bigcartel.com/

If things go well this year, I plan on doing more cards and maybe a few other things for next year's Christmas. :)

Online Store

2010-11-08T20:34:00.004-04:00

I finally did it! I got an online store. Well I used to have an etsy shop.. but I figure since I couldn't sell a thing on it for three years, it's time to try something different.

I registered with a site called Big Cartel and my store is called April M Designs (go figure). There's a link to it on the side bar of my blog. Riiiight there! ----> See? It says Store. :)

I currently only have four items for sale on there, and planning on having my fifth item up on Friday. Provided that I don't put it off. I'm a really good procrastinator, so we'll see.

So why do I only have four items? Well I want to try this out without having to put down any money for it. So the free accounts on the site only allow you to have up to five items. If I actually do well, as in actually sell a few items and people ask for more, then I will upgrade! If not, I will just continue only having five items and switching things up a bit from time to time. :)

So check it out, though there's not a whole lot to see, but maybe you'll see something you like.

Oh and you can only pay through paypal and whatever else that goes through paypal. Like Visa and such. It's super secure and everything. So don't worry about it. And I think my shipping days will be on Thursdays. Just because that's my day off. And I'm only shipping to Canada and the US. Anything over seas just cost an arm and a leg. I would know, I work at a UPS store.

If you have any questions or would like a custom order, or whatever, just email me at aprilmdesigns@gmail.com

Hal-Con 2010

2010-11-01T21:22:00.005-03:00

Hal-Con 2010 turned out great! I didn't sell a whole lot, but it was the experience points I was after. And oh boy, did I get a great experience!

The first day and part of Saturday I was so over-whelmed, that I

felt nauseous. But once I got my bearings, things went really well. I did a few chibi commissions and sold prints and some buttons. I'm still not used to people actually buying my work. I'm really grateful that people admire my work and actually give me positive comments.

I plan on doing this again next year and will be working all year on new illustrations. Instead of leaving it last minute like I did this year. 2 weeks is not enough time to get work done and things prepared.

I would also like to thank the people of Hal-Con who put together all of this, as they did an outstanding job, even with somethings falling through on them. *applause*

And for those of you who might be interested, I still have prints and buttons left, so if you would like to purchase any, please email me at aprilmdesigns@gmail.com

Buttons are a dollar each or 5 for $4. 8x10" prints are $10 each. 4x6" & 5x5" are $4. Posters are $12 (11x17"). You can see what illustrations I have on my flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aprilbaird/

I Can't Wait

2010-10-24T13:44:00.002-03:00

For this month to be over with.

As excited as I am, I just want things to be over with already.

I still have a few more things to finish and to get for Hal-Con. And I only have 5 more days left to do it all in.

On top of that, I will be working full day shifts this week, because my boss is going on vacation. So I won't have a day off during the week like I was planning. I also have to work Friday morning, and will only have less than an hour to get ready to go to the con for 12. So I will be running around like a headless chicken in the afternoon.

PLUS, this weekend, I have been and still am, working on SMU's newspaper. I have to get it done today, because I won't have any time tomorrow morning to fix anything. I will only have enough time to send it to print. So hopefully everything will run smoothly.

Because of my shift change (Not that I'm complaining getting full time hours, I need the money), I had to drop one of my plans for the con, and that was the costume part. I didn't/don't have time to make one. I have way too many things that are far more important than a costume. It would've been super fun to cosplay as Jem (maybe next year?). I do have a few wigs that I'll be wearing and will dress up, so I will have a bit of fun!

I'm also a bit nervous too.

I know a lot of people tell me they like my work. They think it's great, blah, blah, blah. Which is really nice.

BUT!

No one will buy my work. I've tried many times selling my work online, like on facebook, esty and even have a deviantart print account. I haven't sold a thing.

I even had a table at a craft show in the summer, and sold only a few prints.

It's not like my prices are crazy or anything. I think people just tell me they like my work to be polite.

Family doesn't count, because they always say my work is good and have all of my crap up in their house. Because they're family!

Same with friends.

But I could be wrong though, and do extremely well, but for now, I think to be safe, I'm just going to think I'm not going to do well.

So negative I know! But I rather no keep my hopes up, to have them fall down and smash into tiny, itty, bitty pieces.

I will have fun for the weekend! I'm not going to let my negative attitude about my work get to me.

Oh crap, I made another whiny blog again.

I'll post how everything went when it's all over! And post some pics. So I guess, stay tuned? For whoever reads this. :)

Blaaah... And things about Hal-Con!

2010-10-07T20:34:00.001-03:00

Super upset that I can't finish my digital paintings for Hal-Con. My tablet's pen just isn't working that great anymore. My lines turn out super wiggly and nothing is looking good. :( Looks like the only new illustrations I will have for sale, will be done in the traditional way, and I will try to make some decent prints of them if no one wants to buy the original. I will still have prints of my older digital paintings/illustrations for sale though! :)

So today I'm going to go to the art store and buy some more pens and paper and all of that good stuff, to make my traditional work look great!

I'll be there with a friend (who will also be selling some artwork) for all 3 days. I'll be dressed up as Jem! Cause I'm truly outrageous.

I'll also be bringing some of my art supplies and drawing some 5$ chibis! Any character you want, I'll try my bestest to do it. It would be great if you had a reference picture for your own character or a character I've never heard of before. And chances are, if it's not Batman, Sailor Moon, a Disney character, or anything related to Nintendo, I probably have never heard of them. Mostly just anime stuff though..... *isaloser* I'll put up a few examples of them in the next few days.

I will also have 1 inch buttons/pins for sale. There will be 5 different designs and you can buy all five of them, or buy them separately! Their designs is going to be a surprise! But they're super CUTE.

And I will be taking commissions for anyone who wants one.

Annd... I will have some Sailor Moon fanart for sale! BUUUT, it's only going to be of the villains. :3

I'm also going to have a painting in the art auction that the Con will be holding! All of the money from that will be going towards the IWK. So bid, bid, bid! It's for a great cause!

Most of the profit that the Con makes, will be donated to the IWK. It's one of their reason for having the Con in the first place! You can read more about all of that on their site: www.hal-con.com

And I think that's it! Come see our table! I'll have a sign on it that says "April M. Designs", so you'll know that it's me.

What's Going On

2010-09-25T22:16:00.002-03:00

*I'm terrible at creating titles*

Things are going well still. :)

The magazine went out last week with a few problems that were unavoidable, but they are out! You can find them around Spring Garden and other spots around the down town area in Halifax. It's called Profile Halifax, and it has a blue cover, so keep an eye out for it! :)

St. Mary's newspaper though is slowly coming along. Last weekend was almost complete hell because of them only hiring the editors and others on that Friday. I had to miss work on Monday because of not getting all of the content that day. But it went out on time, but it's not my finest work. This week seems to be going better though, I have all of the content and have been working on it without any frustrations.

And my new job at the UPS store has been going great. I'm doing some design work for them, and will be doing some new fun stuff in the future. Though when there's no design work, I'm doing faxes and handling shipments and other things. I'm surprised how many people don't realize that the store does a lot of print and design work. I knew before I even started working there, so I thought other people knew too. The people I work with are awesome, and I'm really happy I got the job there.

So my jobs are going well, but I'm starting to freak out that the Hal-Con is in a month, and I have hardly a thing done for it. I have a few things for it, but nothing that I wanted accomplished. I have two pieces I REALLY want to finish and I have a feeling I won't be finishing the Rainbow doll series any time soon. My illustration style changed a lot in the past few months, and I think I may start over again on the series. I'm not 100% sure yet, but we'll see.

Ahhhh

2010-09-02T22:24:00.001-03:00

I haven't been drawing at all lately. I think it's because I don't have a sketch book. I just ran out of sheets and haven't been anywhere near an art store to buy one.

Plus I haven't been drawing because I've been crazy busy. I thought I wouldn't be with a part time job, but holy crap I am. It's because of my freelance gig. I'm working on the St. Mary's student newspaper which is going to print, I think, in 2 weeks, AND I'm working on a new local magazine called "Profile Halifax" (it's free!), which will be coming out on the 15th. So all of my free time has been dedicated to all of that.

I am getting supper excited about the magazine. I have always wanted to do magazine layouts, and this is a great stepping stone for me to (maybe) work in the big leagues. This is definitely going to be a big portfolio piece. :D

I'm not sure where they're going to be "selling" the magazine, but when I find out what stores are carrying it, I'll be posting about it. And you can find the SMU newspaper at of course, SMU and other locations around the peninsula.

Oh, and my job at the UPS store is amazing. It's so stress free and super easy. I haven't done any design work just yet, but when a job comes in, I'll be right on it. I only get 15 hours a week, but I think I'll be getting full time hours in a few months time. Or at least during the Christmas rush which starts in October. :3

Well I hope to be posting some new illustration work as soon as I get a new sketch book, which should be next week because I just got paid from the UPS store and my freelance jobs. *doesahappydance*

Prints & Necklaces

2010-08-15T18:09:00.028-03:00

Here is a list of prints and what size they are that I have available to buy. I also have necklaces for sale that I have made myself. To view the necklaces please go to my facebook fan page. Thank you for looking! If you would like to purchase something, please email me at aprilmdesigns@gmail.com

Legs:

These come in a 4x6" and a 8x10" print.

4x6" - $3 each or all four for $10

8x10" - $8 each or all four for $25

Ice Cream Heads:

These come in a 4x4" or a 8x8" print.

4x4" - $3

each or four for $10

8x8 - $6 each or four for $20

Rainbow Dolls:

These come in a 4x6" print.

4x6" - $3 each or all five for $10

Pin Ups:

These come in 4x6" or 8x10" prints

4x6" are $3 each or both for $5

8x10" are $8 each or both for $15

King Thunder:

This comes in a 4x6" or a 8x10" print.

4x6" $3

8x10" $8

Swan:

This comes in a 8x10" print

8x10" $8

Dope Idiot:

This comes in a 4x6" print

4x6" $3

Thingings

2010-08-15T15:38:00.001-03:00

The craft show this weekend went okay. I sold enough prints to cover the cost of the table plus 17$. Which I spent buying a few things and cupcakes. :3

None of my necklaces sold though. :c

But I did meet a bunch of awesome people and have a greater idea of how I'm going to do thing for the Hal-Con.

With all of that over now, I'm going bat-shit crazy with the newspaper I have to design for. Which is due today. And I'm only like half-way done. ;_;

I think once the newspaper is in order and gets more easier in time, I will start to finish off some of the illustrations that I started this week. Which is more poppy like art illustrations thingings.

Over worked

2010-08-06T13:45:00.002-03:00

For the last little while I haven't been busy what-so-ever. No freelance jobs, no job and I had no inspiration to work on personal stuff.

Then 2 weeks ago I decided to get a table at a Art and Craft show. So I've been working like a mad woman to get some new illustrations to sell and have been making necklaces so much that my hand is getting cramp-y and sore.

Then this past week I had a meeting for a freelance contract job, which is for the St. Mary's University newspaper. I will be the only designer working on it. 16 page newspaper for each week for 24 issues. Lots of work but super exciting!

I also have had a interview at the UPS store, and I basically have the job. I have a second interview tonight to meet up with his wife/part owner. It'll only be part time right now, which is ok by me, since I have the freelance gig.

So the over worked part is that the art and craft show is on the 14th this month, and the freelance gig wants 4 initial layouts of the newspaper by the 15th. Which means that I will probably only get to finish up the necklaces that I am currently working on and just use some old illustrations for the show, so that I will use what little time I have to create the layouts for the newspaper.

It may seem like I am complaining, but I am not. I am so happy that I finally have work to do and a *hopefully* job. Being over worked is way better than not having a thing to do.

Art & Craft Show

2010-07-25T22:30:00.000-03:00

I'm going to have a table at The Halifax Alternative Arts, Craft and Fashion show. It's the first one being hosted, so I guess we'll see how well it goes. You can see the facebook group here.

I'll be selling necklaces and prints. :3

I'm not 100% sure what prints I'll be selling though. I still have a bunch of works in progress going on right now, and the show is in 3 weeks. eep! So I plan on working my butt off for the next 3 weeks and hopefully it'll all be worth it in the end. :D

I'm also hoping that this will be a good promotion of my work for the Hal-Con that I also have a table in. And by then I hope to have more than just prints to sell. I'm hoping to have enough money to get some buttons done up and other tiny things like that.

I'm getting super excited! :D

Prints!

2010-06-18T17:28:00.002-03:00

Tiny postcard sized prints! I finally got a couple of my art pieces printed out. I'm going to sell them on my etsy account for $2.50. They will be able to fit in a 4"x6" frame. So you can have a little print of my work all to your own!

Crafting!

2010-06-06T20:08:00.004-03:00

Or making necklaces, whatever.

I have recently been making necklaces again, as the last time I did was almost a year ago. Something about the Spring time gets me into a crafty mood.

I've bought new and more elaborate pieces to make necklaces with , so I hope this time I will actually sell some. I have 7 necklaces in total right now, and have enough beading and pendants to make about 7 more. I won't be buying anything else until they are sold. Or at least a few of them. That way I can buy more stuff and make more necklaces! Check them out here.

If nothing sells again, I will prob give up and just give the necklaces that are made as gifts.

I do like what I am currently making though, so hopefully others will as well. I'm really in love with one of the necklaces, as I love the color combo I choose. But I am going to sell it, because I know someone else will love it just as much and with that money that comes in I can make more of the same. Then everyone can be happy! :D

Dry Spell

2010-05-25T21:01:00.005-03:00

I'm having one. It sucks.

I've gone about 3 weeks of not doing anything.

It's driving me nuts.

I hope once I move into my new place and get my office all set up I will get back at it again.

I will be moving on the 31st to a bigger, nicer and cheaper place. It's double the size of the place we're at now and about 125$ cheaper. I'm pretty happy with that. It's a 2 bedroom 2 level place, so I will have my own room to work in downstairs and the bf will have his living room upstairs. I will be able to concentrate, without any background noises like video games or hockey. I will no longer have half of my art supplies in storage. I will have a bigger table to work on so I won't have to sit at the kitchen table to do crafts or I won't have to move my keyboard aside when sketching out ideas for stuff. I will be able to set up my easel! Plus, I will be able to girlie-fie the shit out of the room. Hello Kitty city here I come! Okay, well it won't be that bad, because I do have to share it with the bf, but he won't be using the area as mush as I will. ;)

I think because of the move it has been putting my art on hold. Packing, purging and trying to get things organized has been keeping me pretty busy, especially the last few days.

Though despite having an art block, while out for a walk yesterday, I did manage to get some nice shots of Point Pleasant park. I've only been there twice of the 2 years I have lived here. The real kicker is that it's just a few blocks away from me. I regret not going there before. At the new place I hear there is a park or a trail of some sort, so I will have to look for it and take advantage and not do what I've done for the past 2 years. Being outside makes me happy, so I plan on going out as much as I can this summer.

I plan on finishing my Rainbow Dolls series as well as other projects I have been putting off... I feel terrible not finishing some things that I said I would do. I've just been out of it for awhile. Once moved in I plan on finishing the things I said I would do, I want a clean plate for the new place.

That's all that is new, you can check out my photos on my flickr account.

Hal- Con

2010-05-11T11:04:00.003-03:00

Hal-con is a sci-fi / fantasy convention that will be here in Halifax in October. I have been doing a few little things here and there for them. Such as web banners and their twitter background. I am now currently working on some out door banners and painting a Nintendo with their logo on it for them.

Not only am I doing some work for them, I am also going to be in the artist alley selling my work, along with some friends. I am getting super excited for this. I've been working on new illustrations and am getting pumped about getting them printed up as posters. My friends and I are also thinking of making charms, buttons, stickers and bookmarks with cute characters. And if we have the money, tote bags and quite possibly some books. I always wanted to have a book with my work in it.

If you'd like to see what else will be at the Hal-Con convention here is a link to their site: www.hal-con.com

If you do go, make sure to stop by my booth to say hello! :)

85

2010-01-13T18:31:00.002-04:00

I need more work in my design portfolio. I also need some new stuff to sell. So I made this. Enjoy.

Reading and Drawing

2009-11-10T11:54:00.002-04:00

A big thanks to the people who wrote such nice words to me about my previous post. I needed to vent about my problems and am feeling a bit better about it.

Over the weekend I went out with my boyfriend and his friends. After a few drinks, I had this lovely conversation with one of them.

He was telling me how much he's been reading lately because of the fact his X-box broke. I told him I used to read all the time and that I would read a few books a week and how much I loved to read. Told him I don't anymore. Don't have the time to. (REALLY?)

He said that he's been enjoying it and that he's preferring it over the X-box now. That his imagination is starting up again. I told him yah, when I was a kid I was full of imagination, used to draw all the time. Reading and drawing was my thing.

I then quickly realized something.

Maybe, just maybe, the reason I've been in such an art block for the past few years, is because I stopped reading.

Actually not maybe, it is the reason my imagination has been shit for the past few years.

When I was a kid, in middle school, I read at a higher level than the other kids. While they were reading babysitters club and goosebumps, I was reading Stephen King, Dean Kootnz, John Saul, just to name a few.

I drew a ton of stuff. I have back at my parents places binders and binders, and folders FILLED with drawings. I used to draw comics, fashion, anything I could think of. You named it, I would draw it.

When I got into the digital animation program at college, I came up with all kinds of characters, story lines, and illustrations.

I was still reading books then, I used to go book shopping with my grandmother to the used bookstore that was downtown Truro. At that used bookstore my aunt worked there, so from time to time I would go to her place and borrow some of her books.

I loved books. I still own every book I have ever bought all at my parents place. Here though, the only books I have are my drawing, animation and design books. I have 6 reading books here that I have read in the past 3 years. One Stephen King, 2 James Patterson, 1 Jody Gehrman, the Alice in Wonderland book, and the last book of the Harry Potter series.

If my 15 year old self met up with myself today and found out how many books I read in the past 3 years, I would've laughed at myself. Bragged about how many I could read in a week, showed off my book collection and then laugh some more.

Why I stopped reading, I will never know. I tell people that I don't have time to read is a crock of bullshit. I spend hours mindlessly browsing the internet, playing video games and watching tv. No wonder my imagination is shit.

I'm going to get back into reading and see if and how much my imagination comes back. I know it won't come back after one book, but I'll see how it does after a month or so of reading.

So, does anyone have any book recommendations for me?

New Painting in the Works

2009-10-18T11:10:00.006-03:00

I haven't posted much in this here blog of mine. I'm not much of a writer. I usually never have anything interesting to write about.

Today though, I would like to share with you a new digital painting I am working on. It's from a very old sketch of mine that I did about 3 years ago. I started painting it back then, but I ended up hating it, and then I lost the program that I was painting it with.

I did pick up the sketch once again, and tried to paint it in Photoshop. Once again, it didn`t turn out the way I wanted it to. So I abandoned it again.

A few weeks ago a friend of mine gave me a copy of the program that I lost. I was pretty happy and wanted to start painting illustrations again. I didn't have anything new to work with, so I went back to my old folders to look for some sketches.

I found the old files of the sketch and thought, "Well I know I improved my skills over the years, so lets have a go at it".

Here's my first time I tried to paint the sketch.

The time I tried to paint it using Photoshop:

Now here is the same sketch that I am currently working on:

I plan on finishing it, as it is going the way I wanted. I plan on doing more digital paintings and hope this one will get me out of my art block. So far I've spent about 8 hours on it. And I'm no where's near done.

Doodles...

2009-10-01T22:17:00.003-03:00

I wish I knew how to sew, cause I would totally wear some of these outfits. ; -;

Cards Cards Cards

2009-04-19T16:09:00.004-03:00

Just finished a freelance job for a business card. The client loved it! Now we're getting it printed.

Pretty happy with the way it turned out, and the client was great to work for.

I hope with this positive feedback, I'll get some more freelance work.

The first of many

2009-04-13T17:36:00.000-03:00

Ok.

So this is a new blog for me. I had one a little while ago, but stopped using it, because I filled it with relationship nonsense. And no one wants to read about that. I don't like reading about it, so why would I even write about it?

Moving onward!

Right now my life seems like it's at a stand still. "Do not pass go", "I'm at a dead end", "I'm on a dry spot"... etc. And this is why.

I work at a job I hate going to. No, it's not a tough job, it's a BORING job. I work with only 6 people, 3 of them I hardly ever see. My boss is either in his room, or out, and my other boss that I work with, is either gone, or in the other bosses room talking. So I usually have no one to talk to. Plus there's no music, no nothing, the only sound I hear is this giant printer.

Not only do I have no one to interact with, the work I do there is BORING. I make signs that are usually real estate signs, no parking, car decals, and pizza shops. On occasion we'll have something kinda interesting, but not really. And the stuff I get to design, is not that great either. I usually make layouts for no parking signs, and stuff that's just the same. I try to be creative there, but the clients like tacky shit from the 90s. Cause that's all they know. It's awful.

Also, trying to get some freelance work in this city is near impossible, and when someone does message me, when I tell them a quote, they never write back. People in this city are cheap fuckers. They would get something half-ass done for them because it's cheap. Though I have had some freelance work, but not enough to be like, "I may not have 3-5 years experience, but I do a lot of freelance work.". It's not good enough.

Graphic design shops, studios, whatever, here want someone with 3-5 experience, or someone with web design. AND, they tend to only hire recent graduates who went to NSCAD. Just because they have 4 years of going to school, doesn't mean they have more talent than me, or are better than me. Everyone has their own style, and their own way of doing things. So they shoudl consider other recent graduates too. IT'S NOT FAIR.

The only good thing right now in my life, is family, friends, and my bf. Though a lot of my good friends are far away, I kow that they're there, if I need them.

So I guess for now, I should be happy, and try to look for work else where. Like, not graphic design places, me and my bf aren't moving for a while yet. I have a few places that I have found, and I think I will apply to them. Though I'm not sure if any of them are hiring.