Fun things ahead!

So some exciting news happening. I finally gave in and am now going to take a web design course. It's about time I expand my design services, and what better way to go back to school, sort of.  So I may become a little quiet on here for a few months.

With that said, Hal-Con is getting into full gear and being on the design committee, I have a few projects that I will be working on. I have one in the works, and for those of you who do go to Hal-Con, I'm sure you'll be very excited about!

And with Hal-Con comes some personal projects as well to get ready to sell! I am really hoping I will be able to find the time to drawing all 5 of the new Dr. Who companions, but if not, I will do two of the ladies. Clara and Rose. Maybe Amy too, she's my other favorite. I am hoping I will also be able to order in some shirts of popular designs as well as tote bags and zipper poaches.

I am also clearing out old prints, so there will be some you won't see anymore, because they are retired! Old work takes up space for new, exciting things! Anything from 2012 and beyond won't be making it back to my table. Unless they are numbered prints, I will sell them until they are gone.

I am also hoping to have a mini art book out too that will compile work from 2010 to now. It will featuring sketches, WIP shots and finished work.

One more thing before I finish here, my Patreon will be launching the first of September. I have finished everything I think that will work out for me and all of you who support me. Pledges range from $5-$25. You will get to see everything that I work on. I am trying to get a video thing set up so I can record me drawing/painting on the computer and maybe somehow set something up with my camera to show traditional drawings. There are other benefits too, but you'll have to wait and see on my Patreon page!

So that's it! Fun times ahead!

Hal-Con 2014 Overview

Hi everyone! First things first. THANK YOU to everyone who came by my table! Whether you came by to chat, just browse or bought anything, thank you so much. It all means the world to me. Love to all of my old fans and new!

Now, Hal-Con was so great! This year I was on their design team, and it was great working on a team. If you were on the gaming floor and happened to pick up a copy of the Game Guide booklet, I did the layout for it! I also did some of the signage around the con too. Mostly signs for the costume contest.

I also went to the Hal-Con kick off show. First time I went to it and it was so much fun! Loved it.

As for the con itself, it was a lot of fun. I didn't get to go to anything or really do anything, but sitting behind the table, meeting people, watching the different cosplays walk by, and hanging out with friends, is truly the best. I got a few commissions, and between Sylvie and I, we sold 10 of our comic book 'Tales of Poe'! Pretty sweet!

Now that Hal-Con is over, I have other things to do. The major one, is packing! Moving into our house in 2 weeks. EEP!! I can't wait though. We're going to have so much more space. And I will actually have a proper set up for all of my art things. :D

Another thing is, I got a table at Gothic Little Christmas. And that's a week after we move! So crazy. But I got it before we even started looking at houses. So it will be a little crazy getting ready for it, but I think I will be fine.

After all of that, and settling into the new place, I will be starting up my own comic! I'm hoping to have it done by next year's Hal-Con, but no promises, I don't want to burn myself out.

For next year I am planning on selling at ECCE, DCAF, Hal-Con, and I'm going to see if I can do one of the cons in NLFD. My bf and I never been to NFLD, and think that maybe we could have our vacation there and sell at a con. Fingers crossed! It would be a lot of fun.

That's it! I have posted pics on my facebook page, so go check things out there! :D

A Guide for 1st time selling at conventions!

Ahhh Hal-Con is coming!

Are you a first time vendor and stressing to the max on what you should do for your table? You already know you’re selling prints of your fabulous work, but how are you going to get attendees to your table and buy your work? What do you need to bring with you? How are you going to do your set up?

Well I’m here to give a little bit of advice. I know there are lots of lists and tutorials out there showing set ups and what to bring. But from a local who has been doing this for years, I want to help out other local artists who are just getting out there.

When I first started, I had NO IDEA what I was doing, and hardly did any research of it. I also never been to a con before, or even really heard of them.

So first things first, do not stress! Even if you forget something or some of your prints didn't turn out the way you wanted them to, chances are, no one is going to notice and they are just going to enjoy your work and the event. It’s hard not to stress, but your time at the event will be so much better.

Next, make a print list for yourself. What do you have done, what are you printing, how many are you going to print, and what size are they going to be?

Fifteen to 20 pieces of solid finished pieces of work is a good starting point. Ten to 20 prints of each one is a good amount to start with. Going crazy with getting a ton of prints of each piece is not worth it. You’ll end up spending a lot of money that you don’t need to spend right away. Popular sizes for prints range from 5x7”, 8.5x11”, and 11x17”.  You can even go bigger and get poster sizes, but they cost more to get done. If you’re just starting out, I would go with those 3 sizes. Some people only do one size. But sometimes depending on what is on a print, smaller can be better than bigger. Call around for quotes, look online to see where you can get your best deal for printing your work.

Want to do more than just prints? Buttons, magnets, key chains are the next best thing to prints at conventions. They are easy to move and people like buying them because they’re cheap and cute! Do research on where you can get your best deal. Don’t go out and buy a button maker, see how well your buttons do first, and then see if it’s worth the investment.

Price guide:

Small prints: 5x7” Can range from $1-$5

Regular/Medium prints: 8x10” or 8.5x11” Can range from $5-$10

Large prints/Small posters: 11x17” can range from $10-$25

Buttons: $1-$2

Magnets: $1-$10

Key chains: $5-$15

Do not UNDER SELL your work. You may think it’s for the best, selling your prints for the lowest amount at an event, but actually, it hurts the other artists around you. People will see how low yours are, and won’t buy from other people thinking their prices are too high. Keep your prices in that range, and everyone will be happy.

Other things that are fun to sell are bags, t-shirts, crafts and lots of other things! But if it’s your first time selling, I would keep things simple and start off with the basics. Then work your way up! :D

Set-up:

Keep it simple. People are quickly glancing at tables to see if anything will catch their eye. If your table is messy with a ton of product on it, chances are they will walk on by. Have a portfolio on your table so people can flip through what you have. Keep those prints in a box, or something that you can easily go through to find what print your costumer wants.

Buttons are fun to sort through, so put them in a big bowl or container. Keep them in sight, as there are some people who will easily pocket them. Talking from experience, buttons are really easy to steal. Nothing worse than counting up what you have left, to realize that a few were stolen.

Displaying prints and price lists are easy with a cube wire shelf. You see them everywhere at cons, and they really are a great investment. You can set them up however you like, and hang up your prints for everyone to see. You can always make your own displays, but if you’re lacking time and don’t mind spending about $30, they’re the best route to go.

Have a table cloth! Most places don’t provide table coverings, and tables can be pretty gross looking. Table cloths are great for helping you stick out, so get something fun, or in a color you love.

Have a Square? Make sure you display that you do loud and proud, so people will know you can take their credit cards for payments.

My first time selling at a big event. This was Hal-Con 2010. Everything as just spread out all over the place! 

Second time at Hal-Con. Still learning the ropes. My display is a bit better, things are upright and people can see them. Pink table cloth to stand out a bit more!

My third time at Hal-Con. This was the first year using the wire set. Nice and simple! 

4th year at Hal-Con. I was trying out a new display for my shirts and bags. Turns out it was too big and in the way. Plus it kept falling over. But I stood out besides that, with a nice bright banner and fun tablecloth!

This was at East Coast Comic Expo. My first time selling there. Still selling shirts, but this time I laid them out. Plus the table was 2 feet longer than most convention tables. I could really spread myself out more. Also, you can see that I forgot my table cloth! Whoops!

Here's another way of display my shirt and bags. I hung them from the cube wire set. A bit easier and out of the way. 

As you can see, you can really evolve and make your display yours. Just keep playing around with your setup! One good way of figuring things out is do a mock up display at home. Don't have a table big enough? Tape out the 6'x2' space on the floor and do it from there. 

Other things to consider having at your table:

Have a money box that locks. My first couple events, I had a Tupperware container to hold all of my money. Not very safe to have open money lying around, even if you are beside it at all times. Also make sure you have a good float. Have a lot of five dollar bills and Loonies and/or Twonies. Most people are going to pay with twenty dollar bills, and they might only be buying a small ticket item. And you’ll get a lot of that. Then next thing you know, you’re out of small change, and the banks are closed. So it’s best to have a large float just in case. Some cons will have someone going around changing your cash if you do run out. I tend to get a roll of Loonies and about $100 worth of fives. If you’re selling your stuff with $0.50, get a roll or two of quarters too. Another good idea, is keeping a sold list. Keep track of what you have sold throughout the day.

Bring a bottle of water and some food. Granola bars, fruit, crackers & cheese, whatever! Though some cons do provide water for the whole event. Bring healthy snacks to keep you going. Sugary and fatty snacks are nice to have, but don’t make your whole weekend a snack feast. Some places will have food on site, and allow vendors to take the food to their tables. Or if you have someone who can cover your table, go out, get a breath of fresh air, and get some lunch. Just remember to keep yourself nourished. It will make the weekend so much better.

Take a sweater or blanket! Last year at Hal-Con I was so cold, I had to wear my winter coat! So take the extra sweater just in case the AC is cranked. Sitting around at your table it will be cold, but for people who are walking around in the crowds, it does get warm.

If you’re going to do commissions, take extra pens and pencils and erasers, paper, everything. You never know if your pen will explode or you run out of lead. Take extra just in case. And if you are doing commissions, make sure you have a big enough sign out, so that people know you are.

Take your phone charger! There are plugs around the building, so if your phone dies, you can hang around a plug for a bit to charge it. Or if you’re lucky, you will have a plug by your table.

Don’t want to draw or need a break from it? Take a Gameboy or a book, or something that will keep you occupied during the slow times.

Want people to notice you? Stand up at your table if you can. Keep eye contact, say hello, compliment people on their costumes, and take pics! Just be interactive with people. It will make them come over to check out your work. Maybe they will buy something!

One other thing to bring with you are business cards! Even if someone doesn’t buy something from you,  chances are they will take a business card and look you up online. Even if you don’t have a website, putting your facebook link or Deviantart account will make them check you out, and maybe even gaining another like or watcher. Between 100-500 cards is a good starting point. Look around online or at local printers to find out what is best for you. You can even print your own if you wanted to. Just make sure to bring them! Some people might want something of yours, but already spent all of their money, so when they do have a cash flow again, they may just message you about something they saw of yours and buy it!

Last but not least, HAVE FUN! Even if you’re not selling a lot, don’t be bummed! People want to see happy vendors. If you’re giving off a happy vibe, chances are they will come over and say hi, or buy something. You’re getting your name out there; don’t worry about what others around you are making. Be happy and have fun.

I think that’s it. That’s pretty much the basics on having a table at an convention. 

TL;DR: 

Have fun at your first convention. Don't stress. Don't compare your sales to other peoples sales. Keep things simple. Don't undersell yourself. Keep nourished and hydrated. Take extra things with you, like a sweater, pencils, paper, snacks, etc. Bring business cards. Have a price sheet. Take a money float. Make a check list. Just have fun and be happy and smile! You can do this! 

OK, WOW!

So I am super lame, and have noticed that I actually get comments on some of my posts. Ahaha, I didn't ignore them, I just didn't realize that people comment. So thank you to everyone who has posted something nice about my blog! I also hit over 10k views on this site. Which is craaaaazy! So thank you for looking at my blog site!!

Now onto the reason I came on here to write about. I got a lot on my plate again (surprise, surprise?) and want to try to get most of it done for the big event of the year!, Hal-Con. I'm hoping I can get most of it, if not all of it, done. Mainly the comic I am working on with friends. Which should be done by the end of August and published for October!

Second, this summer I want to get some dresses and leggings done up with some new patterns I'm currently working on. One is going to be based on some things that Halifax people will enjoy (I hope). And of course, it'll all be super cute! Cause what else would I do? Once I'm done with the patterns, I will be open for pre-orders of the dresses and leggings. I can't afford to buy in bulk, which is why it's pre-orders only (for now).

Another thing I would like to get done is a series I've been thinking about for the past year. It's fanart based, and won't be announcing what it is until Hal-Con. Cause sometimes people like taking other peoples ideas (though I'm sure others have done similar things like this, but whatever. I just want to be the only one there with something like it, it's a small city, okay!?). I'm hoping to have about 6 different illustrations done for it, max 10! ahah, I don't want to go too crazy over it, because I have more things I would like to do!

And one more thing. ANOTHER series! I want to do some of my own original monster girls, so I think that will be pretty fun and chill to do. Prob like 5 girls or so. I'm not in a crazy rush to get them done. But if I can get a few drawings done by the time Hal-Con comes, I'll be pretty happy.

I'm not sure how I'm going to get it all done this summer. I have a ton of things I'm doing outside of work and freelance work, and my own personal work. Like hanging out with family and friends (lucky me no weddings this year!), going on mini day/weekend trips with the bf (going to try to hit up all of the new breweries in the province!) and my big vacation! My bf and I will be heading across the pond to London and Paris for a week and a bit! Ahhhhh!! I'm so excited! I have no idea what I want to do or see, there's just so much, and so little time! But I'm sure we'll figure it all out soon! We're leaving August 30th, so tons of time to still plan ahead. ahahaha...... I'm sure we'll be fine. It's going to be my first ever big trip! Super excited! *and a tiny bit nervous*. :D

*Almost* another year Around the Sun

Ahhh, My birthday is May 26, which I'll be turning 29. Seeing the number weirds me out a bit, but I don't feel like I'm nearly hitting my 30s. Though I am starting to see small signs of aging. Which is fine!! It's cool.

Anyways, moving along!

I just sold at East Coast Comic Expo for the first time, in Moncton, and it was a blast! I do believe I will be getting a spot for next year as well to promote a comic I am working on with two friends! Which will be totally epic.

I sold at a couple of other events too so far this year. And they were ok.

I'm hoping to hear back this week to see if I got a spot at DCAF. Fingers crossed I do! Because then I will be showing off things of the comic. Like a teaser.

Then it's Hal-Con!! I heard back from them and I got my table. All paid for, so I can relax. That's when the comic will be officially be debuting in print form. I can't wait!! It's so exciting to be working on this. I am also planning some super cool illustrations to sell. Some fanart pieces, and some originals. Some illustrations will be based on Game of Thrones, Marvel comics, Sailor Moon, 90s cartoons.

I am planning on retiring some prints of mine. Chibi Disney Princesses prints and buttons will be sold for the last time at Hal-Con 2104. Also Mushroom Fairy, Mermaid Glitter, Viking Scouts (and all of the individual ones), Devil Pinup, and Witch Pinup. The reason behind it, is because my work has improved quite a lot these past few years, and feel like I can be displaying/selling ones that reflect what I can do, instead of what I have done. I have been working on some original work, so that my portfolio isn't filled with fanart. It sells so well at conventions, but it's such a cop out to make money at these things. I hope people will appreciate my original work just as much. I'm planning on doing more pinups and like monster girls.

Speaking of original work, I am trying my hardest to get a painting done by the first of June to be put in a gallery. More of that to come later to see if I can get in it! I'll post that on my Facebook account.

In other news, you can find my work on tees, bags, and buttons at a few shops! In Halifax, you can go down to the waterfront and check things out at Toxic Blossom. Or you can swing by Charlottetown, PEI to Papercakes Pretty to see what I have for sale there. Both shops have amazingly cute and pretty things!!

So that's it! That's all of the news I have for a bit. Keep up to date by liking/following my Facebook page!

Good Times Ahead!

Am I taking on too many things to do? Maybe, I just might be on the cusp of being in over my head. 

Recently I have gotten back into freelance mode for design work. I got on a great paying gig and an awesome pro-bono gig as well. Which is great really, I need more stuff for my portfolio. So that has been/will be taking up my time after my full time day job. 

But on top of that, I have also been focusing on my illustration work and have applied to sell at numerous events that are coming up (some coming up rather quickly). 

I've also have taken on a cool project with two good friends, and we'll be making a short story comic book based on some of Poe's work. We hope to have it out and ready for reading for Hal-Con (November). 

I am also being a part of a reality web series for an Arcade shop. 3 artists are going head to head in a revamp competition. We have 2 episodes shot, and some filler clips. A few more and it will be aired!! Check out the site to get all of the latest info. Arcade Revamp.

And now I decided to take part in an upcoming gallery exhibit. So yea. 

I might be biting off more than I can chew. But I love it. I love working under pressure. I find I do my best work because of it. So weird right? 

SO with that all said, here is a list of the events I will be participating in. 

NEStalgia - Video game art show - Opening night March 21st at the Dart Gallery.

Spring Geekquinox - March 22-23rd at the Halifax Forum

Aubcon - April 26 at the Auburn Drive High School (small con like event)

East Coast Comic Expo - May 17th at the Crossman Community Center (Moncton)

Maybe DCAF - More info to come if accepted. *fingerscrossed*

Hal-Con - November 7-9 at the World Trade Center. 

And that's it so far. I'm hoping I'll be accepted into DCAF. Now that they are so popular, they are taking comic artists over just artists, But with a comic book in the works, I hope they will take that into consideration. 

I hoping that's it. ahaha, Though I do have a tendecy of applying to other events on a whim, but luckily for me, my bf brings me back to reality. Most of the time. ;)

Halifax Arcade Revamp

Hey everyone! As some of you know I will be taking part in an awesome web series contest for an arcade shop. There's going to be three artists competing against each other to revamp an arcade machine. Not the mechanics, just the outside part to make it look all awesome like.

They just launched their website, so check it out! http://arcaderevamp.tk/

2014!

I never write shit in here ever, but here we go! ~

My 2013 round up. 

Last year was an interesting one. I feel as though I didn't accomplish a lot of things that I wanted to do, but I did some small things, that are pretty good. 

Every year I write in a journal my goals, and then on January 1st, go through said list and see what I did do! 

My weight loss goals basically went out the window at the end of the year, and gained all of my efforts back and then some. :c

There were business plans I had, and they all went away. I decided trying to start up my own business wasn't quite in the stars for me. I'll try again down the road when I have more of an insight on what I want to do. 

My boyfriend and I had plans to go to Europe, but they fell through, as we left our planning to the last minute. 

One goal was to get my work in some local galleries, and I did! Sort of. A local store has like a cafe/gallery area, and they let me do my own show, plus organize another one for multiple artists. The only thing I didn't like about it, is that the location wasn't great. But it was free, so I can't complain too much. 

I sold at a few events, and a few new ones. All-in-all, I'm done with craft fairs, and will be focusing on conventions and other small events that are similar. 

One goal was to go to networking events. I found an awesome group of people called the East Coast Creative Collective. And Made some new friends along the way. I'm planning on going to more meet ups, as it's fun, and helps with art block. 

I also wanted to get an online store together, and get t-shirts printed. Which I did! And I sell them at a local store. So that is pretty awesome. 

Other things I accomplished throughout the year, was working a full year as full time, I got a raise and bonuses. I also am off of my anxiety medicine, and doing much better going out and hanging with people in large crowds. I no longer get dizzy, and my face doesn't go numb. :3 Though there are still times, when I will back out of things last minute. It's going to take a while, but I am slowly getting better. 

Goals for 2014

Almost every year my goals are basically the same. But here's a list of things I would like to accomplish by 2015. 

• Get active and lose weight. I am currently at my heaviest I have been since college. 220lbs is not fun. My all time goal is to get back to 170lbs. That's 50lbs, which I know will take longer than a year to do, but I want to get back on track, get active and eat better. 
• Go to Europe! My bf and I are currently planning things now, so we will be all ready to go in the fall. 
• Buy a house. Yup! This is a big goal, and my bf and I will be looking when we get back from our trip. He has some money saved up, and will hopefully be selling some land back home to go towards a nice down payment for one. We are hoping to stay in the area we are in, as it's a nice place, and has plenty of amenities, such as schools. (planning ahead ;) )
• start up comic with 2 friends. We have theme of what we want to do and how to do it. Now we just need to get things on paper. 
• Sell at local conventions: Geek Fest (Halifax), East Coat Comic Expo (Moncton), DCAF (Dartmouth) and Hal-Con (Halifax). I won't be selling at craft fairs or any holiday events. They're expensive and my work does not fit in that scene. 
• I'm hoping on finding a Graphic Design job here in the city. My current job is great, but it was supposed to be an "in between jobs" job, and now I've been there for over 3 years now. Time to buckle down and work on my portfolio and really start looking again. 
• Get a silk screen press. I do enjoy having t-shirts made up with my work on them, but I really want to make my own. I find it's more personalized that way. So I'm saving up and see where it goes. 
• Draw everyday. Every goddamn day. 

TL;DR

My goals for 2014 is to lose weight, practice drawing, make a comic, get a silk screening press, find a better job, travel and buy a house with my bf. 

That's it, that's all. Here's to a great year ahead!! <3 p="">

Super min update post!

Hal-Con has come and gone! And that is the last event I will sell at this year. I will be updating my online store throughout this week and dropping items off at Toxic Blossom. I will also be bringing in Christmas cards, tis the season!

Now that I won't have events on my mind for a few months, I am available for freelance work. Need a logo, business card, posters, etc done up? Email me and I can give you a quote.


Also I will be trying my hand at comics again. I will be creating a story line and some characters and see how it goes. I already have a bit of a story in my head, now it's just me getting the time to write it all out.

Goal: Silk Screening

Hi everyone!

I wanted to let you all know about a current goal I have. I want to start doing my own silk screening on t-shirts and posters. That way I have full responsibility on quality control and pricing. With having a bit of experience of dealing with silk screening from past jobs at sign shops, I feel like I can really go to town with this. I'm hoping to be able to buy my own press with materials and items (like tees) by the new year (maybe sooner?).

The only thing is that is holding this up, is of course, money. My boyfriend and I are currently stashing away our money for a trip to Europe next year, plus a house! Crazy! Though I'm really pumped on buying a house, I get to have an art studio. :3

So with saving away any extra money I make for bigger things, I don't really have anything to tuck away for the silk screen press. What I am planning on doing is putting away the money I make from sales at Hal-Con, HFX Pop! Explosion and whatever I make at the stores I sell at. Even so, I don't think all of that will get me to my goal.

That all being said, I am planning on making an Indie Go Go campaign. It's going to take me a little while to get that set up. I need to figure out the exact costs of everything and what I'm going to offer for those who donate. I know for a certain amount, people can get the 1st run of t-shirts that will be printed. Other things will include; buttons (for the smaller donations), posters, t-shirts, tote bags, and some original art. My goal to raise will be around $800 - $900. And then anything that I save up from my own earnings will go towards extra supplies, like different size screens, paint, blank tees, paper, etc... All that fun stuff.

Right now though, I am open for some cheap commissions. Please email me at aprilmdesigns@gmail.com or message me on Facebook. Your drawing will be mailed to you at no extra cost.

Inked Head shot with one color: $5 (5"x7")

Inked Full Body with one color: $15 (5"x7")

Inked Bust with one color: $10 (5"x7")

Full Color - Head shot: $20, Bust: $30, Full Body: $40 (8.5"x11")

If you would like to help me reach my goal, thank you so much! The IndieGoGo campaign will hopefully start at the 1st of October.

Geek Chic and many other things

Hi everyone! 

I am happy to let you all know that I am putting on another art exhibit! This time the theme is geek culture, called Geek Chic, and all kinds of artists will be participating. Check out the event page on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/events/484564884960744/

I'm also selling at a few really great events this Summer/Fall. 

DCAF https://www.facebook.com/events/157229537790766/?ref=14 - Super excited about this one! I will have a few new illustrations done for it. 

Pop! Expo http://halifaxpopexplosion.com/zine/pop-expo-record-zine-craft-and-art-fair-under-one-roof-for-2013/ - This will be so much fun too. Once again, I will try my hardest to get a couple of new posters done for this event. 

Hal-Con https://www.facebook.com/events/345366778922295/?ref=14 - Last but not in the very least, Hal-Con! My 4th year there, will be even better then the rest! And of course new illustrations. 

If you're not a local and want to buy my work and support me check out my online store: http://www.storenvy.com/stores/35822-april-m-designs

If you are in the area, you can find my work at Toxic Blossom: https://www.facebook.com/ToxicBlossom or at Plan B: https://www.facebook.com/PlanBHalifax I mostly sell tote bags, t-shirts and other small things at the retail locations. 

Well that's it for now!

T-Shirts

I am finally getting t-shirts done up with my illustrations on them! Here's a view of what I am currently offering.

Pictured left -right, Top Row: She-Ra, Poison Ivy, Princess Peach

Bottom Row: Wonder Woman, Princess Leia, Princess Daisy

Pictured left - right: Cubed Watermelon, Happy Apple, Crying Onion, Drama Cherries, Sour Lemon

T-shirts are $20 each ($5 for shipping). Sizes are unisex. They range from small to xx-large (I can wear a Medium, and I usually am a ladies Large.).

The Fruities are also available in kids sizes, ranging from xs-xl (xs would fit a 2-4 year old). They will be $18 each + $5 for shipping.

Until I get my online store set up, orders will be taken by email ( aprilmdesigns@gmail.com) , and payments through PayPal.

If you place your order by Sunday evening (March 17th), you will get a free surprise gift! Please allow 2-4 weeks for shipping.

That's it for now. Soon I will be getting iPhone cases done up and different t-shirt designs. :)

Female Villains

I will be creating a new art nouveau series featuring some awesome female villains. Right now I have Poison Ivy from Batman. I went with the Animated Series look. My all time favorite of Batman cartoons.

Keep an eye out for next week for a new painting! :)

Happy (late) New Year!

Hi everyone!

Happy (super late) New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed your first month of the new year. I know I did! Now if we could just get into the Spring months, I'd be really happy.

I will be posting new pieces here in the next week or so. I've been commissioned for some illustrations and have got a few freelance design jobs too. I'm also trying to work on my own little projects (learning how to make a website!), so I am currently a bit busy (which is wonderful!). I'm trying really hard to get back into the graphic design world. Because of that, I plan on only doing a few craft fairs this year, plus Hal-Con (maybe DCAF if I can get in.). I'm hoping with some of the freelance work I have right now will help get my name out there. I'm a sponsor for a local conference and doing up a poster and bookmark design for them. Plus a t-shirt design for a marketing business. I'm also hoping I'll be able to do a logo for a group in the city, just waiting to hear back from them. I really enjoy doing design work. Just something about layout and fonts makes me happy.

I wanted to tell you all that I have a Livestream account! So if you're interested in seeing how I digitally paint, you can tune in to watch! I am a super newb to this recording thing, so please bare with me. Plus I'm a super sloppy painter. You should see me when I use real paints! ahaha, the bf always gets irritated with me when I go on a painting rampage, because the apartment turns into a huge mess (ah well! He loves me).

That's about it really! So life is good, and hopefully will keep getting better! Plus on the 23rd, it's my 6th anniversary with Leo! <3 p="">

End of Year Update

Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates and posts. The last few weeks have been busy. I was in two Christmas craft fairs, and they took up all of my free time. They went fairly well, but the last one wasn't very successful, sales wise. Oh well. It's always nice to hang out with fellow crafters and my table neighbor is one of my favorite artists in Halifax. So I got to pick his brain about things most of the weekend. 

Now that they are over and done, I will be taking a break from fairs and conventions until the Spring. I have some big plans and I need the time to actually work on them. So that's why I'm taking a break for a few months. Plus I really want to work on my portfolio and get ready for a gallery coming up (which I will write about later, it's awesome news btw). I also am going to present my work more professionally as well. Instead of selling prints in just a protective sleeve, they'll be matted and in a sleeve, plus have a little write up on the back, have paintings in a frame or something that will protect them, and just things like that. At craft fairs it's hard selling prints like that and paintings, because no one really wants to buy something that they have to go out and buy more things for. They want a finished product. But at conventions, people just want prints so they can plaster it on their walls, or whatever. They want awesome art work for a cheap price, because they want to be able to afford to buy from other artists. This is what I have found while selling at things like this for the past 3 years. So hopefully 2013 things will go more smoothly and sales will be up. 

Another thing I want to work on is my organizational skills. I need to have a schedule of what I have coming up, and what needs to get done. Plus I need to get a new system on how to store my work and how to transport it better. Especially when I am travelling alone to a fair by myself. 

So ya, lots of stuff, kind of boring, but I need to do this in order to become a better artist/business person! Yea! :) That's all for now. 

Have a Merry Christmas and a Great New Year!!

Early Black Friday Sale!

Hi everyone! Thought I join the bandwagon and have a sale on prints and posters. Art makes a great gift!

8.5x11" prints are now $2.50 each! Any picture of mine is available in this size!

11x17" mini posters are now $10 each! Only Art Nouveau, Sailor Viking Scouts and Pin ups are available in this size.

16x24" posters are now $20 each! Only Art Nouveau paintings are available in this size.

Shipping costs vary from $1 - $15. Depends on what size you get and where it's going to. Unless you want to save more money and come pick them up.

This sale will end Sunday at midnight! So hurry and ordered some prints!

*payment can be done through paypal!

Christmas Commissions

Hey everyone!

Christmas is just around the corner! Want to give someone a piece of original work? I am currently doing a limited amount of commissions.

$150 for an ink drawing. Samples of my ink drawings: http://aprilmdesigns.deviantart.com/art/Rose-338196301 http://aprilmdesigns.deviantart.com/art/Art-Nouveau-Catwoman-335291133

$200 for a digital painting with an 8x10" print and original sketch of drawing. Samples of digital art: http://aprilmdesigns.deviantart.com/art/Witch-Pinup-263032816 http://aprilmdesigns.deviantart.com/art/Princess-Daisy-329204041

Prices included shipping within Canada. For any other place, I'll have to add the cost of postage on top of my price.

I'll only have five spots. So if you want an original piece by me, let me know as soon as you can!

Good News Everyone!

April M Designs is doing some changes over the next few weeks/months. I am planning on doing an overhaul on my website/blog here. I'm planning on redesigning the look of it, plus make it so that you won't have to go to another site to view my online portfolio. 

I plan on working on more design related work. I've been really focusing on my illustration work and because of that, started slacking working on my design skills. I really want to have best of both worlds, so I shouldn't be ignoring one of them. I'm not sure what I'll be doing, but I think I might try to take a stab at reworking some old school projects and old freelance gigs I've done. Just to get the juices flowing again. I want to have a strong portfolio, so I think reworking some things will be good for me. I'm hoping to get a few freelance gigs soon and that would be a major plus for me as well. 

Also I've noticed over the last few months that my illustration work has been improving. Which is really cool to see! But now I must push myself further in that area as well. I need to start working on full body pictures and start drawing male figures. I always avoid doing that, but if I want to get ahead, I have to start practicing drawing things I don't really enjoy doing. Doing so, will only make me a stronger illustrator. I'm also going to try to play around with more techniques and media. I also have to work on perspective, and backgrounds. I'm hoping by next year I'll see a vast improvement in these areas. I can only go ahead, not backwards in my art, right!?

Another thing I am going to for my business is expand my products. I'm planning on getting into t-shirt designs. I've always wanted to have my work on t-shirts. And one of my friend is planning on starting her own silk screening business, so it looks like I'll be able to get shirts done in the new year! I'm hoping to be able to sell these at craft fairs and conventions I have a table/booth at. 

Business wise, some of you may know that I have become a new member of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. I was a little hesitant at first because of the price, but figured out it is totally worth the investment. If I want my business to get more professional, I have to put the time and money into it. In the end it'll all be worth it. I'm planning on going to more networking events, to meet new people. I find that being in all of these craft fairs, you see the same people over and over again (which is ok, because these people rock!). But if I want to expand my business, I have to get out of the same group of people, and venture into more groups. Not that I'm saying I'm leaving the crafters group, but just joining others. I love my crafter friends! 

Speaking of crafters, I am going to organize another craft fair! I think I might re-brand Art vs Craft though. Start anew. The first year I did it, was pretty good, but this year, due to crappy timing, it didn't turn out well at all. I feel so horrible about it too. But! This year I'm going to really make it worth everyone's while. In the new year I will start planning things out. I was thinking of organizing two fairs, but with the amount of ideas I have for myself, I will only have the time for one. I'm not sure when I will have it, but it won't be during the summer. This city has way too many things on the go during that time of year, that it's too hard to compete with it. I will be announcing when that will be in the new year! So keep an eye out for it. 

I'm also planning on getting more involved with the community. Donate products for fundraisers  if anyone needs a poster done for an event, I'd do it for free, and so on. Things like that. Any type of exposure is good, especially if it's free!  

And I think that's it. I have a lot of goals for the next few months, and with working full time it will be hard, but I think I'll be able to pull it off! I really need to get better at my time management skills, so maybe this will help me do just that! 

That's it for now. Cheers!

Hal-Con 2012 - Game Over

Hal-Con has come and went, and it was a truly epic time! I had the best time this year! The previous two years I was in Artist Alley, don't even come close to this year!

I met so many great and talented artists, plus some awesome people too during the weekend. I also met John Rhys-Davies and René Auberjonois!! That was super cool, and both of them commented on my work, saying it was amazing and that I have some skills! They could have just said that to be nice, but either way!!  

I sold a lot of prints and my tiny stuff, and actually sold out of all of my Ariel prints/mini prints/buttons/stickers! And sold out of my Pocahontas prints too! I couldn't believe how popular my Disney Chibi Princesses were!! Plus I sold most of my Princess Peach and Daisy posters too. I also got 10 commissions this weekend and will post them later on. I forgot to take a picture of one, and I still have to work on 2 more last minute requests. 

I'm really happy how everything went, and my whole family and boyfriend are super proud of me. Plus my old college teacher said he's very impressed with my new work and said that I've improved quite a bit! So yea! 

I can't wait for next year, as I have some great ideas of what I'll be doing for it! Plus I might even try to do a more elaborate costume next year, since no one really got one of my cosplays. I'll post pictures of my two costumes as well later on. 

Now I have to focus my time on getting ready for 3 Christmas crafts fairs coming up in December. So I'll be posting Christmas themed stuff soon!! 

Here are some pictures of my little set up! 

Hal-Con 2012

Well things are getting crazy by trying to get some new pieces ready for Hal-Con. It's being held on October 26-28th. I have about 5 new sketches I would like to turn into finished illustrations.

This happens every year, I scramble at the last minute to do a few new illustrations. If I was only like this all of the time, I would have a lot more work to show and sell.

Currently in the works I have Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Wonder Woman, Lydia from Beetlejuice, and Princess Bubblegum & Marceline. Plus I might try to do a new witch pin up and a Bride of Frankenstein one. But I may leave those two for Gothic Little Christmas.

My bf Leo also wants me to do a Batman illustration. Batman with the 3 bad girls around him. Which I would love to do, but I'm still practicing drawing men. I don't think I draw them well enough to do a Batman drawing just yet. I might just draw Poison Ivy and Harley Quin, but with everything else I have on my plate, it might not happen. I guess we'll see.

I also will be making some shrinky dink pins and magnets, and those take up a lot of time to do! So I'm really in a tight spot to get everything done by then. Plus I'll need to print and package everything to sell! Eep. e_e

So, you'll be seeing a lot of new work coming in, in the next few weeks from me. I hope you all enjoy!