tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4935105019385281752024-03-13T21:42:51.237-07:00Books for the Successful ArtistList of books recommended by Dawn Blair to help other artists be successful in their creativity and interesting things that other artists are doing in their careers.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-37091912211847104332012-02-13T06:19:00.000-08:002012-02-13T06:19:26.971-08:00The Dip<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1591841666" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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Another Seth Godin book. I've been finding myself referring to it a lot on<a href="http://www.dawnblair.wordpress.com/"> my art blog</a>, so thought I better add it to my list here.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-1154334043819832512011-06-25T14:15:00.000-07:002011-06-25T14:15:00.700-07:00Storm Front<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0451457811&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I recently started watching The Dresden Files on Netflix. Let me say how disappointment I was when I discovered it only had one season! Outrage!<br />
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Fortunately for me though, Jim Butcher has written several books so I can continue my habit. What's best is that the voice from the show was taken directly from the voice of the books. I feel like I'm watching the show when I read.<br />
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So for all my writers out there, here's one for you. I have to admit that I don't usually like first person stories because people fall back on telling. Butcher's voice is strong, the first person perspective is strong, and I love his description. It reminds me of just how far I still have to go with my own writing too (sigh!).<br />
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As Glen Cook's promo blurb on the front cover says, "Wish I'd thought of this myself."Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-66503342471697917092011-06-10T09:18:00.000-07:002011-06-10T09:18:01.021-07:00Techniques of the Selling Writer<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0806111917&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Last year I packed away all my writing books. I didn't think I was going to be using them for awhile (if ever again) -- of course that action alone probably spurred me to finish <i><a href="https://www.createspace.com/3573688">The Three Books</a></i>. Seeing I've been writing again, I decided to unpack them and put them back on my shelves. That's when I ran across the yellow cover of a book I probably ought to start reading again -- <i>Techniques of the Selling Writer</i>.<br />
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This is one of those books where I actually remember where I was when this was recommended to me. <a href="http://www.stellacameron.com/">Stella Cameron</a> recommended this book to me at a writer's conference in Salem, Oregon many years ago. It was just shortly after my first son was born.<br />
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Reading it opened my eyes to many things. Dwight Swain is a master and knows his craft. Okay, I have to admit that some of his details went over my head, but I got the big picture. Seeing how this book has been reprinted since I hunted long and hard for my yellow copy, I wonder how much has been updated -- that I can't say, but I'm sure it only makes it better.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-78349394938208318912011-06-02T13:20:00.000-07:002011-06-02T13:20:00.222-07:00Rework<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0307463745&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Here's one that's really going to shock you.<br />
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I picked this up and saw the quote from Seth Godin on the front that reads, "Ignore this book at your own peril."<br />
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So I'm thinking, "Yeah, right! Whatever, Seth." I'm also wondering what's in this book that he thinks is so important. Yes, I'm hooked.<br />
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After a quick read through, I'm thinking that Seth Godin is right. This is a book you need to read. At least the first few sections (for the artist) and the last section on Evolution (for current businesses). If you've been reading the books I've recommended here, then you'll see how this book counters many of them. They have a lot of the same arguments I've had with several of the books here on my list. I like their encouragement and advice. I loved the part about how you will always have "waste" if you create a product and this "waste" can be used for something else. Yes! And there are people that I'd love to give the Evolution section of this book to read if I thought they'd take a hint.<br />
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For the artist, the Hiring section can pretty much be skipped, but the rest of it is worth a read, even if you end up skimming through the parts you don't agree with. The other gems you pick up are well worth it.<br />
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I have to second Godin's opinion here: Ignore this book at your own peril.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-82901220175997079592011-05-29T09:00:00.000-07:002011-06-07T10:20:05.587-07:00Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0470900520&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I believe in syncronicity and I try to pay attention to it. So, last week when I heard something about the Grateful Dead being great marketers and I felt my "syncronicity sense tingle," I made a note to stay on the lookout for more information. When I was in the bookstore yesterday I happened upon this book. I knew it was part of the flow, so I pulled it off the shelf and started skimming through it. <br />
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It also had how different companies used some of these ideas to their own benefit and it's really quite insightful.<br />
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If you'd like to see what I think the most important ideas for artists are, <a href="http://wp.me/pjMLU-cP">check out my other blog.</a>Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-21740147561124167512011-05-17T14:34:00.000-07:002011-05-17T14:34:00.205-07:00Painting BasicsIf you're following along with me on <a href="http://dawnblair.wordpress.com/">my other blog</a>, you'll know that I just finished the first painting out of this book. I'm working hard to get better at my craft. Come join the journey with me!<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1581800363&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-60269320029928908422011-05-14T17:39:00.000-07:002011-05-14T17:39:44.227-07:00Poke the Box<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1936719002&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I've read several of Seth Godin's books and have to say that I always feel like I want more. Something always seems to be lacking -- maybe it's organization (as I find he leaps around a lot trying to make a point, not quite getting there, then coming back to it later to still not follow through with a point). <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linchpin-Are-Indispensable-Seth-Godin/dp/1591844096?ie=UTF8&tag=tharofdabl-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=tharofdabl-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1591844096" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" />was a good example of him trying to prove a point but never telling the reader HOW to do it.<br />
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Poke the Box is a much stronger work -- probably one of the strongest I've seen from Seth. While he still needs to work on organizing his thoughts and not just writing out of stream of consciousness, at least this one had a definition of what it means to poke the box, why you should poke the box, and how to poke the box.<br />
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Towards the end, he goes back to his usual rant of "get started on a project then ship it," but for most of this book I actually felt like he was talking about me. He talks about people who want to initiate and have a lot of ideas, the difference being that true initiators "start." I often feel unfocused jumping from project to project, starting lots of them usually in a steady stream. Okay, this is where his "ship it" comes in -- you've got to finish what you start -- and I do have to work to overcome my tendency to let projects fall off the face of the earth. I really liked his dandelion analogy -- it spoke to me and I'll have to remember it when I once again feel like I'm doing too much and spreading myself too thin.<br />
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I also understand his frustration of watching people walk in repetitive circles waiting to be told what to do -- wanting a map. We both want people to do more, be more. Not everyone wants to though. Must be a personality thing - we're probably both architect types who see the structure of things and want to make it better.<br />
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Businesses who are stuck in routine would benefit from reading this book too. Especially if they've had failures within their business, like a merger that fell through or high turnovers. Businesses need to remember <a href="http://youtu.be/u6XAPnuFjJc">what motivates people</a>.<br />
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There are a couple nuggets in this that I want to institute in my own art business.<br />
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Okay, Seth, you finally got your point across in a good way. This product is complete. What's your next idea?Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-16767147556702742212011-04-12T15:10:00.000-07:002011-04-12T15:10:00.480-07:00Evil Plans<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1591843847&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>The title says it all!<br />
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Make your evil plans, rub little plotting hands together, grin and break out with a triumphant "Mah-hahahahaha!" and go forth to take control of your life.<br />
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Hugh MacLeod's comics and thoughts never fail to entertain and inspire.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-57645788633920692602011-04-10T09:09:00.000-07:002011-04-10T09:09:54.375-07:00The Success Principles<div style="text-align: left;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0060594896&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>This book by Jack Canfield is one of my favorites. Whenever I feel stuck, I grab this book and open it to a random section. The principles in this book are so universal that where ever I've landed I can start applying to my life right away and get unstuck. Give it a try in your life.</div>Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-25024928209326347862011-02-06T19:20:00.000-08:002011-02-06T19:20:00.290-08:00Miki Falls<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=006084616X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I've been watching tons of videos by <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/markcrilley#p/u">Mark Crilley</a> lately. The link will take you right to his YouTube channel. His work is amazing! He makes it look so simple. Of course, having worked on my own graphic novels, I know how much work it is. Thank you for the videos, Mark. I'm looking forward to seeing more. I've learned a lot. Now, I just need to get my hands on the books! Can't wait to read Brody's Ghost too.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-45881303017780132412011-02-03T22:20:00.000-08:002011-02-03T22:20:19.792-08:00Draw Medieval Fantasies<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0939217309&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>While prowling around the children's book section at Barnes and Noble the other day, I happened across this little book. What a gem! I've often said that if you want quick knowledge on a subject, check for it in the children's section because it's such a fast way to get an overview on anything -- from there, if you find you need more information, you can always return to the adult section. I don't know why I haven't thought about searching for drawing books here sooner (except that I'm use to having "kids" books in the adult art section too -- like Christopher Hart's books, of which I can say that I own several as well). Not only are the illustrations in this book adorable, but Damon really breaks them down. Okay, sometimes I added in my own guidelines to get the drawings tweaked so I felt I could reproduce them with better accuracy, but he gave me a lot of things to think about. I'm really glad I purchased this book and I'm sure I'll refer to it often as I get more into the drawings for my graphic novel.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-12906682299497972602011-01-24T12:44:00.000-08:002011-01-24T12:44:48.466-08:00Joyfully Jobless<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0553386603&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I have really enjoyed this book. It's a great way to start thinking of ways you can have multiple income streams. I loved her suggestion of the $100 hour, though I have yet to put it into full practice yet -- it is one of my 2011 goals.<br />
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Barbara Winter has given me a lot of inspiration.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-68583662896768369492010-12-07T20:59:00.000-08:002010-12-07T20:59:07.952-08:00The Write Edit<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0025X41PK&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Shameless self promotion here!<br />
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It's said that writers must write the book they want to read. I always wanted a certain type of book about editing, something that would show me before and after examples of text as well as telling me why the changes were made, something that took it slow so I could understand step-by-step the editing process. While this isn't "the magic pill" that'll fix all manuscript problems, it is the book I always wanted.<br />
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If you want more information about it, please check the book out <a href="http://www.morningskystudios.com/books.html">here</a>. It's available as a physical copy (available at the previous link), or as an ebook for the <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Write-Edit/Dawn-Blair/e/9780983090502/?itm=1&USRI=write+edit">nook</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Write-Edit-ebook/dp/B00472O7U6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1291783912&sr=1-1">Kindle</a>.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-50686890957893803692010-10-03T17:43:00.000-07:002010-10-03T17:43:08.604-07:00Creative Girl<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=076243869X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Are you a creative girl wondering how to get your talents up and running into a business or wondering if you should work for someone else? This book looks at several good options for working with and around your talents for a more satisfying life. Find answers on dealing with your current employer so that you can have more time to develop your arts, or if you should find another form of employment which allows you to expand creatively, or should you go out on your own. Definitely a good read if you're feeling stuck and looking for other options to user your talents.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-49109113490505097372010-07-11T10:41:00.000-07:002010-07-11T10:41:40.847-07:00William HawkinsThought I might try something a little different here -- showing off some of the artists I get inspiration from as well as the books. Here's a video from William Hawkins.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3FenX8PDHmI&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3FenX8PDHmI&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Enjoy!Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-43720064547941994172010-07-10T09:57:00.000-07:002010-07-10T09:57:40.263-07:00Infinite Possibilities<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1582702268&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I've been listening to this the last few weeks and I have to say, "Whoo hoo!" Thoughts become things. When you think the right thoughts, things do manifest in your life. Be open to the possibilities and you will find them infinite.<br />
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There are so many things I want to say about this book, good things. Mike reiterates a lot of the thoughts I've had all my life and answers many questions I've discovered in walking my own spiritual path.<br />
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If you feel like there's something more to life that you're missing, don't wait to read this.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-975062639360172292010-06-24T14:53:00.000-07:002010-06-24T14:53:00.315-07:00I'd Rather Be in the Studio<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0974272582&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>A book I always like to have within reach. I've found the marketing advise very helpful. Unfortunately, my copy seems to have walked off again! Hope it comes back soon. I need the gnomes in my house to bring it back. Please, gnomes, please! I've got to get a bio prepared and really want Alyson's advice. Please!Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-4281046788723020972010-06-21T19:34:00.000-07:002010-06-21T19:34:00.865-07:00Imagine FX<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003OG2FKA&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I don't do digital art (well, beyond the couple pieces I've already done and my web comic - if you can call the latter anything but "basement art."). I've had a lot of people ask me why I don't, since they know I enjoy working on computers. But brush painting lets me "unplug" and get away. Still, I love seeing the techniques involved. If you like painting in Photoshop but want to better your skills, this is for you! They have great step-by-step tutorials. I personally like looking through the magazine for art inspiration. June's magazine was so full of wonderful art, I had to buy the magazine. Next month is a Masters of Manga issue -- I have a feeling I'll be buying that issue too. The manga tutorials they had a bit ago were fantastic. This is definitely the magazine to read to free your mind and get yourself out of a rut.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-52116093973969865032010-06-20T19:18:00.000-07:002010-06-20T19:18:00.309-07:00Createx Paints<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000NW182O&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I started my painting career with airbrushed landscapes. I still love to airbrush when I have a moment. Sometimes when I'm painting and I want something very fluid, I'll reach for my Createx paints. I love the transparent colors -- they layer so well. Someday when I'm feeling really brave, I think I'll take my airbrush to one of my traditional landscapes and try to merge the two concepts. I know other people have done this, I just haven't overcome my own fear of messing up a painting I adore -- since that happens to be whatever painting is on the easel at the time!<br />
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<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000E6KMOO&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-48102524669819625172010-06-19T21:05:00.000-07:002010-06-19T21:05:00.412-07:00Taking the Leap<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0811850935&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found one of my favorite quotes in this book </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which goes something to the effect of: “You are either painting or you are obsessing about the fact you aren’t painting. You choose. ” To me, that’s the difference between the doer and the wanna-be: doing or obsessing. We may not always be where we want to be, but we can be working toward it. This book can help you know where the next step when the way seems dark.</span></span>Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-74109826757926036022010-06-18T19:45:00.000-07:002010-06-18T19:45:00.299-07:00The E-Myth<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B003H4RE6O&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I'm going out on a branch here saying that artists should read this book. Many will ask why when it really pushes franchises and since when was an artist a franchise? Ever heard of Thomas Kinkaide? Ever buy the book Twilight or the merchandise associated with the saga? It's not so much about licensing your work, which is easier today than ever before in history, but about the customer service lessons in the book. You are the brand for your art. People want to know how they are going to be treated when they buy your art. This is why every artist needs to read The E-Myth.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-59180487379196210622010-06-17T18:40:00.000-07:002010-06-17T18:40:00.445-07:00The Tao of Watercolors<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0823050572&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Most people get their first introduction to watercolor as a child with the small watercolor sets. I remember as a child sitting down at the table with my set and brusha pile of copy paper, and my mother fussing to find a cup that I could use to wash my brush. She knew I was going to make a mess and not clean up after myself (at least not to her standards --isn't this the way it always is?) I even remember a few times she would sit down and paint with me. My paintings never came out as beautiful as hers.<br />
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Today, I've found that there are some watercolors that I like and others I don't. I've been mostly an oil and acrylic painter since I started, but books like this make me want to branch out into watercolors. Even though most kids get their first art exposure with watercolors, it's a hard art form to learn.<br />
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Jeanne's paintings are beautiful and inspiring. The Tao behind the art is well worth the read for any artist.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-47687038431652243802010-06-16T12:40:00.000-07:002010-06-16T12:40:00.241-07:00Art Calendar MagazineOne of my must reads every month. I love Jack White's column -- he's got such a no-nonsense approach to art business.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-17028170117035495512010-06-15T18:30:00.000-07:002010-06-15T18:30:00.366-07:0048 Days<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0805444793&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I'm a huge Dan Miller fan. I listen to his weekly podcast during my commute to work. He keeps me inspired. I love his perspective that you can do work you love.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-493510501938528175.post-52918165127496015192010-06-14T11:24:00.000-07:002010-06-14T11:24:00.369-07:00The Go-Giver<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=tharofdabl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=159184200X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>It's a known fact that people like to buy from people they trust. Social media is all about giving content to get people to trust your knowledge about a product or service. Keep this in mind while you're reading it if you do a lot of social media.Dawn Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03942876080164604264noreply@blogger.com2