Switched to Beta preview last night. I wanted to like it. But it is so claustrophobic I cant.

The text is too big and it all tries to hard to take up every inch of space. Margins are important, guys! Also line length? I don't want to try to read something that stretches all the way across the screen, sorry.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects.....the-circus-van

Anybody want to help a Burlesque and Tinderbox Circus group get their show on the road? These guys are deserving! And I think they need help promoting, if anyone wants to help share this around?

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects.....the-circus-van

Hi, FA

Lately, as in since February (what do you mean it's halfway through May already?), I've been working two part-time entry-level-ish graphic design jobs. One relates more to branding, the other more to book design, both pretty cool, both with some potential for growth.

I'm also still in school, for another quarter and the rest of the current one (4 more weeks). I love learning, but I'm ready to be out of school again, at least for a while. Life is busy enough without three 'part times.'

Also still working on book covers for one of my favorite fiction writers, Haikujaguar. That's ramping up right now and I'm excited to do some 'real' illustration work again!

The overgrown town where I live has this thing called 'May is Bike Month' and one of my works has a team participating. I've logged over 160 miles so far in may. That's kinda awesome.

I lost my phone, wallet, travelcamera+32gig-card-with-a-lot-of-unsaved-photos and few other small but personal items earlier this week. Stupid move on my part. Put them in a small bag to take on a bike trip, set them on my bike rack, forgot to actually strap them down. First major turn and they were gone, and I was 5 miles away before I realized it. Lots of bums in my neighborhood. Long gone before I got back to look for them.

At least by some miracle I completely forgot to put my keys in that same bag.

I still draw, but lately mostly on bus passes. And for my perspective class this quarter. Lucked into a really awesome drawing teacher for the one drawing class I'm taking at AI. That's cool.

In response to a question someone asked about how to improve their style, I said this.

This might sound counterintuitive, but do not worry so much about your style. Focus on the enjoyment of learning new things, and actively seek out new things to learn, even, and perhaps especially if they do not appear to relate at all to drawing. Take up photography and you will automatically start to learn more about composition, Learn about typography and you will begin to more keenly notice spatial relationships between positive and negative space. Practice meditation and you may discover a new passion that leads you in a new and more powerful direction.

Etc. =]

Comments/discussion welcome!

Hello again,

I bet you have a project that needs a little design love. Whether you need your first business card or a complete branding overhaul or a strategy for having convention takeaways so your customers (and potential future customers!) will remember who you are and how to get in touch with you after the con. Perhaps you want a digital brochure that shows your commissioners what you offer.

Why do you want me to do this for you? Because whether you realize it or not, the materials that you use to represent yourself are part of your unique brand. That’s what clients will recognize and be drawn to. Many artists don’t realize they should cultivate their brands, but doing so can make a huge difference in brand recognition for their client base- and brand recognition is what makes your clients want YOU over anyone else.

So where do I come into this? I start digging into what you want your brand to say about you and your artwork. Do you do silky soft shapes and cuddle-able colors? Do you prefer it gritty, rough and hard? Or dynamic, exciting cartoons? How do you want your viewers and potential clients to feel about you and your artwork when it comes down to the moment of truth - when you ask them to buy from you? It’s my job to discover and integrate those branding details, making sure your viewers get the impression you want.

And here’s the thing about business cards- they don’t have to be physical or printed. Even just a well-coordinated user ID on your FA or facebook page can make a difference. Its okay if you aren’t sure what kind of design project you want, either. Feel free to schedule a quick consultation with me to figure out what I can do for you and your brand image!

I am currently developing my portfolio and willing to offer significant discounts to new design clients. If you know someone who might be interested, could you pass this along?

I hope to talk to you soon!
Seth
(ideamutt - at - gmail)

I'm painting a 4" Munny that I had laying around since early summer as a Tron Legacy character.

It is reminding me why I don't mess with Acrylic very often.

Frustrating! It feels like continuously 2 steps forward and one back.

It's a christmas gift for my BF, who really loves Tron stuff. I hear he organized getting me something pretty epic with contributions from friends and my mom, and I don't have money to get him something nice, but making him something is better, right? I just hope it turns out nice and he likes it.

Back to continually touching up areas that I've already painted once derp derp derp.

I'll post pics after its done, though!

Thanks for the rewatches, guys! I'm not sure yet if I'm going to mostly switch to over here or keep this for more sketchy/fun stuff, and keep my other stuff on the other account? IDK

Anyway, you guys rock!