What's New!!

Here is why I have been very busy, I am getting ready for the Art on the Green show in Plymouth, Ma on June
14th at Pinehills a resort golf community. This is an annual art and craft show and I am doing it along side my Dad who is a very talented fine artist.

I have forgotten how much fun it is to paint canvas and since I just got my huge order from Dick Blick yesterday it looks like I will be painting canvas for awhile. This is such a nice change of pace for me from gouache and digital work as you can imagine. I am finding myself just lost in hours of swirling lines and colors and textures. These are just little paintings and I have many larger canvases to paint as well, but I am not certain what will go on them. Maybe I will be inspired from my NYC trip this weekend. I am off to meet clients at the Stationery Show and see old friends at Surtex. This is my first year in about 7 that I am not showing at Surtex and it feels rather strange not to have to cram in a bunch of last minute details and prepare for a booth.

I am curious to see how the show will do in this enconomy since last years show was the worst ever. I have been posting comments on Design Sponge about it along with my friend Caroland we have been accused of being"bitter" now I do not know about you but since when does good advice equal bitter? This world of blogging is full of too many hand holders and not enough realism, and if you cannot handle some tough information then maybe you better find a different line of work. Everyone seems to think that Licensing is soo easy and anyone with any sort of talent can do it, but you are sadly mistaken. It takes a savvy and talented person to thrive in this business someone who can put together lines and know how to negotiate contracts. I did not even show at Surtex until I had some good Licensees under my belt so that the manufactures would see how my work would translate into 3D.

If you go to Design Sponge and click on the Samantha Hann post and read the comments you will know what I am talking about. I think that these blogs should be a forum for discussion and inspiration but not a hand holding, you are the best artist ever forum. I am no longer going to talk about the subject along with my friend Carol and its sad since we who have been very successful in this business are not considered artists with good intentions but boo hoo ones! Get a grip people your in for a rude awakening!!

Okay I have vented enough for today!! Go and create!!

Ellen

Comments

[carol Eldridge]

not to hand hold and all, but I really do like these...the bold colors are great...it is a new look for you and I think you have hit on something hot...really, could be cards, posters, tee shirts....how much are you selling the cabanas for?

great job! keep on going...best,
your partner in BOO HOO land..

carol

[Gina]

I love the little floral paintings! I predict people will gobble them up! I just finished reading Carol's blog and DS comments - yikes! Sometimes it just takes one or two bad eggs to get everyone heated! Don't let it bug you too much, clearly you're a successful and talented artist and you know your market and business. Several people commenting didn't sound like they had ever attended. It is amusing that the post itself reads like Surtex is a 'new' show. Have fun walking and best of luck at your meetings!

[Joyce Shelton]

Hi Ellen- I just want to say after reading all the banter back and forth that I totally understand what you and Carol were trying to do. I was amazed at how quickly it got out of hand. It's funny that the girl you were advising (Samantha) seemed grateful and seemed to be taking your advice with grace and thanks. I don't know who the other two were that had to turn it a into such an ugly conversation, but for what it's worth, I think putting it out there was a kind and generous gesture. I'm amazed at what people will put into writing. It's like people who are rude and nasty while behind the wheel of their cars -they are the same exact people who would talk to you while waiting in the grocery line!

Enough about that...I wanted to share with you that you hit a personal note when I read in your recent post that you did the show for 7 years before realizing your returns were not so worth the investment. I also did it for 7 years before leaving it behind. It once was a good and a profitable way to make contacts and deals. The economy and the industry have changed drastically and not in our favor. On that last horrible year that I totally wasted thousands on the trip, when they stuck me in the "new room"... in the middle of nowhere land... like I was a new person... I decided that was it for me.

It's not like we don't continuously have to reinvent ourselves as artist... I've been doing it all my life. Here I go again... wondering what's next? Change is once again in the wind... I feel it and I know it. On that note, let me say that I was most excited to read your comment about the trend moving back towards artist that paint. I feel that also... It just has to go back to art with heart and soul... doesn't it? Something that doesn't look like everyone who knows PS did it? I too, ordered a bunch of acrylics and canvases last week and I'm anxiously waiting for them to arrive I just wanted to connect and say hello and tell you I admire your work and wish you the best. This year enjoy walking the show without the pressure and expense of having a booth. Happy painting!

Joyce

[BJ Lantz]

Hi Ellen ~ Love the new paintings. I bought a few canvases a couple months ago and am still trying to get to them...maybe after Surtex.... Also read the Design Sponge saga. I agree with Joyce ~ what is it about posting online that make people think they can be totally rude? I bet you anything those two wouldn't have said those things to your face. I hope Samantha does well at the show, but I can guarantee that the buzz at this year's show will be about how much the traffic is down because the economy is terrible and the licensing industry is declining because of it. Those of us who have been in the biz for a while can SEE this. It has nothing to do with what's "modern". See you in NYC!

[helen dardik]

Hi Ellen,
I must say - I can't find the comment on the D*sponge that you and Joyce are talking about? Can you send me a link. I just feel confused.
I'm sorry ladies that Surtex wasn't going great for you lately. Last year I went for the first time and I can't say that it made as much of an impact as I hoped for, but I at least got out, went to NY and met very inspiring people. Yes it was way too expensive... but what's the alternative?
Thanks Ellen for the weather tip. I'll pack an umbrella:)
I remember going to NY with Anais last year (she was 11month old), it was raining and I'm standing there with a baby and no umbrella and taxies just kept zooming by... At least I'm by myself this time. Any how...
I've been painting a bit as well! It's so much more relaxing and good for the soul (compared to staring at the computer screen).
The bright colours look so cheery! Go Ellen!

[chickengirl]

I haven't read the goings ons at Design sponge yet but I give credit to anyone who says it like it is and the realistic side to any industry....the good, the bad, the ugly. You go, girl!

[kathy weller]

Ellen, I was unable to find the post in question, but the naysayers should be kissing yours and Carols' FEET, for Gahsakes!!!

To get honest, upfront, REAL advice from two very successful vets like you and Carol, and to disregard it as being negative is just completely ridiculous. Clearly they do not want to hear the realities of the industry. Hearing it from you two not only givesd it more credence because you two are 'vets', but ALSO because WHO is more optimistic than an artist who has been successful in art licensing? What I mean by that is that, in order to reach the level of continued success that both you and Carol have in the industry, clearly you've kept a positive attitude. Because it is a LO of work, YEARS of work, it is not easy!!

I totally commend you - heck, I CHEER you!! - for sharing your honest insights on Surtex and also for sharing the struggles of art licensing!!! Like other art industries, it is extremely rewarding when you have success, but it is TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH to break into , to get that motor started, AND it seems to be just as mercurial as other art industries despite the fact that it is 'commercial' art. Nothing is easy!! People need to know that it's not all about drawing pretty pictures!! But if you want it badly enough you learn all you can about the biz and keep going!!! :)

THANK YOU for being so honest and being yourself!! I agree with you, that more honesty, real heart-to-heart warts-and-all advice, is an extremely good thing. At least it is to me.

[kari & kijsa]

Ohhh- we will be right by this show, but two weeks too late! We are always on Sagamore Beach for July, and won't make it up until the 27th of June!! Would love to see your works...are you doing any other shows in July?

blessings,
kari & kijsa

[kathy weller]

As an aside, your paintings are just ADOR!!!!!!!

WHERE is this show? Maybe I can make it!!