Memories: Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday’s Word for the Week is Memories.

With all of the exciting political campaigning going on in our country, I thought I would be only right to address what should be going on in all of our homes.  I am following the Conventions and listening to the speeches and trying to form my own opinion about what is going on in our country.  The question is - Who will lead us the the right direction?  Well, I am not here to answer that for anyone, but I did find it interesting that Al Gore drew parallels between Obama and Lincoln.  The following is an excerpt from the speech Al Gore gave on August 28th at the National Democratic Convention:

The experience Lincoln’s supporters valued most in that race was his powerful ability to inspire hope in the future at a time of impasse. He was known chiefly as a clear thinker and a great orator, with a passion for justice and a determination to heal the deep divisions of our land. He insisted on reaching past partisan and regional divides to exalt our common humanity. In 2008, once again, we find ourselves at the end of an era with a mandate from history to launch another new beginning. And once again, we have a candidate whose experience perfectly matches an extraordinary moment of transition.

For my weekly illustration, I have attempted to create a characature of Obama in Lincoln’s top hat and dress with images of our country in Lincoln’s Era.  This is an attempt to visually parallel these two leaders.

Are you too hysterical about issues to really understand them?

Are you ready to save the world? Would sign a petition for Dihydrogen Monoxide?
If your answer is yes, then you have to check out this video: Don’t be a joiner idiot - get informed before you back eco-friendly causes.

Illustration Friday: Routine

For anyone that knows me, you know that shaving is the bane of my existence.  My ode to shaving and the dull routine of the razor.  Blah!!!!

What is Illustration Friday?  Click here.

Procrastination and Super Human Abilities

I have a very important project I am working on at the moment, and I am excited about it, so why do I feel the need to stop working and clean my house. First of all, I am not a cleaner. I can’t stand it to be honest. So why then, am I doing everything but this project I am so excited about? Why am I procrastinating??

I read Structured Procrastination by John Perry, a Stanford Philosophy Professor, to try and understand myself a bit better. Apparently I have committed myself “to tasks with inflated importance and unreal deadlines, while making [myself] feel that they are important and urgent”. I am not satisfied with this theory however. My tasks are important and the deadlines are real!! I have emails to prove it.

However, his article was thought provoking and did instill in me the idea that as long as I am procrastinating by doing other tasks that must eventually be done anyway, I am not a lazy slob of a human being.

Tell that to my still un-showered body as it is now 3:30 pm on a Thursday!

So, by putting structured procrastination method to use I found something very interesting:

While Cloroxing the kitchen counters, I found myself thinking about my very exciting logo project and actually developing visual ideas. I was not simply mindlessly cleaning, as I thought, but I was doing two necessary things at one time- cleaning AND brainstorming. One mindless task and one fully mindful task.

Imagine my husband’s surprise when I filled him in on my super human powers. I can actually do two necessary tasks as one time!

My only problem is now I have no excuse for floor that needs to be mopped nor my own dirty self. I suppose I should keep some things to myself…

440 Bull Painting

As a treat for anyone interested, but more so as a way to inspire me to keep painting, I am posting regular visual updates of the paintings on which I am currently working.

The new series I am focusing on lately is scenes of the Savannah area.  I love the architecture of Savannah, and the detail work is amazing.  So in my ever wonky, colorful upbeat way, I am recreating places and details for this new series.

So, the first in the series is 440 Bull - at least I am pretty sure it is Bull Street.

Here are the photos from sketches to where I am now on the painting.

What You Can Expect To See From Us

As a new business owner, I have a great many hopes and dreams for my little studio. These aspirations should benefit both myself and my clients in the long run as well as other designers and artists. The following list is a compilation of the elements I intend to incorporate into my new website.

Free Consultations

As a regular service, I will offer free one hour consultations to anyone interested in our services. Remember: graphic design, web design, illustration, painting and murals - Cotton Studios - All Natural Creativity.

Marketing Ideas

In this crazy world of Social Networking, the web offers some amazing resources. I intend to keep Cotton Studios site updated with tips and techniques for marketing yourself and your company. I will also offer insights for common business owners on aspects of design that are often overlooked.

Monthly Newsletters with Freebies

Each month, I will send out a newsletter centering on the most recent Cotton Studio News. The next issue will contain a little freebie, so be sure not to miss it. If you aren’t signed up to receive the newsletter, do it now!!! Sign up in the upper right hand corner of the any page.

A Close Circle of Trusted Freelancers

Working from home can be a bit lonely at times, so I find it very important to keep a close circle of talented people within my radar at all times. These people are generally also working from home, and they understand the need to network and keep in touch for the sake of sanity, to act as sounding boards, to offer knowledge and networking, and to pitch in if they are stronger in a certain area that I am. If there is something that I can not do, I have professional connections with people that can do them. I intend to cautiously expand that circle of knowledgeable professionals for the sake of my clients and myself.

That being said, if you are a talented profession designer, web designer, programmer, illustrator, or marketing professional, and would like the opportunity to work with us at Cotton Studios, please email me your resume and provide a link to an online portfolio. I will add you to my growing list of resources and references.

Regular Visual Up-dates on Artwork

If you have an interest in my artwork, you will love this feature of the new website. I am starting a new series of paintings of Savannah sights. I will document the progress of these paintings and post them regularly. You will get to see the progression of a painting from sketch to finished piece. It should be an interesting ride!

Eco Awareness

As someone who has always had a strong interest in the health of our earth, I am just now becoming an active participant in the Go Green Movement. I will share tidbits, interesting articles, and great websites on our site, as well as the struggles and trials that go along with trying to change a lifestyle. Cotton Studios is All Natural Creativity, and we intend to use that wholesome creative outlook to develop Green Friendly practices in both business and home.

Get Some Extra Cash by Telling People About Cotton Studios!

• I am attempting to build my client list so that Cotton Studios can flourish, I am enlisting your help.

From now until the end of September, I am offering a 10% Finders Fee for any existing clients, family, and friends that refers someone to Cotton Studios.

I must state here a few stipulations:

1. The person being referred MUST sign an agreement and make a deposit on a project for the finders fee to be issued.
2. The referred party MUST tell me that you did indeed refer them.
3. You may refer yourself
4. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me immediately at rachel@cottonstudios.com.
5. Unfortunately, this cannot apply to any previous referrals at this time.