Designers Wishlist at HOW.com

I am a HUGE HOW Magazine fan.  HOW Magazine is THE magazine for designers, both freelance and inhouse, offering current news and ideas for design professionals.  I get every issue, and read it cover to cover.  I absorb all of it - the design trends, the new fonts, the stories of other designers and illustrators.

How exciting for me to find myself on the HOW website!!  The question was simple - what do you want for Christmas?  Check it out here.

Forgo Wall Street for Art Investments

Word has it that the art buyers are in a better position right now than sellers.  With the mess on Wall Street, everyone is holding tight on their money.  It is theorized that the art bubble will soon bust as did the housing market.  While it may be disappointing to many, this is good news to you and me!

Now is the time to purchase original fine art by RM Cotton.  Prices are lower than most emerging artists this year, but next year my prices are guaranteed to rise 50-100%.  This rise is cost will be attributed to an increase in production and sales and the offering of limited prints.  My personal goal is to find a gallery with which to show within the next year as well.  This will step up my artist value as well.

IN time for Christmas, commission an original painting for yourself or a loved one.  I have space and time for only 3 more commissions, so act fast!!  Contact me with dimensions, subject matter, and delivery date to get an estimate.

More information on art investing:

New York Market

Askmen.com - How to Invest In Art

Biddington’s Rules for Long Term Investing

6th Annual Smart Women Expo & Luncheon & Silent Auction

Mary Telfair’s Women’s Hospital is hosting the Smart Women Expo and Luncheon on September 24th at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.  RM Cotton has donated several Giclee prints to be auctioned at the event to support the women’s hospital.

For more information, please visit the link below:

6th Annual Smart Women Expo & Luncheon - The Creative Coast Alliance (Savannah, GA).

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.