Unite Your E-Marketing Efforts

Alyson Stanfield's newsletter just begged to be shared this week and I can personally testify that her article "Unite your E-Marketing Efforts" is right on the mark! Linking to yourself works. Read, enjoy, and be sure to follow Alyson's link at the bottom of the page to learn more.

Unite Your E-Marketing Efforts

Got Web site? Check!
Got Blog? Check!
Got E-newsletter? Check!

Are they working for you? Are they driving people from your Web site to your blog and from your newsletter to your blog and Web site? Be sure you’re thinking of your e-marketing in total. Each element isn’t separate, but is part of a web--your network of strategic e-marketing.

You see me do this each week in this newsletter. I send people to my Web site through links about Classes & Events or within the body of the text. I send people to my Art Biz Blog with some sort of enticement at the end of the newsletter as well as a list of what they’ll find on the blog at the bottom of each issue. And it works. Mondays are by far the busiest day on my blog.

You can start to unite your e-marketing efforts by making sure your links are in order.

►Link to your blog on every page of your Web site. (And don’t call it a journal. Call it a blog, which is what people will be looking for.)

►Link to your Web site in a prominent place on your blog. But don’t stop there. Make sure you link to Web pages frequently (at least once a week) in your blog posts.

►Link to both in your e-newsletter. You can make it a navigation link in your newsletter, but also insert links within your text to drive more traffic.

►Put your blog and Web site links in your signature block, which is automatically attached to the end of every email you send out. (One of the resources I posted on the blog is about branding your email. Be sure to take a look at it.)

►Add your blog feed to your Facebook profile. I’m a novice on Facebook and other social networking sites. I have so many requests and events that I don’t respond to and if yours is one of them, I apologize. I just haven’t figured it all out yet. BUT, I have figured out the blog feed thing. If I can do it, you can, too! (I import my blog as a Mini-Feed through the application called Notes. Edit your Import settings to add your blog.)

Know This . . .
Like everything else, e-marketing takes effort. In order to reap results, you must think of each component as a part of a comprehensive strategy.

Think About This . . .
In Are you doing all you can to cross promote your online presence?

Do This . . .
Unify your e-marketing. Copy the list above and go through your Web site, blog, e-newsletter, and email. Work through them one step at a time until you feel confident that you've boosted the probability of driving more people to your Web site and blog.

And to get you to my blog, I'm posting links to a bunch of other resources in today's entry on the Art Biz Blog (uniting this newsletter with the blog). http://www.artbizblog.com

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Copyright 2008 Alyson B. Stanfield. Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist. Visit http://www.ArtBizCoach.com to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Do You Write Scannable Content?

The internet is not a book and few people, including myself, read it as if it were a book. I don't find a large block of text exciting nor will I read it. I'll move on to a smaller block of text, perhaps one or two sentences...hoping to find out what you are writing about. And many times just leave out of frustration!

We live in a fast paced society...people want to gather what they need and move on. When I sit down in the morning with my coffee to check my feed updates there's a lot on my mind. I first scan the titles, marking some to read later, opening the most interesting ones first.

If you got me with your title you will loose me if I can't quickly scan your text and acquire a "mental outline" of what your article is about. And while I'm doing this, I'm asking myself "Can I benefit from this information?, Is it worth reading the entire article?".

Wikipedia refers to this style of writing as "Chunking", and described it as the method of presenting information which splits concepts into small pieces or "chunks" of information to make reading and understanding faster and easier.


So...how do you write Scannable Content?

1. Make your first paragraph a "Grabber".
By this I mean...tell them what to expect...make it interesting yet concise. You have just a few seconds to grab their attention, pique their curiosity, and make them want to read on.

2. Be sure your text size is readable.
If you're not sure about this, ask your friends. Don't choose a smaller text just to shorten your article...if it's scannable people will scroll down to read your next topic. Readability is a big deal. I know there are ways for viewers to increase the print size on their screen...but they won't tend to do this for one blog or one page.

Page color and text color can make huge difference. Experiment by trying different combinations.

3. Use an appropriate page width.
Again, we are not reading a book...if you have to move your eyes and your head to follow the words across the page, your text area is probably too wide. The eyes get lost and begin to skip a line here and there.

The blog on my website came preset and is the perfect page width...and I specifically chose my blogspot layout style, (where you are now) with this in mind. I know the Bible is a book and I keep saying we're not reading a book...but have you ever tried to read a Bible passage where the text was in a single column that spanned the entire page width? Very difficult indeed!

4. Keep your paragraphs short.
This is not an English class...break your text into smaller paragraphs...sometimes even using a single sentence to make a statement. The separation between text blocks makes your article more scannable and the added white space will give the eye a place to rest, making your page more attractive and inviting.

5. Learn to write in "Speak"
Wow....this has probably been my biggest challenge. We are taught "formal" writing in English class and it's hard to change. Your blog needs to "sound" friendly...even though there is no sound! The printed word can be cold and harsh. For a technical blog this might be fine but for most blogs you need to show your softer, friendlier side...without the need for a "smiley face" icon!

6. Use headers and subheaders liberally.
The use of headers and subheaders will improve your visitors experience. Your readers are now able to get an idea of what the content is about before they read it. This is the "mental outline" I spoke of earlier. When this is in place I can move easily between topics.

7. Lists and bullet points...this is another method useful for breaking up a long boring block of text. Your page will be more interesting to the eye and readers will find your text more understandable.

8. Incorporate Bold and Italic type faces...This needs to be done artfully and with some taste. Don't splatter them around haphazardly. Set a standard for your site and stick to it. I use Bold to accent important words or phrases and use Italic for quotes, book titles and the like.

9. Lastly, remember images are your friends.
Images add interest to your articles and they attract your readers attention. Use them wisely. I've always felt the image should relate to the text...when it doesn't I feel somewhat misled.

Let me know what you think...was this article helpful, would you like to see more like this?

Links:
Wikipedia ...read more about "Chunking"
My Website...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo...Drawing Techniques


My Website Hosting Service:
Fine Art Studio Online...Easy Artist Websites
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extend your FREE TRIAL period to 90 days.


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The Blue Man Group....what a treat!

My New York trip was wonderful. My flight out was perfect, the flight home...we just won't talk about this! While I was there we simply enjoyed each others company. I ate until I thought I would pop, laughed until I hurt, and my daughter and I stayed up late talking like teenagers!
My grandson introduced me to the world of video games, patiently teaching me to move a marble through a precarious course of curves, jumps, and sudden drops...the latter resulting in the need to "start over", which happened often.

On Sunday we took the train into the Manhattan to see the "Blue Man Group". The Blue Man Group is a creative organization started by Phil Stanton, Chris Wink, and Matt Goldman; the performance is centered on a trio of mute performers, called Blue Men, who present themselves in blue grease paint and wear latex bald caps, face coverings, and black clothing. Blue Man Group's theatrical acts have evolved over the years but always incorporate rock music (with an emphasis on percussion), odd props, audience participation, sophisticated lighting, and huge amounts of paper!

The first 4 to 6 rows of the theater are known as the "poncho section". Audience members are provided with plastic ponchos in order to protect them from various food, paint, and and other substances, which get thrown, ejected, or sprayed from the stage. The show was family-oriented, humorous, energetic and employed thought-provoking satire on modern life.

I had some idea of what to expect yet was amazed by the multi-sensory experience that combined theater, percussion music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that was like nothing else I had ever seen....a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

Leaving for New York!

I'm headed for New York in a couple of days for a much anticipated visit with my daughter and grandson. They live on Long Island...about three blocks from the water. When the wind is in the right direction I swear you can smell the ocean!

On my last visit in mid November the weather was really mild and we went to the beach and fed the seagulls...quite an experience. The seagulls are accustomed to being fed and if you stand still will actually take the bread from your hand. There are so many at times that it makes one think of the movie "The Birds"!

In the photo above you can see the seagulls swarming in to grab the bread that Teddy has in his hand. These are huge birds! The second photo shows you what they looked like to Teddy as they swarmed down to take the bread. It was a fun afternoon but not without its consequences.


We had parked close to the beach and you know the old saying "what goes in must come out"...well let me tell you it's true! Our car was covered with bird *^%#!

We have tickets to see "The Blue Man Group" this trip. Going to take a train into the city...always a treat for us country folk. We're going to have brunch and then see the play. I'll tell you more when I get back. (no birds this trip)

My daughter is a professional chef, so my other treat is always her wonderful meals...my clothes never fit quite as well going home!

I will be gone until around the 19th...wish me a good flight.

February Guest Artist...Cindy Haase

I became familiar with Cindy Haase and her work as the result of a comment she left on my blog. I was really impressed with her fiber art and couldn't help but notice how she had grown as an artist since the first piece had been posted to her site. I knew immediately that I wanted her to be my first Guest Artist and she has graciously accepted.

"The Notorious Cat Rustlers"...by Cindy Haase

I am honored to introduce you to Cindy Haase and I'll start by having her tell you a little about herself.
"I'm a full-time artist, loving life. I had a corporate career until 1992, and once I left I have never looked back. And I vowed that I would only wear pantyhose to weddings and funerals. And yes, I have kept that vow.

I'm a wife, a mom, and an involved grandma to my 3 grandkids who live just a few minutes away. Our family has a wicked sense of humor, and no matter what happens we find a way to laugh about it. It keeps us sane.

I grew up in Nebraska, but consider Colorado my home after almost 30 years. From my studio windows I can see the snowstorms come over the foothills and it still takes my breath away to see the beauty of it all.

Hobbies...hmmm, I love to read about Quantum Theory, Cosmology and Theology. I would have made a great scientist except for the math thing."

I am fascinated by some of the pieces you've created...and wondered if you've always had an interest in creating with fabric and what have been your greatest obstacles?
"I've always had an interest in creating with ANYTHING...pine cones, popsicle sticks, and gum wrappers were my media when I was little.

I purchased my first sewing machine when I was 16. Trading it in 35 years later for a high end model, I became a late-blooming quilter. First traditional quilts, and then art quilts and fiber art. As for the fiber art, I am self taught. For my colored pencil artwork, I'd say it's more of a self-directed study. I looked for people that were doing what I wanted to do and took classes from them.

Honestly, my biggest obstacle is focus. My mind never stops and trying to quiet it enough to physically focus on one medium, one project, or one idea is tough for me. I have these two things I love, fiber and colored pencil. When I focus on promoting my colored pencil, my fiber art gets put on the back burner and vice versa. I've had more opportunities to show my colored pencil work, so I need to work on those same opportunities for my fiber art.

Cindy, how has your art influenced your life?
"It's actually my therapy. If I don't do something artsy for a couple of days, I get REAL cranky. The fiber art gives me a chance to play and make things up as I go along...where my colored pencil work is very meticulous and the process is not as playful."

Your subjects seem to range from whimsical to geometric to representational...with such diversity in subjects and style I wonder, where does your inspiration come from?
"I think color or shape inspires me most of the time, then a concept or title evolves. Sometimes, a twist on a saying will inspire me first then the rest comes. I keep a sketchbook to help me if I feel in a dry spell for ideas.

I don't always feel I have to create something whimsical. As long as I get the sense of play from the process, I'm happy with the finished product."

Can you give us a little insight into the process that went into the creation of pieces we are showing here?
"Well, lets take the "Notorious Cat Rustlers" (pictured left and top). The original idea was "Date Night in the West", a piece for a local exhibit. It was going to be a cowboy and a horse. The cowboy was easy, he's modeled after my husband (glasses, mustache and all). but I couldn't draw a decent looking horse to save myself...so out went the horse. One cowboy was boring, and then an old commercial popped into my head about "herding cats". I immediately went to that special piece of cat fabric in my stash, and the cowboy became triplets. The title came near the end of the project.

One of the processes I use to create a more representational piece is called "thread painting". It starts with a simple pencil sketch on a piece of muslin. Then I fuse different fabrics to the muslin to create a value structure. The really fun part is using my sewing machine to paint with decorative threads like rayons and metallics. Sometimes I do a bit of hand stitching. In "Convergence" (pictured above) the brick grid is hand stitched with embroidery floss. I taught myself how to thread paint, but I know many fiber artists are creating wonderful pieces with a similar process."

What advise would you give someone trying to break into this niche of the art market and what is the one thing that you wish you had known more about when you were just starting out?
"My advise would be to do what you love. Always make sure it's a reflection of your personality, your unique view of life. Then get your artwork out there, anywhere that will hang it...coffee shops, bank lobbies, doctor's offices. Enter local shows, join a local fiber arts group, and get feedback. Look for a gallery that is fiber friendly. And always stretch and challenge yourself. If you started locally, then look for regional opportunities...and then get real brave and look for a national exhibit. It's like the lottery, the only chance to "win" is if you enter.

As for the second part of the question...I wish I had known more about marketing...pricing, press releases, mailing lists, creating a buzz about my work. I'm now learning how to do all of that. I just assumed that if my work was good people would flock to buy it, the work would speak for itself. But I'm learning to speak on it's behalf."


In closing...I want to thank you Cindy for participating in my first Guest Artist segment. It was nice getting to know you and learning more about your fiber art.

Just a few things Cindy didn't tell you:

• Cindy is a juried member of the International Guild of Realism, and was juried into IGOR's 2006 Summer Exhibit at Manitou Galleries in Santa Fe, NM.
• She currently serves as the national Membership Director for the Colored Pencil Society of America.
• Both her fiber art and fine art are on exhibition at the South Union Gallery in Lakewood, CO.
  
• Cindy also teaches workshops in colored pencil...the next workshop date is 4/26/08, you can check her blog for details.
  

You can see more art by Cindy Haase by visiting the links below.

In Stitches!...fiber art blog

Color On!...colored pencil blog

Cindy Haase Art.com...Cindy's main website


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

New "Guest Artist" Segment Comming Soon

I'm excited to be working on a new monthly "Guest Artist" segment for my blog. This is something I've wanted to do for sometime. As artists we all struggle with the same things...the same doubts, the same financial issues, the same questions about marketing and promoting our craft. I believe the way to learn is from each other.

I have gleaned so much from your websites and blogs...your art work and your articles have inspired me to do greater things....things I didn't think myself capable of. My desire is that you will be both challenged and encouraged as I go forward with this project.

Keep an eye out for my first "Guest Artist" appearance the early part of next week. No, I'm not going to tell you who it is, that would spoil the surprise...but something that I will tell you is that she doesn't only use a "pencil".

Hope you'll check back, and give her a huge welcome!

Your Greatest Asset...

As artists we are told that our in-house mailing list is our greatest business asset...
yet I've found this to be one of my most difficult things to accomplish. I've shown my art three years now, looking at a fourth season of juried art fairs just around the corner...and again I'm faced with the same question; am I going to be able to get those names and addresses!

The first year that I showed my drawings, I was so darn happy to have a tent and some art to put in it that I didn't even think about a mailing list. Knowing this was important, the second year I had a Guest Book for people to sign. It didn't take long to realize that few people were willing to fill out the information and most of those who did...well, I'll just say this, cat scratches would be complimentary. If you can't read their information, you can't use it.

I finished my '05 season in the fall and set up my website that winter...now I really wanted that mailing list because I had something to tell people about. I started publishing my Email Newsletter with only 58 people on my mailing list and I'm embarrassed to say most of those were friends and relatives!! However, it was a start.

In the spring of '06 I went after this illusive mailing list with new gusto. When my art fairs began, I had a plan....simple as it was, it worked. And it had been in front of me all the time.

Since most people paid with check or charge card, it was only logical that I ask for their contact information. I bought a sales book larger than I needed so the top portion had plenty of space to write. If things were slow, I filled in their information myself while we talked... asking permission to add them to my mailing list. If I had other people waiting, I ask them to do it...while I wrapped their purchase. I then compared what they had written with their drivers license, correcting anything I couldn't read, and wrote down their email address. At the end of the season I had a long list of firm, readable, contacts...and the best part, they already owned at least one piece of my art. I was ecstatic!

The downside to this method is the time it took me to enter them into my data base, and copy their information onto a 4x6 note card for the hard file that I keep on each customer...and I have to admit that sometimes when things were really hectic, even my handwriting was difficult to read. And I would occasionally forget to ask for their email address. All in all, I was still miles ahead of where I was the year before.

My last effort was to increase direct sign-ups on my website and blog. This area had been growing...but virtually at a snails pace! I began to think about the guest book I used that second year. Looking through it again, I realized that those who were interested in my drawing classes wrote down their contact information very carefully....you see, they knew if I couldn't read what they had written, they wouldn't receive my fall class schedule. I had possessed something of value that they wanted!!

My question was this...Could I recreate this situation and this time use it to my advantage? I decided to offer a free "mini print" to everyone who signed up for my email news letter. Yet I really struggled with the word Free and ask myself...Can Free have value? After considerable thought I decided the answer was yes, if presented correctly. Here's how I approached it.

• I changed how I listed my newsletter...from Email Newsletter to "Newsletter Group".
• I wrote a post announcing the "New Membership Gift".
  
• On the Home Page of my Website are the words Free Print, and when the cursor rolls over these words, the text box says..."are you curious yet?"
• On my Blog it is mentioned again at the top of the page simply as "New Member Gift".
  

What did I do here? First of all, they aren't just signing up for a newsletter but joining a Newsletter Group that has benefits. The links on my Home Page and Blog create curiosity. The "New Membership Gift" announcement explains what they have to do to get their free print, how often the newsletter is sent, what information will be in it...and finally, I let them know that "I will never share their personal information".

The results after less than two months...close to 30 new "members" have joined my Newsletter Group, and I have both their "snail mail" and email address!

So...Can Free have value? I say, absolutely!

Let me know what you think. What comes to mind when you here the words free print or free original? Is it compromising your standards? Does it lower the perceived value of your art? Does it generate business? What's your opinion...Can Free have value?

Links:

• Art Biz Blog
• Clint Watson...Fine Art Studio Online
• Barney Davey...Art Print Issues
• Pumpkin-Patch Marketing...by Jonathan Fields

My Website Hosting Service:
Fine Art Studio Online...Easy Artist Websites
FASO requires No Technical Knowledge and offers
Positively Remarkable 24/7 Artist Support!

*Sign-Up...using this link or use the code (3209) and
extend your FREE TRIAL period to 90 days.


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New Work in Progress Topic

"A Merry Christmas Portrait"...work in progress
See this Tutorial

I'm excited to be showcasing my latest drawings for you as I'm working on them. You'll be able to learn a little more about the process, and see the drawings progress. However, during the actual development of the drawing you won't see much more than the WIP photos.

I'll come back when the drawing is finished and explain the process in greater detail. I'll be talking about the paper I use, pencils, blending tools...along with other aspects of creating a drawing. As I finish adding the text, each group of photos will be moved to the Tutorial Topic here on my blog.

Please check back later for WIP photos
of my newest works

Who knows, I may even show you my "mistakes." I hope you will return here often to see what new piece I am working on. This new topic is something many of you have requested...enjoy!


Thank you for your constant encouragement.

Marsha



PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Tutorials...moved to my FASO blog

Please visit my Studio Blog at the following link or to see my Drawing Tutorials:

marsharobinett.com/blog

Available Tutorials:
1. The Clubs
2. Portrait of a Young Boy
3. The Clubs
4. The explanation for "My Mysterious Carbon Farm"

My List of Drawing Supplies:

These are the supplies that you will find in my studio. I've included links to retail suppliers for your convenience. This is going to be a rather long post, I will talk more in depth about some of my supplies as I use them in tutorials or in another article.

My Squidoo lens will tell you more about Carbon, Charcoal, and Graphite...why they are different and when it is best to use each.

Graphite: Pencils, Power, and Crayon












Graphite: I've used several brands of Graphite Pencils over the years, the Mars Lumograph has remained my favorite. Graphite Powder...This isn't something I use frequently, but when I do I'm very glad that I have it. I simply put a small amount in the lid and apply it using an artist brush. Graphite Crayons are handy for covering large areas and also perfect for building your "graphite farm".

Charcoal: Pencils, Powder, and Sticks












Charcoal: I have used Generals Charcoal Pencils from the beginning...as with all charcoal pencils there is some "grittiness". General now has a new charcoal pencil called Premo that is said to be smother but I haven't tried it yet. The Charcoal Powder and Sticks are used in the same manner as for the graphite mentioned above.

Carbon Pencils: I've never been able to find carbon powder...I keep hoping.











Carbon Pencils: Wolf's and Conte: The most influential item on my drawing table is the Wolf's Carbon Pencil. I've tried others but always come back to Wolf's...you just can't beat it's silky texture or the beautiful deep rich darks it produces. I also use Conte Carbon Pencils once in a while...their color is somewhat warmer than Wolf's and their texture is a little firmer.

Blenders: use anything except your "finger".








Blenders: The ones I use most.
If you don't learn anything else from this segment...I hope it is this! NEVER use your finger as a blending tool. Your finger will leave oil on the paper, making the color 'grab". This will sometimes cause actual finger prints to appear. Stumps: (upper left), are pointed on both ends and have a smooth, felt like covering. I buy these by the box...size 4, 5, and 2. Tortillon: (lower left), are made of rolled paper and come to a point on one end. These are purchased by the dozen...size small, medium, and large. The stump and tortillon may look similar but are really quite different, and used for very different types of blending. Chamois Cloth: Others have said that you must purchase these from an art supply house...I have found the ones from the automotive department work just fine...and much less expensive. In fact their random texture can be to your advantage.

Studio Notes: The stump, tortillon, and chamois are all three used to both blend and to apply color to your drawing. Other blenders I use that are not pictured here are felt squares, artist brushes, non oily tissue, cotton swabs, paper towels, etc., (anything you can think of to create the desired texture "except your finger")

Erasers: as important as your pencils for making marks.





















Erasers: I didn't know I had so many but I use each differently as a "marking" tool.


Starting left to right: The Factis...made especially for charcoal and graphite. The Kneaded Eraser...will last forever, can be pulled and shaped to fit the smallest of areas. The Union Eraser...(pencil and ink combo)...when the ink end is cut with a blade it can pull out the skinniest of lines...The Pink Bear...is stronger than the "pink pearl", I use it the same as the union and factis to make marks. The Sakura Cordless Electric Eraser...used for lifting highlights in the darkest of areas (when nothing else will work). This is a must. The refills come for pencil or ink, I use both. Tuff Stuff Click Eraser...a fresh cut edge on this eraser will again pull nice skinny lines, great for making light hairs. The pencil shape makes for more accurate use. Bostik Blue Tack ...This is not an eraser, but a sticky putty...used in a dabbing motion to pull out highlights. It can be stretched and shaped just like a kneaded eraser. It's also great for picking up that one little speck that wont shake off...and does it without a smear.

Pencil Sharpeners: Oh so many to choose from!







Pencil Sharpeners: Your choice will depend on how much and where you draw.

Pencil Sharpeners can range from the Heavy-duty Work Horse to a simple Sandpaper Block. I'll begin with the work horse (upper left). The X-ACTO Heavy-duty 41...I didn't start out with a work-horse, but I did buy something similar to the one shown above after a year or so, having gone through several smaller, less expensive, ones. When you're ready to make this type of investment just make sure it will take more than one size of pencil. The Panasonic KP 4A...this is what I started with and still carry it in my tote. A good little sharpener, I just like it's size and shape.







The Maped Canister Pencil Sharpener...This would be another good traveler. The Maped is a small hand held sharpener with two holes. The best part is that it catches the shavings and has a metal housing. The Alvin Hand Held Metal Sharpener...this little guy is another great traveler, a little messy, but a small plastic bag can fix that! The Sandpaper Block...I have carried one of these in my art tote for years. It works great to bring your pencil back to "point". On my drawing table I keep a square of sandpaper from the hardware store.

Drawing Papers: your drawing style will always dictate your choice of paper.














Your Drawing paper is very Personal:
J. D. Hillberry says in his book "Don't let the paper be the boss". If you keep this in mind, you will do just fine. The papers shown above are just three from my stash...and I'll admit that I'm a paper junkie. Your paper choice will effect your drawing every bit as much as your technique. My drawing technique requires a paper with some texture or "tooth" to it. If you have a more "photo realistic" style you may want to try a smother textured surface such as bristol vellum. I also happen to prefer a warmer toned paper rather than white. Canson Mi-Teintes...are fun to work with and come in a full range of soft colors. I still often use Strathmore 400...this paper has a soft cream tone, is acid free and comes in a pad with 80# sheets or you can individually order 100# sheets. Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper...I usually 300#, 140# is fine too, you can purchase it in pads or by the sheet. Experiment, don't be afraid to try a new surface, and most of all have fun!

Miscellaneous Studio Essentials?

Essentials or Extras?
I use most of the items shown here regularly. Yet some could certainly be considered extras for the beginning artist.

The Light Box...I use a light regularly to see greater details in my photos and to occasionally transfer my initial layout drawing onto my good drawing paper. Leather Pencil Case...this was a wonderful find. I restructured the inside a little by cutting the threads holding some of the elastic in place, allowing my larger drawing necessities to fit better, making it perfect for travel. The Drawing Board...I personally use a drawing table now but in the beginning I didn't have a anywhere that I could just walk away from my work and leave it...this allowed for easy mobility. I could just pick up what I was working on and and move.
Frisket Film...this is something that I've not used often, but was glad to have it when I need it. Magnifying Glass on a Stand...mine is a little different than this and less expensive, (mine is no longer available.) The important thing that you need to notice is that it is on a "stand". I hang my photo reference on it with tape, so that my hands are then free to draw. (I don't know how I ever got along with out this.)

Workable Fixitive...the final step for every drawing to help protect it from smudging, I spray two light coats when I'm finished. Compass...I frequently use this to check measurements. Hake Brush...used to gently brush residue off your drawing. Pencil Extender...prevents waste by making short pencils easier to use. Turquoise Clutch Pencil...I use this for indenting, by inserting a darning needle "point first" into the clutch end (where the lead goes), leaving the "eye" of the needle exposed.
Carpet Tape...(the thin double-sided plastic type, not cloth or padded). This is a trick that I learned from J. D. Hillberry. I tear a piece of computer paper just large enough to fit along the side of my hand, (from the tip of the little finger to start of wrist and about 2 1/2 inches wide). You want to cover the side part of your hand that lays on the paper when you draw. I put the carpet tape in the middle of this piece of paper and mold it to the side of my hand...protecting my drawing paper while I work. It can even be removed and reused.
Artist Tape...this is what I use around the outer edge of my drawing to give it a nice clean straight border when I am finished. The trick is to stick it to your shirt first and remove it, (repeat this several times). Doing this will dull the tackiness of the tape, making it easy to remove later from your drawing paper without causing damage.
Pencil Point Protectors... These are inexpensive little things and great to have when traveling. I keep one on all the pencils in my leather pencil case that I keep in my tote.


Somewhere in the future one or more of these products may no longer be available...causing a "dead" link. I would sure appreciate it if you would notify me in this situation. If you have other questions about any of the art supplies listed here, please don't be shy about asking. No question is too small or unimportant.

Thanks for your interest.

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