wellerwishes

So... how was the show?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 30 May 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Packing light
This year I managed to trim my luggage to one gigantic suitcase (my booth), one little rolly-suitcase (my clothes) and one big box (banners). Oh, and a huge backpack (most of my books). Matt and I hop on an Amtrak train from Boston, so I can't bring booth furniture and the like, but luckily Surtex has some services to help you with your booth display (more on that later).

Booth set-up
Pretty easy again this year. Again I went with trusty hanging banners. For me, they are very much worth the cost in ease of use. They are pretty much headache-free, fairly easy to tote, clean and simple to set up and take down. And they look lovely. (Any 'headache' part comes during the banner design phase. Once that is done and you have approved them, you're good to go barring any 11th hour printing issues!)

Walls
My banner people did make a small error with my banners, but I'm thrilled it only turned out to be a little pre-show annoyance. The eyelet screws that were supposed to be in the top ends of my wooden dowels were not there. Ugh, mini freak out! So we had to decide on a contingency plan. We just very carefully jimmied them up with the hooks and no eyelet screws. We had no idea of whether or not they would stay put. There is much to contend with in the wild atmosphere of the Javitz at Surtex -- booth bumps, air conditioning, lions, tigers and bears— and, oh yeah, this year it rained indoors!— but my walls stayed up and they looked nice and stayed dry for the entire three days. Boy, was I happy about that! :D

Booth
I did a corner booth this year— not only for the visibility, but also because, when I signed up, there was a sore lack of options offered up. Despite the cost, I can tell you now that I LOVED having the corner booth. No one misses a booth on the corner. For better or for worse, you know you have that visibility. Now, if that potential client doesn't stop at your booth, that's a whole 'nother bag of m&m's! But, all told, I would do a corner booth again, absolutely. Hey, I'm really coming out of my shell!

Press Kit
Something I decided to spend NO time on this year pre-show was a Press Kit. Last year, I spent a lot of time and a bit of dough on preparing one I was proud of. I left a bunch up in the Press Room, and honestly I'm not sure that even one was taken. So this year I had a knee-jerk reaction, and I did none. In retrospect, something small would have been just the ticket. This year, there were many more press people who are bloggers, and I suspect many were new to covering the show, and I will just bet that they made a special visit to the Press Room sometime during the show. So, I missed the boat on that this year. Next year, I will have that piece covered.

Traffic..
I think it is very hard for each person to objectively quantify traffic at Surtex. For one thing, certain parts of the show floor on any given day (at any given hour) are busy, maybe even jam-packed with people, while other aisles lay completely silent. So your traffic is different than another persons' traffic... but also traffic from aisle to aisle is different. I do think that, when people come, they try as hard as they can to walk the entire show. So I don't think it is the norm to not hit every aisle at some point. It's just that traffic is like the wind—unpredictable at any given time. It moves around in one area, and is still in another, and that can make it difficult to be mathematical about it. Or it could be that it's just impossible for my brain to think that way. Anyway, it will be interesting to see whatever stats are released on this year's show, when that information is available.

Your Surtex is not your neighbor's Surtex
My neighbors' Surtex was not my Surtex. My Surtex last year was not my Surtex this year. So much depends on your own personal situation... Where are you in your career... your contacts—who you are expecting to visit you and who have you reached out to... where your work fits in the market, and how 'hot' is that market at the time of the show... And then, how many people attending will see potential in your work for their own products in that market.. Then there's how vibrant/catchy/visible is your booth from a distance.. what kind of mood is that person in who is 30 feet away from your booth.... did they lose a contact lens, is that why they're staring at the floor... or did they drop a Hershey's Kiss... come to think of it, do you have candy at your booth, people love candy... I am kidding, of course (though who doesn't love candy) but you see my point. The list goes on and on, and some things make some sense, and other things don't make any sense.

I am so glad to hear that so many people had a wonderful show! I had a wonderful show too. So all in all, I think it was a good year (though this is only my second year as an exhibitor at surtex, so please do take that into consideration when reading that last sentence). Generally great news for the show though! But you see, there are so many factors at play, and it is such an individual thing to gauge.

Om
Regardless of this, "Quality over Quantity" is my mantra. It's something I learned to be invaluably true my first time exhibiting at a show in January 2011 (AmericasMart Licensing and Design), and it's has only become more true for me now. Remember that when you see the halls empty. And also remember that pure magic can happen when you pitch your little tent at Surtex (or at the now-defunct AmericasMart Licensing and Design, for that matter). Something wonderful and just for you can be right around the corner. You never know. :D

Ipads vs. Books
The verdict is out. I've heard solid debates on either side. I have not made the leap to full-on ipad immersion mainly because since I like to flip through books and see the printed art myself, I think that others do too. Seeing the art in a tangible form is a different experience than an ipad and it's one that I value. The problem is that, as my collection grows, so does the weight of my suitcase as I have to lug so many more books to shows. To be fair, I brought both books and ipads, but I mainly showed my books. I got the sense that people viewed looking through the ipad as somehow more of a commitment, or maybe more of a personal thing... I can't put my finger on it. but they preferred the books this time. But, next year I think I'm going to try to go mostly ipad. For one thing, it will help us to save our energy (I mean, physical energy --I'm telling you those books are heavy). For another thing, honestly, my art on the walls was sort of the big pitch this year. Oddly, my books themselves were opened a lot less this year, yet that was no reflection of peoples' interest -- regarding the new contacts I made, there were more connections with people who were seriously interested in doing business than last year. So go figure.

Display
Before I left home, I'd purchased a "portable" (...said the description) four-foot tall, four-shelf unit from Target.com. It was perfect for my booth.. except for the deal-breaker— it was WAY too heavy and cumbersome to take with us. So I left the shelf at home. I thought I'd figure something out when I got to the show. I'm a regular MacGyver. (I kid. But yes, I am reasonably resourceful.) Well, in my effort to pack light, I hastily did not bring some things that seem useless in everyday life but are very helpful in displaying items at a show, things such as little wood blocks, empty lucite rectangular containers, and the like. So when I got to the show and realized that my displays were looking a little pancakey, I decided to purchase a couple of shelves to showcase my things. I did just that, and at the premium price. Got back to my booth and not five minutes later , my shelving was delivered. But then, my wonderful next booth neighbor Emily immediately chimed in that she had two shelves she was not using, and that I was welcome to them! Wow! I was so touched by the generosity. I was able to get a refund on my shelves and I used my neighbors shelves for the whole show. That was just such an (ironically) priceless kindness! Thank you again, Emily!

Hard to believe, but..
This might be the last post I do on Surtex 2012 (and really, it probably should be, don'tcha think?) but there is so much left to say, about the trip, about the awesome potential clients I met, about the people I already know and/or work with who are the bee's knees whom I had the chance to reconnect with (or meet in person for the first time) at the show, about seeing my comrades-in-art-licensing-arms, the fun times, exhaustion, almost-injuries, cute shoes that never made it into my suitcase, cute dresses that did, the dinner with a friend who is local, narrowly missing entry to an after-hours NSS party (it was over when we got there), totally missing an after-show get together that I wished I could have attended (I was afraid it was over by the time I was free to go), new restaurant finds, my 'silent partner' and biggest support Matt who is both my right-hand man AND my husband (what a multi-tasker), so many more little anecdotes I'm failing to mention... and last but not least, the fact that Duane Reade, Staples, and Starbucks all rule (and all are right across from my hotel- lucky me)! What more can I say but Viva La Surtex!

But wait... So was it worth it??
Well we hear it over and over because it is the naked truth: The *real* work begins after the show... So let's get busy!!! :D

More Surtex 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 25 May 2012 04:25:00 +0000

I so badly wanted to write a big, three-layer-cake-with-extra-frosting Surtex 2012 post. I'm not even halfway kidding... for one thing, you know I'm capable of it (see this or this), for another, I've been writing it in my head since Tuesday night. But the truth is, I just honestly don't have the time to. I've got too much work to do. And, believe me, I know all too well how to, um, accidentally spend 3 hours composing a blog post.

So, I've got a few pictures instead.

Above: my 2012 hall-mates, Phil and Kate from Smay Design. So glad I met them this year!

Here are my neighbors (2011 and 2012) Breanne and Jeremy of Brejer. Great neighbors, great peeps, and great art too!

I have a few more pics from neighbors, but I'm waiting on clearance to post them.
So while I'm waiting...

I'll just post more photos of me in my booth ! :D :D

Most (if not all) of these were taken by Stacie of thethreesweetpeas.com. She was working with Emily Taylor of Emily Taylor Design, across from me. They are both so sweet and were so kind and helpful- great neighbors (I've been lucky!) and their booth looked great.

Okay! So now, I have to cut it short (or risk being up for three hours.) So, with that, good night!

Another one in the books

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:24:00 +0000

Another Surtex in the books! My second year exhibiting at Surtex is over and done with. Another year of great meetings with new and already-familiar clients and manufacturers, and a bunch of interesting events, funny surprises and serendipitous experiences.

Surtex officially came to a close about five hours ago as of this writing, and I am in a very philosophical mood at the moment and would love to tell you all about it, but it is late and I've got a packed morning planned and an early train to catch tomorrow. So with that, I'll leave you with this picture of me at my booth (courtesy of my booth neighbor-- her name in next post). I'm proud of my Surtex showing this year in all respects, and I am VERY excited to move forward with my new and existing relationships with manufacturers and publishers. I do love this show - it's the only place that cuts such a broad swatch of manufacturers who are looking for art for licensing -- and I am already considering details for 2013, as well as ideas for upcoming collections... But before everything, I now have LOTS more work to do for follow-up! :D

Well, time for bed now... But more on Surtex in my next post!Thanks for reading my blog... and if you spy any typos, please cut me some slack —I'm composing this on my phone with my index finger.

Good night!

Surtex 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

I'm all aflurry with pre-show activity at the moment... well, aflurry is the "whimsical" way of putting it. In truth, this place looks like a crime scene... but I just wanted to quickly check-in with you before the big show next week. If you are also exhibiting at Surtex, I wish you a fabulous show! If you are interested in art licensing and are attending just to walk the show and get a feel for the industry, please read this fantastic post about all-important show etiquette here on Tara Reed's blog. I totally second all the information in it. Very informative and I promise it will help you to have a great experience at Surtex! :D

Oh, and I forgot to add: If you do come and you are walking the floor, and would like to say hello during the show, I'd love to say hi! But please, wave to me from the aisle instead of coming into my booth first. This way, I will pop out if it is possible, and my booth will also remain free for potential clients to approach me. It's a win-win! :D

See you at Surtex everyone!
By the way, this is my 1,000th blog post!
As a little way to celebrate it...
Here is a post from my first time at Surtex
Here is a post from my first time exhibiting at Surtex

OK, back to work!

Jolly Jabber interview!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:18:00 +0000

Wow, I am so excited to share that the Fat Quarter Shop's blog the Jolly Jabber interviewed me regarding Jive Cats! Woo ho! Or is that meow meow? Either way, it is pretty cool and I'm thrilled. (I love the Jolly Jabber and I read it often.) Thanks to Stephanie and all of the Fat Quarter Shop crew! :D

In other news, guess what? My next blog post will be my 1,000th. Gulp.
WOW, again. :D

Cats, purses and shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:58:00 +0000

I am totally living under a rock right now, but I was SO thrilled to get this amazing package in the mail the other day full of Jive Cats items that I couldn't wait to do just a tiny bit of show and tell for you.

Awhile back, I ordered a bunch of stuff designed and sewn up by the fabulous Julie Bravo (Simbiosis / Petite Maison). I love what she has done. I will post more in the future but here is just a little tiny peek at this awesome clutch bag!

How funny is the Jive Cats iphone case peeking out of the Jive Cats bag? If you would like to get creative and create your own facsimile, Fat Quarterly Shop is carrying Sassy Pink colorway (do a search for "jive cats" at fatquartershop.com to see/buy it) but I've heard they don't have the Funky Town Brown colorway, so I'm going to have to look around to see who is carrying it to pas it along to you. So please stay tuned on that score.

Updated...
Found some of the brown colorway at felinedrive.com
Found some more brown at Ericas.com

In OTHER news... Check out my new shoes... Meow!

Irregular Choice shoes

I bought these just for Surtex -- I wanted to have something with a little bit of POP and PUNCH to wear. How amazing that I came across these shoes - these go a 'step' further and actually support my story and my mission of world cat (and dog and cute character) art domination!
It was serendipity... These shoes... perhaps they found me?

These will be the first and maybe the last pair of shoes, with actual whiskers, I will ever have... unless someday the Jive Cats get made into shoes. (Which I could totally see, by the way... Converse, you listening?) If that comes to be, I'll have more! Fo sho! But for now, these are it. Got a couple cute new dresses too, but I'm going to wait to show you any of those.. I must not let that cat out of the bag, for now.. tee hee.

Ok, back under the rock I go! 'Til later...

Optical Illusion Jive Cats

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:05:00 +0000

I opened a Society 6 store a couple of weeks ago. I love the concept of Society 6 and the product offerings are nice. I like that they offer a few thoughtful products and don't try to be all things to all people. And, from all I've read, the quality is excellent. So I took the plunge. I did also want to try the product, and I also happened to be in need of a new iphone case...

So let's play a game... Can you SPOT the Jive Cats iphone case?

This case is the Cat's Meow! I love it!!

I also put the Jive Cats on my lock screen and wallpaper!

Now, I have a real Jive Cats "optical illusion" iphone. :D

If you'd like a screen for your iphone too, simply leave a comment on this post and I'll be happy to make one, free for all and easy to download . :D

Surtex!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:15:00 +0000

Me at my Surtex booth in May 2011

The whirlwind has begun! Surtex season is upon us and I, like every other exhibiting artist, am in major nose-to-the-grindstone mode—working on getting every necessity taken care of, making plans for every little thing, trying to stay organized— and trying not to forget anything! In a word, it is madness... But it's the best kind of madness —full of excitement, goals and dreams for the future, and (positive) attitude! :D

I'm happy to be a second-time Surtex exhibitor this year. In terms of exhibiting, I've taken my early lumps and have learned from experience— where it is best to apply my energies, and what can take a back seat. In terms of business, several positive, fantastic things have happened for me this past year as a direct result of exhibiting. I cultivated relationships, and have made partnerships with companies I was able to meet and get acquainted with in person, only through exhibiting. As I have said before, nothing is a good substitute for meeting in person, and, it is very rewarding! (So if you are on the fence, and you've been there for awhile, get off the fence, and start planning for next year!)

Anyhow, I'm very excited about the present and future of my business (World Art Domination is my other motto :D ) and though I can't go into any details, I am happy to share that that I have been pretty solid busy with client work this year so far. So, once a few final things are delivered, I will be making a Hee-UGE push to reorganize my portfolio books and complete more collections before the show. That means, less real-life social time, and less time for blogging. So, after this Sunday, you might not see or hear much from me for a little while (A Tail A Day is very understanding!). But it is all for a GREAT CAUSE! It is time to WORK! How ELSE do I plan to take over the world with my cute art?? You gotta WORK for it, baby!! Work work work!!! No if's and's, or but's... And NO shortcuts!! :D

January 2011 - Setting up my booth at AmericasMart Licensing & Design

A Tail A Day. Dashing Gents.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:40:00 +0000

This is not part of the fabric collection, just another Jive Cats illustration I did. There is final art based on this drawing. Maybe I'll post it some time..

Draw Something. Celebs

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:01:00 +0000

The only one that I feel is not really "me" is Adele.. I thought I'd try something new. I like Draw Something because, in some ways, it's all about celebrating the mistakes. Anyway, hope these give you a laugh.

Avril (Lavigne)

Elton (John)

Griffin (Kathy)

Snooki (GTL)


Adele

A Tail A Day. JiveCats Sketches 4

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:18:00 +0000

Here's a peek at the beginning sketches for the feature pattern. This is a really loose sketch but it is fun to see things half-done and then in a completed state, isn't it?

Several of the cats are the same little cats and even in the same places. Some of them have been switched out for other cats. (Note: The top sketch is all gents, while the below final is now co-ed!)

Voila! Cats!

A Tail A Day. Jive Cays Sketches 3

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:08:00 +0000

While discussing ancillary ideas for the line, the idea of a pillow panel project came up. I LOVED it! (Kitty stuffed animal?? Hellooo! Pinch me!) Above is one sketch of what I thought might work well for the pillow panel. Below, a portion of the final panel. (Ms. Kitty decided on a little accessory change up before her big moment.)

When I make a pillow, I'll be sure to show and tell!

A Tail A Day. JiveCats Sketches 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:44:00 +0000

Here are more images of sketches compared with the final product to show initial ideas vs. what actually made it into production. As you can see, I was given a lot of freedom! (Thank you Northcott!)

Draw Something. Food and Bev.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Sandwich

Vineyard


Omelet

Whiskey

Wise

A Tail A Day. JiveCats Sketches 1

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:19:00 +0000

This week I'm going to post a few of the early sketches that became my Jive Cats fabric collection for Northcott. I want to show you what made it into the collection, and also what didn't. Here is a good example...

This was one of the first ideas for the cats, on paper. The sketches are pretty much exactly the kitties that made it into the collection! (For comparisons sake, check out the top cat, second from left, next to the stop light, compared to the below kitty in the collection.) The signage did get nixed however. Not a big deal. The CATS made it—they were the MOST important!

More Draw Something

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 22:57:00 +0000

Well, it is now well-established that I am a draw Something addict.
Here are some of my latest scribbles... Hope you enjoy!
:D

Trapeze

Journey

Tiara

Hose

Munchkin

Guitar

Salami

Map

Ukelele

Sunburn

Winner

A Tail A Day. More Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 04:05:00 +0000

Happy Friday. (More coffee, please!)

A Tail A Day. With Fiddle

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:25:00 +0000

A Tail A Day. I Love Books

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:33:00 +0000

I'm having a reading renaissance. Well, not READING... I read all the time. But I'm talking about just-for-fun reading. REALLY. Just for laughs.

First, I read Tina Fey's book. Then I read Mindy Kaling's book. Now I'm reading Sarah Silverman's book, and after that I am planning to read Samantha Bee's book.

(it's a good time!)

Draw Something

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:27:00 +0000

A friend recently told me about this totally amazing, fun app called Draw Something by OMGPOP. It's like Pictionary but you're playing against one friend at a time, on your phone. Once I started, I instantly got hooked! Now, I can't stop playing. Well, I guess I can long enough to tell you about it.

Below are some screenshots I took of some of my game drawings.

Wrestler

Bikini

Dumbo

KFC

Rihanna (and her umbrella -ella -ella)

Gymnast

Icing

Milk

Glasses

Lady Gaga

Fern

Draw Something is a great quick-thinking exercise in conceptual thinking which helps me in my work because it is like a little burst of jumping jacks for my creative brain. Hey look–I just legitimately justified playing a game on my phone! And you can too!

Anyone can play! You do not have to have artistic talent to play. There is no pressure! That is really part of the fun!! Seriously. I'm not kidding, it is cool for everyone and anyone, and I love a game that is not intimidating to people who don't usually draw!! It's great!! That is one of the most awesome things about it.

Just dive in! It's so much fun.
If you DO give it a try, please invite me for a game.

A Tail A Day. Urban Mermaid.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:02:00 +0000

Just a little doodle of a city kitty under the sea.

A Tail A Day. Hep-Cat!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:02:00 +0000

Here's a little jazzy Jazz Cat. I've always thought of the color of Jazz to be blue. How about you?
I know blue is the obvious choice for the Blues... but can't the Blues share?
(Or, do you think Purple is more fitting?)

Just having a little fun in Photoshop.
Here is the original sketch.

A Tail A Day. Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 06:21:00 +0000

The weekend is a really good time to... have a little fun with your blog template! :D So, what do you think of my new look? I'm trying out blogger's new Dynamic Views.

I'm pretty happy about the new offerings. There's lots of ways (7, if you're counting) to keep your blog looking fresh and fun! You can check out all the latest on the new templates at the Blogger Buzz blog.

So.. aside from cleaning up my blog template a bit, I'm going to take part in a few of the activities listed above! I will draw, I will finish a work project (which is not listed above... hmmm..) I will have a nice lunch or brunch, I already saw a movie (21 Jump Street, and I highly recommend it. I'm being completely honest! it is GREAT!), I will sleep, do errands, draw, have dog time, watch a video, and maybe even try to finish the (hilarious) book I am reading. Is all that asking too much? Hmm... maybe, we'll see! What are you doing this weekend?

A Tail A Day. Almost Spring.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Happy Friday! Guess what?
It's almost spring.

A Tail A Day. Chin up.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 01:24:00 +0000

When life gives you lemons... well, just don't let those turkeys get you down.