Mustek Scan Express A3 1200 Pro USB Large Format Scanner is the most reasonably priced tabloid-size (11.7 x 16.5) scanner on that market at this time. It definitely outperforms expectations, especially at this pricepoint (i paid $167 at Amazon) though it should not be confused with the less-for-more Mustek ScanExpress A3 USB Flatbed Scanner The first scanner I ever bought way back in 1998 was also a tabloid sized scsi scanner by Epson for which I paid around $500- a hefty chunk of that … [Read more...]
Tablet Draw By MooSoftware.com
November 18, 2009 By 2 Comments
I just found a Shareware program that had me reaching for my credit card within fifteen minutes of first downloading it to try out. From mooSoftware.com is TABLETDRAW® a simple drawing program that uses the pressure sensitivity of the various Wacom tablets to allow you to draw freely. It's a sketching and drawing program with the look of pencil, pen, or felt marker. It runs on Intel-based or PowerPC Macs and requires Mac OS X version 10.4 or later. Sorry, PC users, this one is Mac only. What … [Read more...]
The Well-Travelled Artists’ Book
November 2, 2009 By 1 Comment
When my colleagues Charlie Jones and Ralph Petty decided to create a book together, I knew immediately I wanted to be involved somehow. Not that I’m a workaholic or anything, but I knew it was sure to involve 1- TRAVEL; 2- ART; 3 - GREAT FOOD; and of course 4– LOTS OF SERIOUS FUN. When I asked Charlie to include me (WILL WORK FOR LAUGHS!) he cheerfully obliged. Charlie Jones is our local Renaissance man. He is a Regents Professor of Art in Printmaking at Stephen F. Austin … [Read more...]
Profile: Kristen Stein Shares Advice and Lessons
October 1, 2009 By Leave a Comment
What are the most important lessons you have learned about being an artist and selling your work? I have learned that creating and selling your own artwork as an independent, self-representing artist is truly a 24/7 job. I am constantly working…..whether it be creating new works, chatting about the newest pieces online, updating blogs and online listings or simply daydreaminga about the next painting, I seem to always be thinking ‘art’. I would imagine that other … [Read more...]
Profile: Kristen Stein on Roots and Inspiration
September 30, 2009 By 2 Comments
What mediums have you worked in and which is your favorite? I am a contemporary artist working primarily with acrylics on canvas. I occasionally dabble in pastels and oils. I love working in mixed media and often add gritty, grainy textures to my paint. I’ve also created paintings using layers of newspaper, paper towels, tissues, string, dried flowers, leaves and more to add extra texture and dimension to the painting. I sometimes work on wood, but generally use stretched … [Read more...]
Profile: Kristen Stein on Marketing
September 29, 2009 By 1 Comment
Tell us about your marketing journey. How did you start? My online marketing journey started in 1999 using a personal website and the auction site eBay. I sold on eBay for several years and then started cross-listing items on alternative auction sites and various online venues. Most recently, I created online stores at Etsy and on 1000Markets . I have designs at Cafepress and I have images uploaded at ImageKind and ArtistRising that offer giclee and canvas prints of some of my work. In … [Read more...]
Lighting On A Budget – Pt. 2
September 22, 2009 By 1 Comment
My 6-light CFL fixture worked well in the studio, but I wanted more light and the option to add a light modifier. I decided to move up to 3” PVC and install eight lamp sockets around the outside of the pipe. We're going to call this fixture a SPIDER, you'll see why in just a moment. Here is my original collection of parts. A 3” clean-out plug serves as a hub for the sockets. My original idea was to attach the clean out plug to a 3” bushing … [Read more...]
Marketing Monday: The Art of Being a Beacon
September 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Last week we talked about the importance of knowing who is likely to buy your work and what it is your work does for them that makes them want it. The importance of really getting down and working out something that reflects both you and your work, helps you by giving you a strong understanding of your market and the beginning of a real tool to help you both stay focused and remain flexible in changing times. The other main purpose of knowing your Who and What is the … [Read more...]
Marketing Mondays: Don’t miss the real costs
September 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The final step in this part of the game, kind of involves looking backwards. See, the venues and the details required to turn them into winners is not free, and I’m not just talkin’ about money either. There is something equally important as money here, in economics it is called “opportunity Cost” or the cost of choosing a course of action that when added to the monetary cost tells you the actual cost of what you chose to do. … [Read more...]
6 Articles You Should Read Before Upgrading to Snow Leopard
September 9, 2009 By 1 Comment
Certainly not this one. I have nothing to add to the debate. I ordered mine from Amazon this summer but I am waiting for at least another 3 or 4 months before upgrading. I can't afford to have my workflow disrupted at this time. After reading Gizmodo's excellent Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Complete Guide, Dr. Roach's Tale of Install, and David Allison's Tale of Upgrade you should have a good handle on what to expect. Me? I don't want any surprises, especially ones like my forced upgrade to CS3 … [Read more...]
Snow Leopard: One More Installation
September 8, 2009 By 2 Comments
Since the uppermost thing on most Macintosh users minds lately is the upgrade to Snow Leopard, and since this is a Mac-centric website, the least I can do is report on some of my own Snow Leopard Experiences. Is it a radical change? No, as others have reported, it is a tightening up and customizing of OSX's Leopard. The best anology I can make regarding my feelings after I installed Snow Leopard on my MacBook Pro is that it is a bit like taking a new, off-the-shelf mens' suit to an expert … [Read more...]
Marketing Monday: 6 must know things for pricing
September 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Know what your costs are This is very simple and yet a lot of folks disregard it because they think it entails a lot of left brain machinations. I’m here to tell ya if that was the case I’d never ever address it…because while I grew up as the tail end of the slide rule generation I’m lucky to add 2+2 and get four if I have to do it in my head. Thankfully, I don’t have to any more due to the advent of those funky things we called Goesintas ( as two goes … [Read more...]
