Free Sticker FUN

Yesterday I realized I needed to have more fun. Not that I haven't been enjoying what I've been doing, I just haven't been having FUN. You know, the kind of fun that deserves all caps. So now in addition to taking my time, I'm going to have FUN.

Quite awhile ago, I'd started doing stickers. On the sly. Underground. Layered spray paint and then a small face with a VA logo. I gave them away free, occasionally in trade for other stickers.

My plan was to do more and surprise buyers of Vinyl Art with them, people who'd stuck by me (ah jeez, sorry for the pun) and not only kept up with my work, but shared it as well. Kind of a special thank you. Still on the sly. Still given for free.

I'm doin' it. For FUN.

Peace.

(Hehe, this is my 420th post and I painted Gilmour and Marley. 420. You know.)

VA™ - Now I Can Merchandise Vinyl Art!

Tada! As of today, the trademark on my logo should be official. I hope I get a cool certificate.

It didn't really take that long, and I only had to make one clarification and one check-up call to the examining attorney. The form was daunting, and I saved some money doing it all online and without the option to modify the filing. So that was a bit scary. I was worried that since I only had one shot, I'd waste like $200 if I didn't do it right. But everything seems hunky-dory!

I've had my 3x5 vinyl VA stickers for awhile. Some of you might've gotten one if you bought an unframed piece or commissioned one from me directly, or my mother-in-law gave you one. :) She likes being the proud mom. So now I can publicize their existence and say that you'll get one for free if you buy a piece.

The other sticker hiding behind the oval vinyl VA is a treat for a select few. They're on the sly, on the down-low. This one in particular is in trade for another artist's handpainted sticker. I do these with spray paint and white acrylic.

And beyond that, I'm not sure what I'll do yet. I was going to do a contest for T-shirt designs incorporating the logo, but I don't have the cash to have the shirts screened yet. Also, I'm going to eventually do some cool keychains out of metal, maybe for sale or gifts. But, anyway, it's fun to start thinking about how to get the logo known and connected with my art. I think it could be a strong brand image.

What do you think? An artist with a logo?

Peace.

Human Nature Tends To Good

I love the unexpected email. I received a message from a man in Lebanon. The opening line:

"Your talent,intelegent,knowledge makes you a once in a live time legend."

Wow.

Way to get my attention! The rest of the message was a gracious and humble request for a piece of me, something, anything, signed. How cool!

I sent a message back asking for confirmation of the mailing address and to find out where the impetus for this request was coming from. Turns out he's doing a project on culture and art. So, I'm sending him one of my new handpainted postal stickers, complete with autograph. Hope he likes it!

These are something I've been playing around with for a little while. Not to sell, but to give away.

Speaking of giving away things, last year I gave two pieces to Roger Steffens and his Bob Marley Ark-hives. He's included my work in the current issue of The Beat, Volume 27 No. 2 2008! I'm mentioned in the Forward and the article "Bob Marley: Art & Soul", which also has pictures of the pieces and of me! I'm published! I'm so honored to be included in this annual Bob Marley issue.

Unexpected generosity of spirit. Good deal.

Peace.