So, what does it take to place an order for a holiday commission?
Good news - it's not that different from my normal commission process! But let's review, step by step.
So what is different about HOLIDAY Commissions?
Honestly, not much! There are a few key dates to keep in mind:
Also, there are a few special items of note that I NEED to mention.
I believe this covers everything! I am looking forward to working on some wonderful gifts this year, so I am really excited to open up my spots tomorrow morning! If there are any questions you may have that I have not addressed, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! I am happy to answer them.
Remember, the commissions open tomorrow, but once they are full, they are FULL! So if you're thinking about placing an order, let's chat early!
]]>Why have I decided to take my art into a new direction? Well, the simple answer is...I wanted to. I felt like creating sports portraits all the time wasn't allowing me to use my creativity. I was locked into the same thing, day after day, and all of the skills I was working on - my paintings, abstract things, acrylic pours, conceptual art - I was having no real use for it. I was learning how to do these things and they were going nowhere. So I decided that had to change.
What does this mean for the shop? Honestly, in terms of what you're going to see on social media - Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. - not much will change! You will still see portraits, you'll see some paintings I'm working on, and at a glance, not much will look terribly different! But when you come to my shop, besides the new look and color scheme, you're going to notice a few things:
Change doesn't have to be scary! In fact, it can be downright FUN! And I hope you're ready for some fun with me in the coming months. I'm here to have fun creating, and I want you to have fun when we interact. So let's do this! Let's have some fun!
]]>Along the way with all of this, I realized two things:
A little elaboration on point #2. My time, just like yours, is valuable. And I realized that while my prices were low enough to really cater to "anyone and everyone," it was starting to leave me spread rather thin. I love doing commissions - it's my favorite thing to do. But now that I am back to working full time and have an "almost toddler," I really need to reevaluate my commitments and put more value on my tine. So as of today, you will noticed my prices have increased. This is not in order to turn people away, put my art out of reach, etc. This was a move that needed to happen in order for me to be able to commit my time to the most serious clients and eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) the amount of clients who place their order and then back out at the last minute.
Now, if my new prices seem scary to you, and you are now realizing that my work may now be out of your price range, hang in there! As you know, I still offer plenty of sales, clearance events, discount codes and host giveaways. So don't give up, ok?
In addition to the increase in prices, I do have two other things that have changed. For one, I have moved my VIP list to a new platform. I was not a fan of the old one and neither were you all! So in the coming days, if you are a VIP, you will see an email come through from a new source. Don't be alarmed, it's legit! And also, you've probably seen the new sign up pop-up on the homepage, and noticed there is a page dedicated to VIP sign up. It's no longer a mystery how to become one, and I'm really excited about that. To learn more about what it means to be a VIP, check out the VIP Page
And finally, I wanted to thank you all for loading up my commissions through summer, and let you know that as of yesterday, my commissions are now CLOSED through the end of July. On August 1, if all goes according to plan, they will reopen. If you have one in the works now, don't worry - I got you!
I still invite you to discuss commissions with me at any time - we can chat, that's not changing. But please understand that I am currently full, and no new work will be started until August 1 at the earliest.
I'm thrilled with all the new things that are happening this year so far. I'm excited about the new directions my art is continuing to go, and I'm REALLY excited to share some of that new direction with you in the coming weeks as my shop clears out and the old is replaced by the new.
]]>I’m sure by now you’ve seen every company you have ever used in your entire life send you an email regarding how they are reacting to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m sure all of them are telling you the precautions they are taking, how the shut down of various businesses is changing their timelines, etc. And since I’m sure you’re ridiculously tired of seeing those pop up, I’m going to keep this short and sweet.
The current situation – the “shelter in place” orders, the work from home changes, the closure of various businesses – does not have much of an effect on what I do as an artist. If anything, right now it has made me more productive than ever. I have more down time than normal with my full time job (we deal primarily in international business – and if there is no travel, we can’t do most of what we normally do). I’m also not commuting, and all of my social activities have been canceled. Right now, even my baby shower is in jeopardy. (Hoping it will be a simple postponement and not a cancellation, but we will see how things go) The only big “thing” on my plate right now is that we are in the process of buying a house. It’s insanely frustrating because of the volatile nature of interest rates right now and we don’t have a live person we can drop in on and see when we need to – but it’s all coming along. Word to the wise: don’t try to buy a house during a pandemic. So what is affected?
My pricing: There are many of you out there who are working from home at your normal schedule. And that’s wonderful. But there are equally as many of you who are either a) working reduced hours, or b) not working at all. So for right now – until things go back to some sense of normalcy – I’m offering flexible pricing. I have lowered all of my regular prices in my store, I am working on a one-on-one basis with regards to commissions, and I’m even flexible on full payments. Basically, if you see something you like, or if you would like something done, please don’t let the idea of paying for art scare you. We will work together to come up with a plan – whether that’s a reduced rate, a payment plan, whatever it takes. If you want it, let’s make it happen.
My creation timeline: As I mentioned, I’m working from home. And just like at the office – sometimes we have some slow or down time. So in those moments, with my work email open, I can do a little more sketching during the day. When I’m not commuting, I free up about an extra hour or so each day for art. And with almost all social activities being canceled (and the ones that still remain are done via Skype calls or video chat) I’m home a lot more. The only reasons I’m leaving the house these days are for doctor appointments and necessary house-buying appointments. So if you have something you’re looking to order, or you see me working on something that you know you will want, keep in mind that it will be finished significantly faster than normal.
My shipping timeline: While the creation timeline may be moving faster, the shipping timeline is not. The post offices are open, and yes, all of my shipping labels are printed at home. But at our apartment, we do not have regular mail pick up. We have to either drop things in the mailbox on the corner (not ideal for artwork shipment) or take them to the post office. We live only a few blocks away from the post office, but ours is a very busy location. In order to minimize interaction with people, I have made the decision to visit the post office as infrequently as necessary. At most, I will be dropping off packages once per week. Most likely on Friday mornings. So let’s say I visited the post office on Friday morning. Later that Friday, you ordered something from my store. This means that while yes – your order will be shipped – it will not be dropped in the mail until the following Friday. This will be the case for all orders unless we have discussed and agreed otherwise. I’m doing my part to not only avoid those who may be sick, but avoid any chance of infecting others in the rare case that I am carrying this virus without knowing.
My payment methods: Normally, I am 100% okay with having checks mailed to me, cash dropped off in an exchange, etc. However, right now I will only be accepting electronic payment. This means via PayPal, Zelle, Stripe card reader, etc.
In addition to these larger changes, there will also be smaller changes in my creation process. More wipe downs of surfaces in between projects, better precautions while packaging, limited contact with humans other than myself, etc. I want every one of you to stay healthy, to follow the guidelines of the CDC, and to stay as stress-free as you are able. I know in times like this, art is not a vital need. But for many of us it is absolutely a wonderful escape. Art helps, art heals, and I hope that by doing my thing, I am helping & healing. Hang in there, guys – this won’t last forever!
]]>Thank you for popping in here - I know it's been a while. Let’s address the large, colorful elephant in the room, shall we? It’s obvious that lately I’ve been quiet. Not a lot of art has been posted, and my VIP emails have basically slowed down to the pace of a tired sloth. And like I mentioned before, it has been somewhat intentional – between two jobs, planning a wedding, and now moving, my life is crazy busy! But I do at least owe it to you to pop in and give you an update on two fairly major items – the first being my new residence and what that means for my art, and the second being the retiring of my “forever favorite human,” Patrick Sharp. (Hey, you guys asked, so here I am, talking about it, okay?!)
First, and most importantly, let’s talk about the moving thing. For 10 years I have lived in the same place. My 2 bedroom condo played host to many visitors, three Stanley Cup hangover parties, a bazillion art projects and one super cool cat. It has served me well, but it’s no secret I’ve been trying to get out of it for a while now. And that day has finally come! As of June 1, I leave behind my Bensenville home. I’ll be moving to an apartment with my fiancé that’s a little bit further east. It’s a little stressful, but mostly exciting! So what does this move mean for my art? Well, from now until the wedding is over, it will have an impact on a few things:
Commission Timelines: Normally, I’m pretty quick with getting things done and shipped out to anyone who orders. I’m still trying to do my best, but with half of my life in boxes, and with most of my time spent either working or packing up things, my timelines are a little different. My rush orders are not a possibility right now, and each commission is taking about twice as long as it normally would. Not because I’m slacking, but because I just don’t have the normal amount of time. So if you have an order you’d like to place for this summer, I urge you to please get in touch with me, like, now. The timelines are very different than normal!
Discount Codes in my Store: If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know this already, but I have quite a few art pieces that are just hanging out in my house. As much as I enjoy looking at them, I would really like to NOT pack them and bring them to the new place. In order to get these out of my hands and into yours, I have created a discount code that gives you 60% off of EVERYTHING. You can use it as many times as you’d like and it doesn’t expire. So if there’s something you see and you want it, pop in the code “MOVINGSALE” at checkout and take 60% off your piece.
Deadlines: Coming back to the first part about timelines and whatnot, I have to mention a few deadlines. My moving date is June 1. If you have an order you’d like me to start before I move, the deadline for all contracts and deposits to be turned in is May 19, 2018. Anything received after May 19 will not be started until after I have moved and my new art space is set up. And also, even though it’s 6 months away, my wedding falls right in the middle of my normal “art orders for the holidays” deadline. This year, I will NOT be taking ANY commissions during September or October. Any orders place before September 1 will be worked on during those months if needed, but no new orders will be started in September or October. No exceptions. So – if you have a crazy detailed or large piece you’re thinking about for a Christmas gift, you should probably start talking to me about it in July or August! Commissions will open up again once my wedding is over and the dust has settled.
New Location, New Classes! My new location is just a few train stops away from where I took my most recent oil painting class. Being so close, it would be totally silly of me to not take advantage, so hopefully this summer and fall I will be taking even more classes, learning even more new stuff and doing more crazy and adventurous things. Can’t wait!
Things that are NOT changing because of my move and/or wedding: Commission requirements, deposit policy, contract policy, how to contact me, my website, my pricing structure, my shipping policies, my website address, my social media outlets, all other standard practices.
So there it all is, broken down into bits. This move and the wedding are coming up fast, and I just have to make sure everyone who reads this knows that I’m still here, still listening, and can’t wait to be back to “operating as normal!”
So let’s move on. This topic is less business and more personal – although it has a healthy blend of both. I would guess that about 90% of my followers have found me through Chicago sports art – but specifically the Blackhawks. Somehow I got wrapped up into that little world and this art gig of mine took off like I never imagined. I have done so many cool things, met so many amazing people and been able to give my artwork to people I never thought possible. I have kissed the Stanley Cup more times than many, I have celebrated wins, memorialized moments and been on hand to witness some incredible things. If you had asked me in high school if “hockey art” would ever be something I did (and did well) I would laugh and say no. Even up until one cold, February day in 2010, my art was just something personal. Something I did for fun for myself and a few friends and family. But then one name showed up in my life, and my art career really started. That name was Patrick Sharp. |
The first documented evidence. Ha. |
At the time, my “partner in crime” and I had started going to various signings because it was something to do. It was a lot of fun, and hey, who doesn’t like to meet “sports heroes,” am I right? I was like many of you – waiting in long lines just to get 5 seconds with people like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. So when Patrick Sharp – my favorite – did a signing near the town where I grew up, you know we jumped on the opportunity. To all of these signings, I didn’t bring things like jerseys or photos – I was bringing artwork. Why? It was different. It was something they hadn’t necessarily seen before. It was personal. It was something that I knew would, at the very least, get them to look up at my face and be happy to see something new and different. It was my “thing.” I showed up to this event on a cold, windy February day with a black and white drawing of Kane, Sharp & Versteeg (who you only realize is Kris if you are familiar with the photo and context). We waited in line for our five seconds with Sharpy (and we got Sharpy Sharpie markers too – fun fact), watched him interact with the kids and parents, listened to him talk to the fans about the season, awaiting our turn to say hello. When it got to be our turn, I carefully unrolled my art piece and set it down on the table in front of him. His eyes bugged, and he just…stared at it. After looking at it for a good minute or so, he looks up at me, and the first question was, “Is that…Versteeg?” Not the question I expected at all! I laughed, I said it was, he said the sketch was awesome, and we chatted for a short moment.
As he signed it, he asked me, “do you do this for a living?” I said no. His response was, “well, you should!” A small, nonchalant comment. A blushing compliment, really. And though it was just a compliment made in an effort to make conversation, it was a 3 word launching pad to what my art life would become. I never realized how important those words were until I heard them from someone who wasn’t my mom, or my dad, or someone who was closely connected to me. They were words of encouragement from a total stranger – words from a rather famous total stranger. And though he probably doesn’t remember this or realize that he even said it, he did. And it stuck with me. Those words, “well, you should” were exactly what that "twenty-something" girl needed. They motivated me to give this art thing a shot. They turned my art hobby into a side gig and a networking opportunity I never dreamed could be possible. |
The "launching pad" for my art side gig. Who knew? |
And now, this "thirty-something" lady is in a place she never dreamed would be her reality. Patrick is, in a strange way, responsible for MOST of my “crazy hockey life” and it started with three silly, little words.
This piece still hangs on my wall. The "thing" that started this whole journey. |
And here’s the best part – ever since that moment, he has still been nothing but wonderful. Every time I have seen him, whether at an appearance, out in public randomly, or even through the glass at the United Center, he has not only remembered me, but made it clear that he knows I am sitting there. Through hugs, questions about my wedding (which I didn’t even realize he knew about…) or shooting a puck directly at my face during warmups (thanks for all of those heart attack moments, by the way…) |
Patrick Sharp always had a way of communicating that he was thankful that I was there – that we as a fan base were there. If you’ve ever been given the chance to meet him, I’m sure you know what I mean. One of my favorite random memories is when my friend and I were walking down the street, and this car slows down next to us, honks the horn, rolls down the window, laughs and drives away. Scared the HELL out of us, but when we realized that it was Patrick, we couldn’t stop laughing. He was, rather – he IS – special. Over the years, he became one of my favorite people to talk to, someone whose events I wouldn’t miss for the world (and usually to bring someone new to meet him), and someone I hold close to my emotional little heart. Him leaving for Dallas had me heartbroken. When he came back, I literally jumped higher than I ever had before in the middle of a workout. And when he announced his retirement – even though I saw it coming and had my suspicions for a while, I absolutely did get a little teary-eyed. Patrick is special. And for all he has done for me, whether intentional or not, the words “thank you” will never be enough.
Patrick was not my “bff” by any means. I would never go as far as to claim anything close to that. But here’s the thing about him, and here’s what makes his retirement super emotional. When you had a conversation with him, no matter how small, no matter if it was the first time you’ve met him or the 50th time that week you’ve seen him, he listened to you and made you FEEL like, if just for a few seconds – that he was.
The most recent shindig in February. I'll miss events like this! |
So congratulations on an incredible career, Patrick Sharp. Thank you for everything – both in hockey and in helping this girl build a life she never thought possible. Your impact has reached far beyond what you realize, and I am FOREVER thankful. Thank you for making me feel important, thank you for making me realize my talents, and thank you for the opportunities you – without knowing it – had a hand in creating for me. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do, and I sincerely hope that if in 20 years we cross paths again, I can give you a hug and thank you for the millionth time. Thank you Patrick, this city loves you. |
And to you readers, check back soon – I have a really special art piece in the works and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s something special!
]]>