Thursday, July 10, 2008

Walt Disney World Marathon

Back in October of last year, I came across a post on the MomPack (a networking group I am a member of) looking for graphics or clipart of running twin girls. The poster (Nikki) was running a marathon with her twin sister and was wanting something for a team shirt. I offered them a free custom drawing for their shirt (so long as they agreed to let me advertise my website on the shirt). Nikki jumped at my offer and I created a one-of-a-kind design for their team t-shirt. (the image is already on my blog - check out Oct. 19's post)

In January, Nikki emailed me:

Lexi,
I wanted to thank you for the wonderful image you designed for my sister and I to do the Walt Disney World Marathon in. It was truly the hit of the marathon!! We were told countless times that we had the best shirts!
I've attached an image of the two of us from the front as well as one from the back so you can see what the shirts looked like with your beautiful design.
Thank you again - you helped make this marathon trip an amazing one, by enabling us to be a "team" unlike any other.
Nikki


and included photos of her and her sister before the race:



While the exposure didn't bring me any business or national recognition, I can say for certain that it made me extremely happy and proud knowing that it meant so much to Nikki and her sister and made their experience that much more special and memorable. Thank you, Nikki!

Lexi Returns!

Some might have noticed my disappearance...most probably haven't.

The holidays hit hard - business was slow, money tight, and stress abundant. I had hit a creative block and lost almost all desire to even pick up a pencil or paintbrush. In addition to my own issues, my grandmother's health began failing and I took on a lot of responsibilities - taking her to dr. appts, keeping her company during the day, and making sure she actually ate! In January, she moved in with my parents and I began caring for her on a daily basis. The added responsibility and stress resulted in an unofficial hiatus from my business. But, my mom is able to care for her until school starts back up, so I am taking the time to refocus my energies on what I love - my art.

My creative juices are starting to flow again, but its hard getting back into the swing of things. I'm simply taking one order at a time, and while it may take me 3 times what it used to take me to complete something, I'm getting it done and feeling great being back!
Here's my latest completed order:


This 8x10 was in memory of my friend's uncle who died of liver cancer a few years ago. Every year, they hold a kid's fishing tournament in his honor and donate a portion of the proceeds to the Cancer Center in Killeen, TX.

I'm working on a handful of other orders including address labels, family notecards, bridal shower & bachelorette party invites, another 8x10 portrait, and some stationery templates.

I am also working on getting a store set up on Etsy.com to sell some paintings I've done (nothing commissioned, just my own creative "weirdness" coming through), and a cafe press store showcasing some of my fave/popular designs (I will be making a separate post later with different designs you can vote on to be featured in my store). All this is just a work in progress, and neither have a definitive launch date at this time.

Well, I suppose that is it for now...

-Lexi