Tuesday, May 14, 2019

I Am Because We Are

I am a freelance artist. I know my craft... painting, drawing, design... But, when it comes to building my business brand, like most newbie entrepreneurs, I had to learn social media skills, marketing, sales funnels, email promotions and a whole slue of other things to get my business online. In the process of learning, I have had to weed through all the B.S. to find the real nitty-gritty. I have made my share of mistakes, trusting the wrong "Guru", or by wasting time on programs that don't work.

It is so easy to get discouraged, and even jaded by those those stories of "experts", selling their "Easy-to-follow, money-making systems" with their web pages plastered in all their luxuries... the new Bentley, the huge fancy mansion, the new exotic vacation... whatever.

The point of that rant is this... even though we can be overwhelmed by the bad-ugly on our business journey, every now and again we come across truly inspiring stories of those who are making a difference in the world.

One of those stories is UBUNTU Life. I only read about them recently from Zazzle, the online site where I sell my prints. They just partnered with Ubantu, and will be making the world’s first customizable African Espadrilles. But that is not what makes this company special. It is their core value that makes them shine.

Ubuntu is a South African word that means ‘I am because we are’. It is all about interconnectedness and meaningful relationships. All of the "Afridrilles" shoes are handmade-to-order by Kenya mothers, many of whom have special needs children.

Ubantu is empowering women by helping them achieve financial independence. They teach women valuable skills, and provide meaningful jobs with above-market wages with health benefits to help them support their families. They are creating sustainable change that is improving lives of special needs children and braking the cycle of poverty and bringing these kids life-changing care and education. Ubuntu-made products support social impact programs in Kenya creating a positive shift from the stigma surrounding disabilities and health in the region.

And just like that, my faith in humanity is restored.

I invite you to visit their store and read more about this wonderful organization.

Photo Credit zazzle.com/heart


Sunday, March 31, 2019

Why I Don't Promote Famous Artwork

As you might know, I am a painter AND a graphic designer. I originally had separate stores; one for my fine art prints on canvas, poster paper, or even wood, glass or metal, and one where my designs could be applied to mugs, hats, tee shirts, etc. This year, I decided to simplify my all artwork into one store under my McCarron Art & Design store brand.

In the process of this, I also showcase a collection of some of my favorite watercolor pieces from other artists on the Zazzle platform. Since that collection was published a few weeks ago, I have gotten asked several times: Why don't you have famous artist's paintings in your favorites collection?
Duh! They are already FAMOUS. They don't need my help. No, but seriously, I don't condone the reproduction of famous artworks in my Zazzle store because...
  1. Most pieces from famous artists are copyrighted and can not be reproduced without permission. Printing these famous works on any item - t-shirt, mug or canvas - is a copyright infringement with serious consequences. Jail-time and fines aside, I strongly believe in giving artists credit for his or her hard work. 
  2. Since most of these famous artists are dead, if I was to get permission to print their work, any copyright royalties would go to the museum or whomever BOUGHT the copyright... Not the ARTIST. Dead artists don't need money. Which brings me to number...
  3. I wholeheartedly believe in supporting artists. I shop at local craft shows whenever possible and I seek out handmade items. When I find pieces that I love, I follow the makers online via social media and any online stores. I support the beauty they bring to life.
So, there you have it. Three reasons why I don't promote famous artwork, and why I totally love to promote UNFAMOUS artists.



Tuesday, March 12, 2019

This is going to be a quick post, just to say "Happy St. Paddy's Day!"
I know that many think that after all the hectic art shows and craft markets before Christmas, a crafter gets to slow down for a few months....
NOPE!
Like most artists, I have a few ways to keep the bills paid during the "SLOW" part of the year.
I design wedding invitations for my website, Aruba-Sunsets.com, which I also write all the content for, sell advertising, and promote products for. There have been some resent changes to internet security that required updates to all 100+ pages. Thank goodness my hosting company takes care of that behind the scenes, but it did interfere with many of my affiliate links, which took a while to correct.
But, more to the point, as a designer, I have been creating Valentine's Day prints and funny St. Patrick's Day T-shirt graphics and phone cases using the cozy, warm 2019 Color of the Year, Living Coral. You can find all these things in my store. 
Believe it or not, this week, many makers suggest that it is time to start designing for Father's Day! I will be designing for things that you and I would give to Dad as gifts. ie. golf balls, flasks, shot glasses, beer glasses, ties, playing cards, coffee mugs... you know...
Hope all of you have a fun, safe St. Patrick's Day, and I will talk to you soon. If you need to reach me before then, click the "Contact Me" Page, and send me a line.

Saturday, February 9, 2019

How to Create a Gallery Wall

Being an artist means I have lots of paintings that deserve attention. Living in a condo means that I have to use my wall space efficiently to showcase my favorite pieces, and to do that, I created a Gallery Wall above our sofa. 


All of these paintings and others can be purchased as prints ...click here HERE. 

When I designed my Gallery Wall, I didn't have this handy dandy article to show me how to do it correctly. I have also sold a some of my original paintings that were hanging here, and have not decided what should be hung to replace them. So, my wall is not quite as balanced as it could be.

Monday, November 5, 2018

Middle of the Craft Season Madness

PHEW! I have hardly had a minute to my self lately... let alone, write a post. But, I had to take a few minutes and step away from the crafting madness to update you on what has been happening.

On September 8th, McCarron Art & Design crafts were represented at the Appalachian Renaissance Faire in Piney Flats, TN. That day was a balmy 92 degrees! Not the best weather to be wearing a polyester faux period outfit. I felt really bad for those jousters in full armor and the die-hard performers wearing authentic leather and wool clothing. Next year, it is scheduled for October when North East Tennessee starts to get a little cooler.

On September 22, I had a table at the first annual Gypsy Carnival at Spiritual Awakenings in Johnson City, TN. What a fun event! There were craft vendors with lovely, magical wares, fortune tellers of various kinds, belly dancers, story tellers, and a Mabon Ritual to end the evening.

On October 20th, I shared a booth at with Heather, the owner of Generations Emporium, at the Camp Placid Fall Festival in Blountville, TN. In spite of the weather being rainy and cold, there was a good crowd (although we were told, not as good as last year.) It seemed the food vendors did really well. The booth for the couple who grew, picked, and canned their own pickles, beets, and salsa was constantly busy. I had to try some and ...they were REALLY GOOD pickles!

November 3rd, Heather and I again shared a table at the Goblin Market hosted by the Hawk and Hawthorn in Barnardsville, NC. Like the Gypsy Carnival, this was mostly a Spiritual/pagan/wiccan themed event. Vendors here sold teas, essential oil mixes, Goddess items, altar tools, crystals, prayer candles. The kids loved my colorful little Worry Dolls. My Rune sets did really well, as well as Scott's Holiday Spray essential oil mix spray. I also sold one of my newest products... Samhain Ritual, Recipes and Journal Pages.  This is part of my Magical Planner Series showcasing the 8 Wicca holidays, and a monthly-weekly planner calendar with holidays and moon phases. (Coming soon.) If you would like to be notified when the new pages and planner pages are available, you can subscribe here.

Coming up this weekend is the Made Around Here Market in Jonesborough TN. This is a two day event Friday, October 9th - Saturday, October 10th. Admission is $1 hundreds of beautifully handcrafted gifts and Christmas decor from local and regional artisans and crafters. Items will include holiday and fall decor, woodcarvings, handbags, jewelry, books, local photography, quilted items, aprons and clothing, among other unique items. McCarron Art & Design will be showcasing Holiday Etched Glassware, and cute Christmas Ornaments. My ornaments are listed on WackyWimsical.com although I have not had a chance to post all of my glass etched items yet.

I will be donating some of my items to the Newcomers Charity Auction on November 15th. There will be tons of interesting items available, especially if you are looking for unique holiday gifts or yummy gourmet baked goods.

Saturday November 24th is the Shop Local Willow Tree Craft Show from 10:00 - 3:00 at the Willow Tree Coffee Shop & Music Room in Johnson City, TN.

December 1st, 11:00 - 6:00 I will be at the Yule Craft Market at the Sevierville Civic Center, hosted by Pagan Pride of East Tennessee.

On December 8th, our 2018 Craft Season Tour comes to an end with the Samadhi's Annual Art and Craft Fair form 11:00 - 4:00 Samadhi's Healing Arts Center in Johnson City, TN.

Then I will be taking some time off to spend Yule, Christmas and New Years with my loved ones.

I hope to see you at one of the upcoming craft fairs, but if you missed out, you can find most of my hand made items on WackyWhimsical.com. If you don't see what you need, contact me.

Light and Love, Y'all!

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Halloween Themed Craft Shows 2018

Two craft fairs into the 2018 season. So far, McCarron Art & Design has appeared at the Appalachian Renaissance Faire, and the Gypsy Carnival (Hosted by Spiritual Awakenings). In the next 2 weeks, I will be restocking my inventory...and by that I mean crafting my butt off!

I will be teaming up with Generations Emporium at the South Central Ruritan Craft Fair on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9 AM – 3 PM. This will be the last chance to get my Halloween themed crafts until next year.



The Halloween graphic prints will be available online at McCarron Art & Design on Zazzle





and my Etsy Shop (Wacky Whimsical) while supplies last.

Starting November 3rd, 2018, the Halloween Season officially makes way for the Christmas/Winter Holiday Season with lots of fun holiday ornaments and handmade holiday cards.






Hope to see you soon. Until then, keep on crafting!

Monday, September 3, 2018

Crafting Madness 2018 BEGINS!

It seems that September 1st is when all the crafts shows and local fairs pop up. I love doing local craft shows. I always encourage people to buy local, and support local artists! So, of course, Labor Day Weekend, I am here in my studio, crafting up a storm.

I have glass runes drying on trays until baking and curing. I printed and assembled all the booklets that are sold with them. Die-cut custom packaging, and updated my Etsy store with some my latest  design prints.  I will be uploading some fine art prints for sale there shortly as well.

I had a store on Etsy long before my McCarron Art & Design was established... look for me at WackyWhimsical.com which was my original brand until I expanded to McCarron Art & Design.

While merging the two is on my list of things to do, it will have to wait. The crafting madness is upon me.

You can find me an my designs at:



There will be more added as we get further into autumn! I will keep you posted.



Friday, August 3, 2018

The Desktop Publisher Graphic Designer

Recently, in a discussion with a fellow graphic designer, he complained about a potential client who had contacted him, looking for a "Desktop Publisher". The client had stated that the project required someone competent in design, layout, and and desktop publishing skills using InDesign. My designer friend had taken offence at the term "Desktop Publisher". It diminishes the complexity of everything that goes into a publication and minimizes the work we do as Graphic Designers. (His attitude was clear to the client, and he ultimately didn't get the contract.)

I completely agree that as trained graphic designers, our work is usually much more refined and and professionally put together that a "Desktop Publisher". I'm a graphic designer who's focus is on print, design, layout. I have a keen understanding of color coordination, and typography and composition.

Circa 1960; unnamed artist, making camera ready art for layout and paste up.
THIS is what Desktop Publishing was BEFORE computers.
Quark was the program of choice when I was in school and even then, in its infancy. I witnessed the dawn of the desktop publishing era. I saw T-squares, French Curves, and non-photo-blue pencils go the way of the dodo bird. I could create intricate layer masks with rubylith and an exacto blades that took hours of meticulous cutting... the computer could do it in a fraction of that time.

In the early 90's, many homes had a computer and everyone and their brother thought they could design business cards, letterhead, brochures, presentations, etc with a few clicks of a keyboard ... and then when they ultimately failed, a real designer, like myself, was called in to fix the mess. 

So, I understand my friends agitation at the term. However, InDesign IS called a "Desktop Publishing" program. So, we can not blame non-creative people to understand that there is SO MUCH MORE to "Desktop Publishing" than understanding a computer program.

My advice to GRAPHIC DESIGNERS seeking jobs or projects: When a potential employer or client asks them about their DESKTOP PUBLISHING skills... Don't bristle, turn red, and emit steam from your ears...Explain to the hiring manager why your creative training as a Graphic Designer is so much more valuable to them and their company. Tell them that knowing how to use a program like InDesign is only a tiny fraction of what goes into designing a spectacular catalog, book, or brochure. Remember that, before computers...before there were Graphic Designers and Desktop Publishers, there were Print Designers and Layout Artists. Titles will continue to change, but the objective is the same.... Create stunning designs with images, typology and style!

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Instagram Support and Other Myths

In case you missed my rant about my Instagram being hacked... I apologize in advance to any of my friends and supporters who have been following my IG BUSINESS account McCarron.Art.Design if you saw any offensive, or distasteful posts. (I don't mean political or slightly off color humor. I don't apologize for that.)
But, apparently my hijackers were following thousands of people looking to "hook up" or show off their booty, and spout sexual innuendos. And Instagram Support did nothing! I reported them as pornographic, but was told that they were not breaking any of Instagram's rules.
So... long story, longer... the only way that I could take back control of my account, is to switch it to a "personal" account, and make it private. Then I had to change my password and add the two-factor authorization. So, right now, no one can follow me without my approval and I can start to manually unfollow the 3 thousand or so unwanted accounts. However, I can only unfollow about 50 at a time. Otherwise, I AM MISUSING that feature! I AM? WTF? So, I will be keeping my account private for a while, at least until I get this awful situation fixed. Please do not get offended if I unfollow you by mistake. Please bear with me as I get back to making my IG feed about art, design, and other inspiring artists. Thank you!

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra

My latest design. For the Trekkie in all of us. "Darmok" was one of my favorite episodes of Star Trek the Next Generation.... Oh who am I kidding? I can't pick a favorite! But, it is one of the most quotable episodes. 
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra STNG Poster
Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra STNG Poster
by 1_Wacked_Mind

Friday, July 13, 2018

Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint Marker Review

I have done several personal and DIY crafts on ceramic and glass using sharpies. Recently, someone asked if they could buy one from me.

I didn't feel comfortable selling the items I made because, Sharpies, while awesome for DIY crafts, do wear off and fade. If I was going to sell my professional art/crafts, I would have to find a professional grade glass paint.

After some extensive research, I was convinced that the Pebeo Vitrea 160 line was the way to go. This is my review.

Personally, I found these paints to be extremely pricey. But, I ponied-up and bought a box of 9 Pebeo Vitrea 160 assorted glossy glass paint markers. (About $45 from Amazon including the cheapest shipping option.) It took less than a week to get delivery.

According to all their marketing, Pebeo Vitrea 160 is part of a new generation of thermo-hardening, transparent, non-toxic, water-based paints specifically designed for use on glass. It can be applied to glassware, vases, lamps, and even an entire window surface.

The entire line of paints includes both glossy and frosted colors as well as paint mediums (sold separately) for different effects such as crackled paint iridescent glass. (Pebeo also sells a line of Porcelaine 150 paint are not intermixable.)

The Vitrea 160 paint comes in 1.5 oz bottles, or a limited palette in marker style. I chose the markers since I wanted to use it the same way I did my Sharpies.

I did a test batch. Reading the instructions I shook the markers well, and pressed the tip until it filled with paint. Then a painted some designs on my glass disks using all of the colors in my box.

I waited the recommended 24 hours, and then placing them in a cold oven, baked them at 160 °C (325 °F) for 40 minutes, and left them there until cooled.

Since I would be using them to create glass runes which are meant to be handled and cast like dice, I needed to be sure that the paint would not chip off. This first batch was a disaster. The paint scratched of a the slightest touch of a fingernail.

I searched the internet for help, and came across a video promoting using the Pebeo Vitrea paints on glass where it was suggested to test my oven temperature accuracy with an oven thermometer.

I purchased one and tested my oven. Sure enough, even though my oven was set at 325 °F the actual temperature of my oven was 315 °F.

I painted another test batch, and waited the 24 hours. Then I adjusted the oven dial, increasing it 10° and backed a second test batch. Still the same ISSUE!

I did notice, though, that the thicker area's of paint were less likely to chip and scratch off. The problem is that the marker tip does not paint on very thick. It was only at the end of lines or in the middle of dots where some paint pooled.

So, my overall thoughts on these paints... The Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint markers are not worth the money I dished out. I won't buy them again. I may eventually purchase a 1.5 oz bottle or two and test out a batch painted using a brush. but until I can find a better alternative, I will stick with the oil-based Sharpies.

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