Katgirl Studio

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 12:

2009-11-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://www.urlesque.com/2009/11/09/hairless-bear/
http://www.google.com/logos/sesamestreet.html
http://www.tor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=blog&id=58188
http://www.themarketingspotblog.com/2009/11/social-media-strategy.html
http://controversy.wearscience.com/

KatGirl Studio Greeting Cards

2009-11-11T20:38:00.000-08:00

KatGirl Studio Greeting Cards are now available for order!

You can now send illustrations from illustrator Alicia "Kat" Dillman as Greeting Cards to your family and friends.

Each card is:
High Quality off-set printed
4.25" x 6" when folded 14 pt. Gloss paper on outside
Blank inside Includes 70lb. White Envelopes
Is shipped Scored and Flat
An Eco-Friendly Product

The greeting cards come in 10, 20 or 30 card packs.

The following designs are now available:

The Color of Snow

Seasons Greetings

Wolpertinger Winter

Interview with Alicia Kat Dillman

2009-11-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure this past week of being interviewed by Fan to Pro blogger Steven Savage

The interview is as follows but please feel free to visit the Fan to Pro Blog and read more of the wealth of information they have there:

Interview with Artist Alicia Dillman

I met Alicia Dillman at a local convention in the Bay Area and was impressed with her drive and her incredible artistic talent. She was nice enough to be interviewed to give some insights on her artistic experience, background, and professional advice.

Alicia "Kat" Dillman
website: www.katgirlstudio.com or www.katgirl.net
twitter: http://twitter.com/KatGirl_Studio

1) Tell us a bit about who you are and what to you do professionally as an artist.

My name is Alicia "Kat" Dillman and I own and operate KatGirl Studio. I'm a profession freelance illustrator. I graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the Academy of Art in San Francisco in 2008. I mainly do work for children's publishing and book covers. I am currently in the process of illustrating 3 children's picture books and writing two Young Adult novels.

2) People have a lot of ideas about what artists careers and jobs will be like - what assumptions did you have that turned out to be wrong? What turned out to be right?

While going to school our instructors told us that the only starving artists were those who possessed poor technical ability or business skills. I was assured as one of the top students I would have no problem finding work. Then the economy tanked and I graduated during the worst year in economic history since the Great Depression. Jobs and projects, even badly paying ones, were scarce. It really didn't matter how good you were. If you weren't already known there was nothing out there for you. It was really hard but recently things have started to pick up a bit. It's nice to know that my career as an Illustrator can only really go up from here.

3) Do you have any interesting insights to share on your career in art that may help people who want to break into the field? How did you get in, why, what worked for you, and how did your hobbies/interests play into it.

I got into Illustration after trying out 3 other majors in college. I was originally going to transfer to the Academy of Art for Theatrical Fashion Design but got on the wrong tour bus on Academy Day and ended up at the Illustration building instead. Their department looked more interesting so I signed up and never looked back.

I don't know that I have really "gotten in" just yet but I'm trying really hard to work my way into the industry. What has seemed to work the best is having a strong web presence. I have my work on one of the top portfolio sites for Children's Illustrators and a lot of my clients find me through there. I also have my work on free portfolio sites, I have a blog I post is nearly every week, as well as a strong twitter following. Also had a table or a booth at 4 conventions, 3 Art & Wine festivals and 1 conference in the past 10 months. Meeting people face to face is very important to building name recognition and strengthening you fan base.

4) Freelance or employed by someone else as an artist - what are the advantages and disadvantages to you?

Employment: If you are employed by someone else you generally own nothing. Everything you create, every idea, is owned by someone else. The advantage is that you have that job security. You will get a pay check 5 days a week, not just when projects come in. I would love to work for a company like Pixar but in 2008 and still now coveted art positions at companies were far and few between. Working for a company is a good gig, if you can get it.

Freelance: Everything you create is owned by you unless you sell those rights. You have complete control over the things you create and how they are used. You get larger chunks of money for your skills. You can work from a home studio, saving money on everything from gas to food. The disadvantage is that you don't get that steady pay check. You have to front all costs for projects until you are paid. It's common for checks to take 30-90 days to come in after a project is completed and some never come in. There's also the health care problem. Because our country doesn't have universal health care or something like it freelancers can very rarely afford to get their own health care plans. Those are the disadvantages most think of, but they forget to subtle ones that afflict freelancers like depression and isolation. Unless you work in a shared studio you spent most days alone without human contact unless you live with someone or go outside to get lunch or run errands. Some people just don't do will with that isolation others thrive on it. I am a people person to it was really hard to adjust to spending my days alone after 20 years of being in school. If you're like me I recommend chatting with other freelancers or friends via an instant messaging system, Twitter or FaceBook Chat while you work. Bounce ideas of them and share preliminary work with them if your project contract allows. Its kinda like having co-workers all over the world. It will help maintain good mental health and moral.

5) What social media and internet tools helped your career and which ones do you recommend.

It goes without saying that you need your own website. If you want clients to view you as a professional you need your own website. In this day in age it is the single most important thing to have as an artisan, illustrator or other graphical artist. If you are not tech savvy hire someone to make one for you, bribe a tech savvy friend or as a last resort at least have a blog site. I recommend Blogspot which has all kinds of widgets to help you. Feel free to visit mine and see what I mean. http://katgirlstudio.blogspot.com/

I strongly recommend having a Twitter. If you adopt only one new technology into your career make it this one. It is imperative that you have one and use it frequently. It keeps my fans up to date on what I'm doing and helps strengthen the connection they feel towards me. It also helps me connect with potential clients and gives them a view into the person I am.. Don't forget art directors, agents, editors and publishers tweet too. You can also glean valuable information that is not widely available anywhere else.

Have a Deviant Art account its free and if you get a paid account for the extra features its only $30 for a year. I use it to search for reference and inspiration. I post my preliminary work and work in progress images for my fans. I make blog posts about events we will be at or new products in our shop. I use its stat feature to find out the most popular pieces I've created. It also has a widget that hooks up my twitter feed to my DA account giving me more ways to reach my fans and connect with them.

6) In an age of technology changes, economic upheaval, and companies moving into each other's spaces, where do you see artists like yourself being?

Right where we always have been. Though these things may change the way we work it does not change the need for creative people. I myself am always at the forefront of technology because I use it in nearly every aspect of my work. I am also the daughter of a computer engineer and have never experienced the technological reluctance that some artist's have. I have to say to everyone reading this: avoid and fear technology at your own peril, for the industry will have no qualms about passing you over for one more willing to move forward.

7) Any further insights to share?

It is sad that artists are so undervalued in our society when everything you see in your day to day lives had to pass through the hands of Illustrators, graphic designs or artisans to get there. There's an anonymous quote out there on the internet that reads: "In this country, there are almost twice as many neurosurgeons as there are professional illustrators. There are eleven times as many certified mechanics. There are SEVENTY times as many people in the IT field." Never forget how valuable and rare your skills are. Never let others diminish you, pay you less than you deserve or convince you to work for "exposure" alone. You are not some picture pony out there for the amusement of others you are a trained thoroughbred race horse. As a professional illustrator, artist or graphic designer you deserve the same respect given to any other highly skilled profession of any other field.

If you would like to read the whole article the quote is from you can find it here: http://www.no-spec.com/archives/i-wish-i-had-written-this/

Please visit the Fan to Pro Blog

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 11:

2009-11-05T11:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Pre-Halloween

2009-10-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hope you all have a safe fun Halloween!

KatGirl Studio's Kiki pumpkin 2009

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 10:

2009-10-30T01:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry that this weeks is more of a end of week instead of mid week recap I just got a new work computer and have been doing alot of set up stuff.

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://kateharperblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/have-cat-youll-love-this.html
http://heinleinpubservices.blogspot.com/2009/10/quality-self-publishing.html
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/publishing/will_there_be_book_publishers_in_10_years_140865.asp
http://betsylerner.com/2009/10/20/darkness-visible/
http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2009/10/the-survival-of-books/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8328878.stm
http://www.abominable.cc/2009/10/28/happy-halloween/
http://www.stuff.co.nz/oddstuff/3008651/Mystery-lump-on-beach-mistaken-for-alien

APE 2009 Recap

2009-10-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

APE Exhibitors Mixer at Last Gasp
The Mixer was held in the Last Gasp warehouse and offices. Nothing more awesome that mingling and drinks in rooms filled with books, carnival side show art and two headed stuffed oddities. We hung out with Emily Martin and her friends from Megamoth Studio next to the Sprectrum books. I even found the YOUR FRIEND THE RAT Little Golden book from Pixar I’ve been looking for for two years.

APE
As it turned out table was in a less than stellar location at APE but we made the best of it. About 2 hours into the event on Saturday I lost my voice. Luckily I had my wonderful table mate and boyfriend Aleric to help out and make me a cute sign. Thank you to all the wonderful people who stopped by to support our studio!

We sold out of THE SEA OF IMAGINATION 13x19 Limited Edition Giclée’s we had at APE. But they are now available in the KatGirl Studio Shop.

A short list of cool people I “talked” to at APE:
Emily Martin
Der-Shing Helmer
William Groebe
Steph laberis
Brittney Lee
Llyn Hunter
Justina Kochansky
The Museum of Lost Wonder

CAM Alternative Press Expo Party: Monsters and Mayhem
On Saturday night Aleric, Erin, Dan and I catched the bus to the Cartoon Art Museum’s Monsters and Mayhem party. The party was tons of fun! Where else would you get to drink beer while sitting in a web comic’s exhibit making Halloween masks out of paper plates, ribbon and crayons? The Disney’s Sleeping Bauty exhibit was fantastic. If you live near SF the Cartoon Art Museum’s current shows are much see!

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 9:

2009-10-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=314301&ca=Writing
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2009/07/anatomy-of-good-query-letter-iii.html
http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunday-sweets-doctor-who.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/6373674/Jesuss-face-spotted-on-the-toilet-door-in-Ikea-Glasgow.html
http://www.kitwhitfield.com/publisherdating.html
http://www.clocktowerny.com/
http://4otos.net/2009/10/pinup-hilda-by-duane-bryers.html
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113968070

KatGirl Studio Will Be at APE 2009

2009-10-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

KatGirl Studio along with Lost Graphics will be at the Alternative Press Expo (APE) this weekend. We will be at table #450 on the main floor. We’ll have Art Prints, mini books, postcards, bookmarks, buttons and Free “Con Exclusive Comic”!

APE
The Concourse Exhibition Center
620 7th St. San Francisco
Oct. 17th & 18th
Table #450

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 8

2009-10-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://coreyschwartz.blogspot.com/2009/10/a-i-relationship-in-action-chicks-and.html
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/parenting/what-your-childs-teacher-wont-tell-you-517420/
http://www.greencarreports.com/blog/1036255_toyota-goes-steampunk-with-new-electric-car-concept-for-tokyo
http://betsylerner.com/2009/10/04/youll-never-eat-lunch-in-this-town-again/
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2009/10/question-you-dont-want-your-publisher.html
http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/thumbs-down-agency/
http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2009/10/19/091019sh_shouts_weiner
http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com/2009/06/6-promotional-item-ideas-for-your-book.html
http://ktliterary.com/2009/10/now-what/
http://mediabistro.posterous.com/why-you-should-write-that-first-novel
http://paigekeiser.blogspot.com/2009/10/5-quick-tips-to-getting-published-in.html
http://www.strothmanagency.com/proposal-writing-suggestions
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/New+Agent+Alert+Teresa+Kietlinski+Of+Prospect+Agency.aspx
http://thedesigninspiration.com/articles/25-various-styles-of-the-wizard-of-oz-illustrations/

The Falcon from The Shamptonian Institute on Vimeo.

8x10 Matted Fine Art Prints Now Available

2009-10-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

The following images are now available as 8x10 Matted Fine Art Prints! Each one is printed here in the studio and custom matted by me to fit a standard 8x10 frame. Visit the KatGirl Studio Shop at http://www.katgirlstudio.etsy.com

KatGirl Studio Shop
Most images on KatGirl Studio’s website along with the DA gallery may also be available as 8.5x11 Fine Art Prints, 13x19 Gicleés and Matted Prints in 5x7 & 8x10 sizes.

Stalking the Elusive Quetzal
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
8x10 Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace
Mini Book
Limited Edition Square Canvas Gicleé (available Holiday 2009)

The lion and the Mouse
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
8x10 Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace
13x19 Limited Edition Cotton Printed Gicleé

Into the Woods
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
8x10 Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace
13x19 Limited Edition Cotton Printed Gicleé

The Sea of Imagination
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace
13x19 Limited Edition Cotton Printed Gicleé

The Color of Snow
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace
13x19 Limited Edition Cotton Printed Gicleé

Forest Meeting
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace
13x19 Limited Edition Cotton Printed Gicleé

Dancing by Moonlight
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace

Worpletinger Winter
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace

Seasons Greetings
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
8x10 Print
Greeting card set (pre-order now available)

Little Kitty in the City
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
8x10 Print

Snow Leopard
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace

Arctic Fox
8x10 Matted Fine Art Print
5x7 Mini Matted Fine Art Print
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
8x10 Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace

The 7th Door
8.5x11 Fine Art Print
Mini Masterpiece Wearable Art Necklace

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 7:

2009-10-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://www.news9.com/global/story.asp?s=11141949
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/10/view/7343/brian-dettmer-cassette-tape-skeletons.html
http://ow.ly/rMv1
http://www.regretsy.com/
http://www.subplot.com/videos/SubplotReel_WEB.mov
http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com/2009/10/driver-who-gets-car-stuck-in-ditch-does.html
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1924226,00.html
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Successful+Queries+Agent+Michael+Bourret+And+Wake.aspx
http://www.highspotinc.com/blog/2008/12/a-directory-of-book-trade-people-on-twitter/#pub-ind
http://chrisguillebeau.com/3x5/the-case-for-the-100-business/
http://www.slightlywarped.com/crapfactory/curiosities/onemanstrash.htm
http://www.boingboing.net/2009/10/06/the-criticism-that-r.html
http://internspills.blogspot.com/2009/10/author-website-curmuddlement.html
http://outergrace.blogspot.com/2009/10/winners.html
http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2009/10/the_berlin_reunion.html
http://reynen.livejournal.com/97704.html
http://www.kissthegroom.com/?p=2413
http://www.regretsy.com/2009/10/07/pigeon-toed/

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 6:

2009-09-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://melodymaker.posterous.com/this-is-how-you-get-out-of-a-bad-blind-date-0
http://www.behance.net/Gallery/MY-100-CARDBOARDS/234827
http://www.oddee.com/item_89460.aspx
http://www.worldofwearableart.co.nz/category/image-galleries/winners/2009-winners-0
http://www.scribd.com/doc/19778825/Letter-from-Governor-Jack-Markell-to-MT-Anderson
http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/2009/09/baby-pudu-belfast-zoo.html
http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Word+Count+For+Novels+And+Childrens+Books+The+Definitive+Post.aspx
http://helpingwriters.com/articles/who-should-self-publish-and-who-shouldnt
http://getknownbeforethebookdeal.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/09/goodbye-cinderella-selfpublishing-isnt-the-only-or-always-the-best-choice-for-writers.html
http://internspills.blogspot.com/2009/09/internet-write-for-hire-intern-would.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1216656/Pictured-Astonishing-photos-rare-Bengal-Tiger-feeding-time.html
http://ow.ly/rBa9
http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/please-stop-insulting-the-zoo/?src=twr
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Family-Lifestyle/10-Brilliant-Balloon-Artworks.html
http://www.themogulmom.com/2009/09/5-ways-to-start-a-business-for-under-1000/

Why? dear earth why?

because cats can't read signs

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 5:

2009-09-23T18:06:00.001-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6157363/20-most-bizarre-Craigslist-adverts-of-all-time.html
http://gawker.com/5361101/the-empire-strikes-barack
http://www.stumbleupon.com/s/#9oyN72/www.guidespot.com/guides/engagement_photo_funny_wedding/
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6695829.html?desc=topstory
http://www.booksandsuch.biz/blog/who-does-your-agent-love/
http://www.inkygirl.com/comic-hamster-writer/
http://ow.ly/qG1L

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 4:

2009-09-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://freelanceswitch.com/the-business-of-freelancing/10-reasons-why-freelancing-is-the-best-job-security/
http://www.sterlingediting.com/first-person/
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125244227154093575.html
http://www.zeriously.com/1764/get-a-book-publishedthe-roadto-publication-might-be-getting-a-little-rougher-5/
http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/2009/09/newbie-tells.html
http://www.chelseagreen.com/bookstore/item/grassroots_marketing:paperback
http://www.hbook.com/newsletter/index.html#article4
http://www.hbook.com/newsletter/index.html
http://kathleenbaldwin.com/blog/?cat=5
http://taralazar.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/childrens-picture-book-authors-on-twitter/#comment-1261
http://dornob.com/read-roll-clever-combination-chair-bookcase-design/
http://www.selectism.com/news/2008/08/27/worlds-smallest-book/
http://agencygatekeeper.blogspot.com/
http://www.sterlingediting.com/exposition/
http://onlinepromotionmadeeasy.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-trailers-they-can-be-so-much-more.html
http://www.terribleyelloweyes.com/
http://pimpmynovel.blogspot.com/2009/09/book-sales-day-in-life.html
http://www.sltrib.com/closeup/ci_13296455
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=399552
http://internspills.blogspot.com/2009/09/completely-unscientific-look-at-book.html
http://editorunleashed.com/2009/09/09/5-questions-literary-agent-jennifer-weltz/
http://ow.ly/pCFh
http://www.crazydaysandnights.net/2009/09/snuggies-have-jumped-shark.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-elliott/notes-on-book-publishing_b_283916.html
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2009/09/15/Police-Fake-cop-pulled-over-mayor/UPI-57481253047229/

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 3

2009-09-09T19:28:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://publishsmarts.wordpress.com/2009/07/02/if-looks-could-sell/
http://nextchapterreadingcopy.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-were-indiebound-and-you-can-too.html
http://jezebel.com/5351050/but-im-too-shy-to-network
http://ow.ly/nRTt
http://www.authorbuzz.com/kids/
http://themannahattaproject.org/
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6671949.html?nid=2788&source=link&rid=410646833
http://irreference.com/two-lox-keeping-sea-monsters-book-secure/
http://ow.ly/o4s4
http://upstartcrowliterary.com/blog/?p=273
http://ow.ly/o0Rv
http://johannaharness.com/Johanna_Harness/Blog/Entries/2009/9/3_Phase_Drafting.html
http://internspills.blogspot.com/2009/09/why-you-should-be-writing-something.html
http://jessrosen.wordpress.com/2009/09/03/ff-literary-agents1/
http://johannaharness.com/Johanna_Harness/Blog/Entries/2009/8/17_amwriting_FAQ.html
http://ow.ly/o4Qc
http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/09/03/tough-love-for-would-be-authors/
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/09/whats-in-whats-out.html
http://www.fmwriters.com/Visionback/Issue%2015/phase.htm
http://upstartcrowliterary.com/blog/?p=273
http://img44.yfrog.com/i/csiy.jpg/

The Stalking the Elusive Quetzal Project

2009-09-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

The drawing for one of the picture books I am currently working on Stalking the Elusive Quetzal.

The Promo cover and book dummy for the book. After making this I thought it would look better with a more dynamic cover. I will mostly likely use the painted version of page 13 instead.

Text Border

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 2:

2009-09-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://illusion.scene360.com/uncategorized/4611/farmers-create-colourful-rice-murals-in-japan/
http://brendacoulter.blogspot.com/2007/06/promoting-your-novel-how-to-make-book.html
http://www.alanrinzler.com/blog/2009/08/08/why-a-video-will-help-sell-your-book/
http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/i-lift-my-lamp-beside-the-golden-door/?hp
http://publishingperspectives.com/?p=4599
http://jess-jordan.blogspot.com/2009/08/in-honor-of-ellen-hopkins-release-date.html
http://ow.ly/mLqG
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6673069.html?desc=topstory
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/
http://efictionbookclub.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/how-to-fail-at-self-promotion/
http://www.wagreflex.com/2009/08/to-boldy-wear-what-no-dog-wants-to-wear.html
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6676472.html?industryid=47152
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1208913/The-poodles-transformed-pandas-horses-snails-creative-grooming-dog-shows.html
http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/book_trailer/an_imaginative_leap_in_book_trailer_production_129775.asp?c=rss
http://www.deadlinedames.com/
http://mysterywritingismurder.blogspot.com/2009/08/character-faultshow-far-do-we-go.html
http://ow.ly/nxty
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/09/whats-in-whats-out.html
http://publishingperspectives.com/?p=5108
http://editorialanonymous.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-secret.html
http://ellenhopkins.livejournal.com/6183.html
http://internspills.blogspot.com/2009/08/craigslist-hot-new-place-to-query.html
http://techtigger.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/when-queries-attack/
http://mfaland.blogspot.com/2009/08/know-about-ya-trends-amy-alessio-does.html
http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/2009/08/tales-from-slush-pile.html
http://abowman.com/google-modules/fish/#gadgetSWF

Mid Week Cool Links Recap 1:

2009-08-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

For those who are curious, don’t follow me on Twitter or just missed these I’ve decided to start posting all the cool links and videos I’ve found in the last week in one cohesive place. So enjoy!

http://asyouwishthebook.com/
http://chavelaque.blogspot.com/2009/08/open-letter-to-agents-with-modest.html
http://ow.ly/l2Tg
http://belletrinsic.blogspot.com/2009/08/literary-agents-who-blog-list.html
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/08/all-those-awful-books.html
http://www.anitanolan.com/theend.html
http://writetodone.com/2009/08/19/5-reasons-your-story-stinks-and-how-to-air-it-out/
http://bluerosegirls.blogspot.com/2009/08/day-in-life-of-editor.html
http://dglm.blogspot.com/2009/08/in-response-to-modest-proposal.html
http://writerunboxed.com/2009/08/26/preparing-for-publication-anxiety/
http://dashka-slater.livejournal.com/
http://www.schargel.com/2009/03/27/25-things-about-to-become-extinct/
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/weird/Freaks-of-Nature-52528842.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAUyaELfwBo

Remove Car Dent With Airduster - The most popular videos are a click away

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

KatGirl Studio Equipment

2009-08-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Because a lot of people have asked me in the past and at the conference here is a list of all of the equipment I use. If you have any questions about any of these items, how to use them or the best places to get them please always feel free to ask me.

Computer: I have an upgraded Dell Inspiron 6000 with a frosted monitor.

Programs: I use Photoshop CS3, Painter X for art and Flash CS4, Illustrator CS4, and Dreamweaver CS4 for my website.

Tablet: I have a 9x12 Wacom Intuos 3 tablet. They are no longer available since they have the new Intuos 4.

Monitor Calibration: I use the Spyder 2 Pro color calibration software by Datacolor. Once again they no longer make 2 because they have moved on to the Spyder 3 Pro.

Printer Calibration: I have a PrintFix Pro also by Datacolor.

Printer: I use the Canon Pixma Pro 9000 and 8 color dye-jet 13x19 fine art printer. I use it for all my printing except for business cards & postcards. All my portfolio pieces, mini books, and the book dummy I had at the conference where printed on this printer.

Printer Paper: Although they make many shiny papers for the Pixma I use the Matte Photo paper for most of my printing because it has a nice velvety look to the art. It also comes in 4x6 and 13x19 size or you can get the Premium Fine Art Matte paper honestly they are pretty much the same. I print my Giclee’s in my shop on 13x19 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag paper.

Mat Cutter: I use a Logan 650 Framer's Edge Mat Cutter.

Drawing Paper: All my sketches are done on Canson Tracing Paper and then I trace a clean copy onto a piece of Canson Vidalon Vellum.

Drawing Materials: For all non-photorealistic pieces I draw I use .5 dark blue Uni Color mechanical pencil lead. It’s made by Mitaubishi but the only place I know of to get it as at one of these stores. My mech. pencil is a PaperMate Pro Touch II.

Day 5 Monday August 10th

2009-08-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

SCBWI 2009 Conference day 4

Day 4 of the conference started off with a key note by Dinah Stevenson:

May the 4 C’s Be With You: An Editor Suggests Strategies for Hard Times
Creativity: imagination, thoughts, what if’s, making stuff up.
Be brave enough to live creatively.
Creativity is something you do, not something you search for outside yourself.
It is an endless journey to discover yourself. The work of art is what you do after you find yourself.
Saying what you mean in your own way is being creative.
Write something only you can create.
Craft: craft resides in the details.
Community: never let anyone tell you that reading is not important.
Chocolate: you are doing a difficult job and for that you deserve a reward.

And after a very short break was followed by the wonderful Ingrid Law the author of Savvy which sold out before I could get a copy.

Writing Magic: From the Head to the Heart
Put everything you experience into your work because it is a part of who you are.
Wrote savvy after her previous book’s 45 rejections.

I was so captivated by her story I forgot to write much of anything down. She is a fantastic storyteller.

After the morning key notes I went to another of Steven Malk’s sessions:

What to Expect When You’re Expecting: An Agents Guide from Query Letter to Published Book
Writers House is one of the largest independent agencies in the world.
His grandmother opened one of the first children’s book stores in the world in South Africa called the White Rabbit.
Slow down- rushing will never ever help you. Think about your career as a whole not about getting the project out there before it’s ready.
Understand that all your decisions will have consequences.
Always right a personal letter not a form letter.
Don’t leave anything to chance.
Focus on what you can control.
Make everything you can is flawless.
Don’t let anyone else outwork you.
Query letters: make them count.
What made them [the agent or editor] seem like the right person to send your letter too.
Query Letters should not be more than a page.
You need to make sure the agent accepts multi sub queries and state that you are doing so in the letter.
If one person picks you give the others a chance to make an offer as well even if you still go with the first person.
He likes the phone more than email.
Three types of deals:
The publisher takes advantage of the author/artist and the creator walks away feeling resentful.
Both sides walk away happy.
The publisher walks away feeling bullied.
Understand everything that is in your contract.
Strike the balance between the eager author and the over eager author.
Make stores aware of your book before it comes out.
Start with regional book stores and organizations and work outward when starting to build networks.
Your book will succeed over time not right away.
Don’t obsess over your Amazon rating.
Everything you do has a long standing effect.
Your hard work will pay off.
Publishers said All in a Day was too Californian but it got a lot of blog coverage and is now the writers first best seller

After lunch I went to Susan Sherman’s session:

The Publishing Process: An Overview of the Design & Art Direction Process
Walter Lorraine discovered Katrina Hyman
Computers liberated design
They read everything as it comes in.
Good manuscripts circulate around to everyone.
They work on the book as a team; art director, editor, author and illustrator.
They look to illustrators to expand the manuscript.
She likes receiving emails with a line about yourself and a few low rez attachments and link to website.
Art circulates around the office much the same way as the manuscripts.
The characters are more important that anything on a cover.
She starts with kooky fonts first then refines them till she finds the one that’s perfect.

After that we had our final key note by Kathleen Duey:

Transmutation: Books that Matter
Write down conversations you had at the conference.
Go back and annotate your notes.
When you go home go through the business cards of those you met and write down things about them. Contact everyone who gave you a card and thank them for talking to you.
Stay in touch with the people you met here.
Put quotes on the wall that people said here at the conference that meant something to you.
“We write by the light of all the books we have read.” Richard Peck
“All cultures teach their young through story.”

After all the wonderful sessions and key notes were done I went to collect my big back of books then have signed and meet some of the people who had meant a lot to me growing up.

I got to meet Karen Cushman whom I had wanted to meet since I was 12. I am dyslexic and reading was very difficult for me when I was young. I actually hated read a lot until in the 7th grade we read the Midwife’s Apprentice. I absolutely loved the book and historical fiction and went on to read her other books on my own. Thanks to her I now love reading, read every day, not because I have to but because I want to. We also own 7 book cases over flowing with books. I got hard covers of my favorites of hers The Midwife’s Apprentice and Catherine Called Birdy signed and soft covers signed for my two little cousins.

Next I got to meet Holly Black and tell her how fantastic her speech was. I was just going to take a picture of her but she insisted we take a picture together. So here’s us leaning over the table. Oddly enough the Spiderwick book they had for sale at the SCBWI book store was the same one I had brought from home. I did however have to pre movie copy of the Field Guide.

After Holly Black I went to get my copy of Terrible Things signed by Eve Bunting.

While having a friend hold my place I ran over to have Sherman Alexie sign a copy of his book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian before he left. His speech was so compelling I am greatly looking forward to reading his book.

I also got to meet David Wiesner whom I have wanted to meet since I was 8 and Tuesday came out. Like I said before reading was extremely hard for me so his wordless picture books were some of my favorite books. I managed to find a hard copy of Tuesday at a Borders half an hour from me so I got that signed along with hard copies of The Three Pigs, Sector 7 and Flotsam.

After waiting in David’s impossibly long line I had just enough time to catch Ingrid Law before she felt. I told her how fantastic I thought her verbal storytelling was and that I would have had her sign a copy of her book for me if they hadn’t sold out before I could get one. Savvy is next on my list of books I need to go pick up.

With my trove of signed books in tow I went to meet up with my boy friend in the lobby and found out they had been filming an episode of Lie to Me all day in the pool/bar area. We hung out for awhile to let traffic get less hectic and then headed out to or next hotel in Anaheim. On the way we saw someone cruising down the freeway in their Tesla Roadster. We got to our nice comfy hotel and got to watch to fireworks from Disneyland. And for the first time in many weeks I actually got to relax.

All the people I met at the conference were awesome and I hope you all keep in touch!

For more photos & video from the conference feel free to visit my FaceBook

Day 4 Sunday August 9th

2009-08-20T16:54:00.000-07:00

SCBWI 2009 Conference day 3Day 3 started off with Dan Yaccarino:

Say Yes!

Always say yes
Create as many opportunities as you can
Don’t take rejection personally

And after a very short break was followed by:

Holly Black
Examining the Strange: The Basics of Fantasy Writing

Her life is very much like Spiderwick
Read both adult and kids fantasy
Children’s books are very genre less
“Fiction lets you try on the life of someone else.”
“Fantasy is the language of metaphor.”
Changelings = alienation
Werewolf = fear of hurting others
Be careful with your metaphors when writing fantasy.
Fantasy must contain magic and wonder; the fantastical.
“All stories are fantasies; some are just more honest about it than others.”
“You have to believe in the fantastical in which you are reading.”
“Fantasy is very close to Historical Fiction because like Historical Fiction you have to take the reader to a place they can never go.”
Closed fantasy = magic is hidden, like in harry potter.
Open fantasy = magic is common place and normal, like in The Lord of the Rings.
Day logic = magic works the same every time like science
Night logic = more intuitive but not the same every time
Holly Black’s Crazy Fantasy Plotting Theory: Fantasy must have a human story and a fantastical story.The resonance in a story is between those two points.

After the morning key notes I went to Dan Lazar’s session:

How to craft a Winning Query Letter: Secrets to Keep You Out of the Rejection Pile

He is an sgent at writers house
“One voice of decent is louder than eight voices of approval.”
He takes a lot of people on from the slush pile
Great query letters trump referrals everyday
In a Query Letter start by saying hello. Then tell the agent of editor you would like to send your manuscript. Then tell them a little about the book then tell a little about yourself.
A query Letter should never be more than a page.
Never apologize for being new or unpublished.
You don’t need colored paper or fancy graphics, or packaging for your query letter.
Always send the first 5-15 pages
Always know who you are sending your query too. Never say “dear agent” or “to whom it may concern”
Always use specific compliments to the agent or editor never insincere or generalized compliments.
Never say “…I would like to send you my fictional novel…”
Never use “what if” questions in query when describing your book.
Don’t say what genre it is just say it’s a novel the agent or editor will know what genre it belongs in.
Don’t make your synopsis vague. Make it unique, original and specific.
Don’t toot your own horn just let the work speak for itself
Never say your manuscript is sure to be a best seller, blockbuster, or award winner.
Don’t tell them that readers like your work or what they think people think of your work.
Include SASE with your query letter
Always put your whole name so the agent/editor knows who to address
Put contact info at the bottom of the email but the top of a letter
Don’t use the word quirky it’s basically like saying your character is “interesting.”
Always show who your character loves and who loves them.
Offering an agent or publisher a 6 week exclusive on your work before submitting to others is perfectly acceptable.
Always follow up via email, don’t call!
Put the first 5 pages under the query is sending it by snail –mail. When sending via email paste into email after your query.
Always say which works the agent represented that you liked in the beginning of your letter.
In the query if it is not a standalone book mention in one line that you are working on the next book or that it is a series.
Mention in your letter if your manuscript is either an exclusive or multi submission because agents and editors like to know upfront.
Log line = this meets that
Mentioning the age of the character in your query letter is important.
40,000-70,00 words for YA
dlazar@writershouse.com
www.Publishermarketplace.com
www.Agentquery.com
www.Verlakay.com

After the morning session we got to here a wonderful key note by Richard Peck at the Golden Kite Luncheon.

“A story moves forward because it cannot go back.”
“You can teach children or fear their parents you cannot do both.”
“We [writers] cannot be fired because we are unemployed.”
Fiction is dramatized truth that no one dares to write.
“An Epiphany is the part where everything changes and you can’t go back.”

After the luncheon I went to David Wiesner & Dinah Stevenson’s session:

Creating and Editing a Wordless Picture Book

He makes mini book dummies at the sketch stage, the drawing stage and the final art stage.
At the moment things change it can’t be ambiguous it has to be stated.
In a Wordless Picture Book dialogue should only be used to move the story forwards.
He uses model magic for making character models.

After the afternoon session we had a key note by Elizabeth Law.

From Jonny Tremain to Edward Cullen: How Children’s Publishing is Changing, and How to Meet the Challenges head-on

Egmont Books is run as a children’s charity. They have only 8 people in their whole company.
She is accepting anything sent to her in the next 3 months via email attachment with SCBWI LA in the sub line. ElizabethLaw@egmont.com
She is looking for stories with strong concepts.
YA hard cover is on the rise and growing.
Books must have Good pitch-able hooks; this meets that. Know what your story is.
She relies on agents to screen for her to weed out stuff
Know who you’re writing for but only write what fits for you not what’s hot! Never be afraid to ask questions.

In the evening I hung out with some super nice people in the Hotel lobby Lounge including Marietta Zacker. I never did run into Marietta again on Monday and would like to thank her again for chatting with us. If anyone has her email please let me know.

Day 3 Saturday August 8th

2009-08-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

SCBWI 2009 Conference day 2

Day 2 started off with:

Creating an Extraordinary Picture Book
Kadir Nelson: Extraordinary picture books are those that speak to a personal and universal truth.
Eve Bunting: Extraordinary picture books must last a long time, have heart and must speak to the creators and readers.
Melinda Long: Extraordinary picture books must have a strong appeal to both children and adults.
Eve Bunting: Extraordinary picture books should make you feel strongly in whatever way it intends.
Kadir Nelson: you need a personal connection with the story.

And after a very short break was followed by:

Karen Cushman In Dreams Begin Responsibilities
“The function of freedom is to free others.”
She never planned to be a writer. She wrote because she could not dance.
“Don’t listen to advise.”
She reads over and polishes what she wrote the day before starting on the next section.
Her plots grow from her characters.
She has to read while she writes. She says to read with a pad of paper and pen.
Write what you wonder about, what you want to know about, what you value. Write the story you’ve always wanted to read.
“The first draft is for finding out what the story is about.”
“Giving power to thoughts is what happens when you decide to write.”
She loves to do research.
“There is nothing more beautiful and true than a book before you write it.”
“We write because we are writers.”
“Words are sacred and they deserve respect.”

After the morning key notes I went to Kadir Nelson’s session:

Words and Pictures; Pictures and Words
When making picture book think about:
Lighting
Mood
Color
Perspective
Comp & scale

Keep your experiences in your head and recreate the mood from the memories that you remember.
Look for paintings with similar moods to what you want to achieve.

After lunch we had a key note by Ellen Hopkins:

Not for the Faint of Heart: The Climb to the Top

Publishing is a mountain.
Writing in the land of no
“You don’t decide to be a writer, you are a writer.”
“Luck is something you create.”
“Capitalize on your own experience.”

And an Agents Panel:

The State of the Business
What do they want to see and what are their lists like?
Marietta Zacker of Nacy Gallt Literary: their list runs the gambit or age and content. They are accepting ms via snailmail. Is looking for every age group and genre. Send query and synopsis.
Kelly Sonnack of Andrea Brown Literary: Is looking for all genres and ages. Visit website and email them. Paste first 10 pages into email and send query.
Dan Lazar of Writers House: Is looking for mostly middle grade and some YA. Especially stories about weird kids in small towns. He is very interested in graphic novels.
Stephen Fraser of Jennifer De Chiara Literary: Is looking for all ages. Welcomes unpublished authors. Especially looking for people whose careers they can cultivate. www.Jdlit.com
Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary: reps authors herself in both the US and the UK. Her job is her passion and her vocation. Write short queries via email and past the first 5 pages in the email. www.greenliterary.com
Brenda Bowen of Sanford J. Greenburger Associates: She wants first novels. Strong voices, wide range, likes literary books, like funny books, put SCBWI LA in subject line.
How has the economy affected publishing?
Brenda: publishing has gotten leaner; they like to see more finished work.
Sarah: lists are being cut. Work has to be very polished. She only reps non Picture Books.
Stephen: you have to celebrate when things seem the bleakest.
Dan: books are selling for less than before but they are still selling. Writers house.com email queries and first 5 pages in email.
Kelly: the market is hurting less in children’s than the adult market. Summer is usually a dead month but is doing well this year. Publishers today are less willing to take risks than before.
How much time they spent working on the editing vs selling process?
Sarah: spends the most time looking for talent and voice than polish. She is looking for potential. She does a lot of work with people to get you the best deal possible.
Stephen: wants to be a nurturer of careers not just projects.
Sarah: wants to help people build their careers.
What is the one big thing in contracts to watch out for?
Make sure the discount royalty isn’t too low.
The out of print clause.
Last words:
Brenda: only; connect.
Sarah: squeeze the juice from the fruit.
Stephen: every a good book has a home
Kelly: everyone here wants to fall in love with your work. That thrill of finding new talent.
Marietta: make sure you communicate it and communicate it well.
Dan: don’t harp on themes and ideas in your query letter. Show how your character is quirky don’t just say they are.

In the afternoon I went to Eve Bunting’s session:

What Makes a Good Picture Book
S.S. short & Simple
VV very visual
O Original
NR not in rhyme
WS worth saying. It should be fundamental.
NB Never be Boring. You can escape this with a little humor. A yawn may be bad manners but it is an honest opinion.
AAA The aaaah factor at the end of a book. Because Picture Books are short ever word counts. Have the ending in your mind before you write the story.
BP be persistent. Be proud.
Don’t rush to send your book out. Wait 2 weeks and then the read it again.
Write something worth saying
Dare to be original
A bird does not sing because it has a message it sings because it has a song.

And this is where my netbook ran out of batteries so if anyone has notes from Wendy Loggia’s key note please let me know!

The portfolio show was awesome and I came away with only a few business cards left at my table. All the mini portfolio books, mini coloring books and postcards thankfully went home with those who viewed my portfolio.

The Pool Side Gala was fantastic fun again this year and the Hyatt staff was kind enough to bring me a Grilled Turkey sandwich since I was allergic to all the food they were serving.

More Pictures and Videos from the conference can be found on my FaceBook.

SCBWI 2009 Conference day 1

2009-08-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie was fantastic! His speech was so compelling I simply had to go out and get his book The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.
Here are a few quotes from his key note I wrote down:
“As a writer people hand you your lives on a daily basis, so what do you do.”
“Adults are already set in their ways but kids change by what they are exposed too. Treat that with respect.”
“People read books to escape, to become the characters.”
Sherman Alexie's website

David Wiesner
David Wiesner’s speech was quite funny, entertaining and full of pictures. I took a lot of pictures from his key note and the can be found here.
David Wiesner’s website

Steve Malk
After key notes I went to Steve Malk’s session on The Big Picture: How to Build your Illustration Career.
Illustrators make up about 40% of his list.

Educate yourself:
About the market. Spend time in independent stores along with big name book stores. Also look at award list books.
You should have a sub to horn book.
Look at Barbra Cooney’s work.

Have a career model:
Think about how you would like to fit in the market.
Find models and analyze their careers

Don’t Dibble Dabble:
Don’t just make children books a hobby, it must be a passion.

Only you can own your career decisions:
Each decision you make affects your career. Everything is important.

Getting your work out into the world:
Your portfolio tells them what type of person you are. The time you take to layout your portfolio says a lot about you.
Have 12 pieces in your portfolio but no more than 20 pieces.
Show them you understand the conventions of children’s books. And that you can tell a visual story. Always show a few sequential spreads.
Be neurotic about your portfolio.
Look at Marla Frazee’s work more closely.
The Magician’s Elephant
Send out promo postcards early spring, early fall and summer.

“Work 5 times as hard as everyone else.”AG ford
Art directors and agents love to find new awesome people.
Put a few spreads from a story and then mention the whole dummy is available.
Publishers like author/illustrators.
Make dummies as finished as possible so it doesn’t look half baked.
Big publishers pay advances of 8-10k or 10-15k to new illustrators or new author/illustrators.
Talk about your work in your blog, what inspired you
Cover letters are important to him. Send them via email with website link and offer hard copies.

A few great sites he recommends:
www.illustrationmundo.com
www.theispot.com
www.drawn.ca
www.tinyshowcase.com
www.illustrationfriday.com

Success Stories: Four Editors Distill the Secrets of a Successful Book
Courtney Bongiolatti: simplify spreads, make everything there for a reason.
Jordan Brown: People will always interpret your book in way you will not to attend.
Ari Lewin: top five reasons the Heir series did well.
#1 Companion books not a series.
#2 Good pace, it keeping the momentum going. Making it impossible to put down.
#3 Books are set in real modern world not an outside fantasy world. It’s normal and modern.
#4 It appeal to boys and girls equally.
#5 Cover design! The covers are awesome.

Elizabeth Parisi
In the Afternoon I went to Elizabeth Parisi’s session Book Covers: How to fit your style into the current market.
Design books that look good at 1 inch tall.
Make covers simpler and more iconic.
Don’t show too much of the character because the reader likes to see themselves as the character especially in YA.
Jasketwhys.com awesome book jacket site
Middle grade covers are mostly illustrated covers
Limited pallets are in
Covers are given usually a 1-2 month deadline. You are usually given the first two weeks you make rough designs.
For picture books you really need and agent.

Betty Birney
Here are few quotes from her key note speech:
“Every book needs something to root for. Something must be at stake; something that matters.”
“Every story needs a well defined world with rules.”

At the Wine and Cheese Reception I met a lot of the cool people I follow on twitter like Cynthea Liu, Fran Cannon Slayton, Elizabeth Dulemba. And a few awesome people I met last year who knew me as “the girl with the purple kitty cards” apparently Kiki has made my cards infamous!

The Illustrator Social was even better than last year. Met many friendly illustrators I saw throughout the conference. David Diaz was kind enough to advise me on which pieces I should leave in and take out of my portfolio before the show on Saturday.

The night ended once again with a bunch of us hanging out in the lobby chatting and sharing our work.

LA Trip Recap Day 1 Thursday August 6th:

2009-08-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

Now that the Conference and our first art & wine festival are over I finally have time to actually write about my trip. I’ve going to split the posts up by day so it doesn’t get to long.

Day 1 Thursday August 6th:
on our way to LA! I will miss our kitties, good thing we have a roommate so they won't get lonely.2:41 AM Aug 6th

When we finally got to the LA area Scott surprised me by taking me to the Santa Monica Pier which I had never been to. We walked on the beach for awhile then walked along the pier.

Photos from the pier: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022623&id=1074320529&l=b25f3cd672

We ever got to see a pelican soaring around on the air currents.

Around two the aquarium opened up, it was small but very cool. They had little horn and spotted sharks who liked to poke their noses out of the water and dance. One of the little sharks had come from another aquarium that had left him out in the sun. Sadly he now has a permanent black sunburn. We continued to wander around the aquarium till it was time to head to our hotel to check in.

After we checked into the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza we went down to the lobby to meet and chat with other conference attendees.

Photos of the hotel: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022277&id=1074320529&l=e408964e56

More videos from the pier and photos are on my FaceBook