kickin' off "animals in cones!"

Alright, it's official! Animal in Cones! has officially begun! I was first approaching this project as I normally do things... nothing will reach the public's eye until the entire job is complete. Yesterday I realized that this project may very well never be complete, seeing as there are countless animals subject to coning in the world. So... I've made the very difficult decision to post these as I complete each separate one.
How does this affect you, you ask? Well... it makes these more accessible in a timely fashion. And, what are stationery connoisseurs, if not obsessed with timely fashion.

Speaking of obsession... my obsession for the day: people who are obsessed with cupcakes.
Alternate obsession of the day: the word obsession.

By the way... have you read grin and bear it yet?
do. www.grin-bear-it.blogspot.com

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Now playing: The Builders And The Butchers - In The Branches
via FoxyTunes

for real this time...

So, I may have completely lied last time when I stated I'd be getting back in the saddle. The horse was too high, or my legs were too short... or the cup was kind of half emptyish but full at the same time. Optimism. Pessimism. Laziness.
I'm a little less lazy these days, but pretty busy. I've begun playing music again. Working on a bunch of new ideas in my head. Writing for a music website. Being social. Looking for paying jobs... Trying to get my life together is tough! In the midst of all of this, I actually have been working on a new series of cards I'm very excited about. It's the first time I've had a very comprehensive theme, that lends itself to either single cards or some sort of boxed set. This could be the breakthrough you're all so anxiously awaiting for me to make. I hope to make you all (as opposed to just my mother) very proud.
I have been working on this project in bars mostly, so it's productive, but slow.
-Keep your eyes peeled for "animals in cones"
-Come see the creative process and have a drink with me
-Support the arts and buy one of my old designs
-Support the arts and buy something from one of the artists set up in Union Square that Mayor Bloomberg is trying to oppress
-Call your mother and tell her you love her
-Write a list of things for people to do

I soon hope to have "animals in cones" in a facebook picture album near you! Don't miss the world premiere.


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Now playing: Band Of Horses - Marry Song
via FoxyTunes

creative business or business creatively?

The last few days have been interesting, for many reasons.
I've made a new friend that is nothing but trouble when we hang out (probably good for card material). The band got together to write some new music, and I really like the direction we're headed. One of my best friends yelled at me for not "doing enough with my life". My schedule at work ("evil job") which has been consistent for at least 2 years, has completely shifted around. And for some reason, I watched the Oscars, as though I give a shit.

Amidst all of that mostly disastrous or pointless week there was a shift in my focus on What The Cluck. I started to think more about the business end of things (hence this blog). That's been interesting... I'm so out of touch with pop-culture, marketing, business and especially the internet tools entrepeneurs have been using. It's a slow climb, but I think my brain is finally absorbing (or maybe letting in?) some of this information.
The major issue with this however, is I seem to not be able to focus on the creative aspect while the ol' brain is in "business mode", or as I like to say: i got my money mind on!

I need to find a happy-medium between the two. When I'm being creative, I should probably only make things that might actually sell. Look at all my card designs, trust me, I'll be the first to admit that there are some that no one would ever, ever want. They are just there because I think they are funny.

The flip side of this is that maybe I need to think of the business side creatively as well. I have no idea what this means, really. Guerilla marketing? Giant zeppelins with my logo flying low over a city near you? This is less about generating more business, and more about keeping my brain in one mode. This could get interesting... or it could be incredibly boring.

motivation

I woke up this morning thinking about my cards (which is surprising after the crazy dreams I had last night). I've been spending a lot of time either creating or attempting to market in the last couple of weeks, so I guess it's just always on my mind. The thing I was wondering about the most this morning was: What is my motivation? Here's what I came up with...

-Artistic Expression
A very large reason that this is important to me is to express those thoughts that are deep within my mind (and after looking over my work, that worries me a bit!). Being able to transfer that to an artistic realm is somewhat therapeutic.... but this reason is boring to anyone but me. So...

-Money
Yes, I hope to actually make money from this. I actually hope to make lots of money from this. Yes, this is unlikely... I don't give a shit. This is my dream.
Now money; money falls into different categories of motivation. Why do I want to make money?
It is a proven fact that most men want to be rich to use that fact to attract women. The type of woman that is attracted to money above all else is usually: a very self-centered person, not very bright, not very nice, and incredibly attractive.
I feel it is my duty to let all of my loyal fans that this is... my motivation as well.
Sure, being debt-free, comfortable, and with a house to live in all sounds fine too.

-Humor
In a world where we just need humor more than ever, my major goal is to make people laugh. Honestly, nothing makes me as happy as somebody laughing at one of my cards.
Basically, the entire objective of this post was to express my hope that you not only enjoy my work, but please, please pass this all along to your friends. Whether you send them a card or direct them to one of my many outlets online, I appreciate it.


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Now playing: Marketa Irglova - The Hill
via FoxyTunes

it's tuesday!

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Now playing: Old Crow Medicine Show - Hesitation Blues
via FoxyTunes
I've finally entered the blogosphere... your mom's doing it, your dentist is doing it, even some mildly-domesticated animals are doing it; I guess I might as well give it a whirl.

What do I hope to gain from this experience? What indeed. As any true blooded American will tell you, I'm hoping to gain more money from this. Or as Lady Palin would say, "Going Rogue".

But aside from making money off of you, there is a chance that some of you just may be really interested in what is going on in my mind, my life.
Well, to start in the world of business, I have recently created 10 fresh new designs! Check them out at myspace.com/whatthecluckco -or- follow me on Facebook (speaking of Facebook, as soon as I learn how to link that to this blog thingy, that will make things easier).
I've had some great interest in custom cards; people wanting me to create a design specific for them. They've come out great, and everyone (including my wallet) was happy! Take advantage of that...




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Now playing: Old Crow Medicine Show - Hesitation Blues
via FoxyTunes