ECS|DC SAVANTBlog

Alliteration Fliteration

2008-08-29T15:53:00.007-04:00

AdAge is telling us creatives to get over our fear of alliteration & rhyming.Why?Because Mother Goose & Dr. Suess (oooh, I rhymed) was more than a handful a childhood stories to learn by, the these schemas taught us memorization. Singing also teaches memorization, but not many are fascinated with being included in my personal musical.Simple, familiar sounds work easier at recall

CalligraphyCats - A Crazy Summer Sale!

2008-08-29T14:59:00.000-04:00

Cats Gone Crazy Summer Sale.It's a 4-for-3 Special! Bacchus, Purreth, Stretcher, & Walketh are available to you for only $74.99!!No substitutions please.

Dog Days of Summer Sale

2008-08-29T14:51:00.000-04:00

Dog Days Summer Sale. It's a two for one Special! Fetcher & Scratcher are available to you for only $24.99!!No substitutions please.

Vote: Your Favorite Image

2008-08-29T10:14:00.001-04:00

Voting Contest!Within my CREATIVEGoddess blog, you'll find a new contest with new patterns! Feast your eyes and vote for your favorite pattern. We hope you'll like!Vote: Favorite Pattern for PillowPage: Extras > Contests > Vote

What Color is Your Emotional Base?

2008-08-29T10:13:00.002-04:00

Another possible title: What color is your eye sugar?I'm in the midst of redefining the space in our former theater turned production area. We'll miss our movie nights downstairs as this was the area where Bacchus & the Ball of Yarn was born.I've decided that I really want to make this space work hard. The things I'd like to accomplish in this space is storage, shipping, sewing, and painting.

Stacation Updates: An Effortless Task

2008-08-29T10:10:00.001-04:00

This weekend with 'the wall' went up without a hitch. I was really expecting more of a tumultuous issue than we had, but our predecessors helped us out -and you won't believe how!!After spending an hour Thursday Night clearing out stuff that lay against the wall, Andrew began light demolition the next morning until I returned from my walk. I dragged my sorry butt into the house and he pulled me

First Video Podcast

2008-08-23T15:05:00.002-04:00

By hook or by crook, I managed to get a video podcast together.Now, from what I've learned by reading and watching, one should take quite a bit of b-footage to fill in spot montages. I was recording in front of the camera because I wanted to get used to being on the other side.Take a look at the video on my CREATIVEGoddess blog and be prepared to ROTFL.You can also subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Guess the Step to Win A Downward Dog Print

2008-08-22T15:03:00.001-04:00

Guess the Steps to Win Downward Dog Unframed PrintAfter all the walking we did in NYC, I decided this would be a fun contest to guess the count the steps we took.Everything is outlined in the contest, including hints on how to arrive at the perfect count. Last one there walks home!Go to the contest and submit your answer today!

How to Despise A Country in 10 Minutes or Less

2008-08-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

Actually two countries. Okay, definitely one and a scary, neglectful event with another.I've hesitated posting this all week because I was upset. I thought that by allowing a few days to pass, my agitation would too, but it hasn't. I also used the word f*ck and thought that might offend a few folks, so I didn't, no need to worry there. But a girl has to speak her mind, so here it goes.Due to the

ECStewart iTouch Wallpapers

2008-08-06T14:55:00.001-04:00

Isn't it about time you had some luxe wallpaper for your iTouch or iPhone? Indeed! Now, I'm providing you with a few designer iTouch/iPhone Wallpapers from CalligraphyPets & ECStewart Collections. Each time you reach for a new tune, your very own Bacchus can bring a smile to your heart.Wallpapers Du Jour: (Right click to upload)Let us know if these are beautiful enough for you. If not, tell us

Becoming Renaissance

2008-07-24T14:46:00.002-04:00

Robert Genn of The Painter's Keys recently wrote an article on Renaissance. After reading it, I think of it in terms of Becoming Renaissance.Renaissance is defined as 'rebirth.' As an openness to change, rethinking, examination, and often reinvention of more classical forms, it was viewed as a bridge between Middle Ages and the Modern era. The renaissance emcompassed revolutions in intellectual

Companies That Win Me Over

2008-07-09T10:11:00.000-04:00

Joseph Phelps VineyardWhy? Because they have done what I've wanted someone to do for a very long time. Create cross-pollinating menus based on their wine or the meal.Cirque du SoleilWhy? They never cease to amaze me; I am always amused, bewildered, and in awe of the artistic and physical expression they create. I love listening to their music when I work -keeps me in another plane.AppleWhy?

Studio Stacation

2008-07-03T10:08:00.000-04:00

I say every year that when Memorial Day has come, Summer's done.I love Summer and this sucks.My birthday has passed and Labor Day is right around the corner!! Somewhere tucked in there is my wedding anniversary. yay!I am enjoying my walks w/J & C in the morning and the dancing fireflies in the evening. So at the very least, I am actually enjoying Summer without the burn. I've attempted several

Getting Structured Into Your Own Life

2008-06-24T10:07:00.000-04:00

I'm getting behind on my blog entries because I feel like I'm getting behind on a secret project that I continue to nurse this month, so some of this may just seem out-of-sync to those of you local folk. Just add one week to this post. ;)Summer's first heat wave has washed across the SE like an old electric blanket. Smoke residual from the forest fires in the East and the urban heat are beginning

Giving Girls Presents

2008-06-19T10:05:00.002-04:00

It's my birthday today. Years ago I deemed my birthday a national holiday, just as long as you address me as Queen Elizabeth.I found a great dialog that befits today by Charles Schultz:Lucy: Beethoven's birthday is December 16th Shermy! Have you decided what you're going to get me?Shermy: Yes! I'm not going to get you anything!Lucy: What kind of a holiday is it where you don't give girls presents

Reasons

2008-06-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Andrew just sent this to me and I'm laffin' my ass off!50 Office Speak Phrases You'll Love to HateI hurt. I need to go forward designing more secret holiday imagery... perhaps I'll loop back because I'm on the strategic staircase creating a holistic, cradle-to-grave approach.Got your own?

MACLove, PC Out, Game Over

2008-05-30T10:04:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling a little like Lewis Black these past couple of weeks when it comes to Apple: Mac's in, PC's out, game over (include twitchy index finger pointin' straight atcha).I've been committed to have my weekly one-to-one sessions at the Apple store and while my head isn't necessarily in the game this month (too much imagery on the gray matter), I'm enamoured with Mac.There are sooo many nice

Planning Your Event Collateral

2008-05-29T09:43:00.001-04:00

I've been working like a mad dog all month attempting to get imagery out to vendors -specially after Surtex & NSS.This week much of my time was eaten up helping out Second Chance with all of their last minute collateral needs for the upcoming auction; I'll probably want to initiate a postmortem on that ordeal.Studio Tip 1: Collateral for any event needs to be planned, devised, and designed well

To Exhibit or Not To Exhibit

2008-05-27T09:46:00.003-04:00

ICFF + SurtexSunday flew by faster than the speed of sound. Andrew woke feeling like crap so I had to do the thinking for both of us. Luggage got packed, we missed breakfast, taxied ourselves to Javits to check our bags at the luggage corral. Shew!We managed to walk NSS quickly and efficiently, keeping a close eye on time. We needed to find the people I needed to meet and keep those appointments

ICFF

2008-05-18T09:36:00.002-04:00

For some reason, we were able to get up at a reasonable hour without setting a clock this am and get to Javits. Unfortunately, we couldn't get our entrance badges for NSS because they weren't set up yet.Travel Tradeshow Tip #1) Watch when shows begin and end at the Javits if they run concurrently. Just because the registration booth is set up doesn't mean it's comprehensive -it was only for

Wednesday Woes

2008-05-07T09:34:00.000-04:00

While I'm not exhibiting at Surtex this year, Andrew and I are walking the show including NSS & ICFF. As I struggle to get imagery done for client meetings I've set up for Saturday & Sunday, I'm also churning new ideas for the 2nd Ladies Night being held next Wednesday. Man, I wish there were more hours in the day!Prior to our trip to Vegas, I had one of my favorite charities ask for a logo for

MAC + Podcasting: Embracing My New Frontier

2008-05-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

Because I want to become intimately familiar with the amenities of my new iMAC PDQ, I have acquiesced to purchasing the one-to-one sessions at the local Apple store.I had my first session last Friday afternoon with Andrea. Andrea was very good-natured and immensely tolerant of my forcing her to listen to my free-wheelin' intro created in GarageBand. Once she traversed my terrain of spotty MAC

Enamoured with GarageBand

2008-05-01T09:27:00.001-04:00

While in Vegas, I've snagged a few moments to learn Garageband to create my first podcast. It's an amazing program that takes very little effort to create a professional sounding product. Think I'll add an English accent -that makes any stupid thing I say sound brilliant.Here's a short piece I think I'll use as my Intro for future podcasts. Please let me know what you think -I'm absolutely

Creating Your Marriage Byline

2008-04-25T09:31:00.000-04:00

Have you ever, ever thought about creating a marriage byline? It didn't occur to us to create one until tonight.We've returned to Las Vegas this week to walk a couple of tradeshows: ACRE and Interop.Looking for dinner at 9 o'clock at night (6pm East Coast time) within our hotel, the prices of oh, just about everything, blind sighted me. As we were shuffling from one restaurant to another looking

Persistence & Laff Out Loud Moment

2008-04-24T09:29:00.000-04:00

Being the introvert, a sometime single focused design-a-holic that I am, I probably miss more windows of opportunity because there are days when I just don't 'want to sell.' It's tiring for an artist who's filled with visual and suddenly have to switch gears to conversational strategy. Infrequent blog updates not withstanding.Over the river and thru the woods, I read aloud the Adventures of

As a Lover of Both Wine & Animals...

2008-03-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week in my online travels, I discovered CritterWines. This is a compendium of labels with animals prominently displayed on various wine labels truly for sale.The label shown to the right was a faux label that I designed several years ago depicting my contemporized grape bunch with Bacchus' name as the winery. This was one of the very first motifs beyond the CalligraphyPets line.And

St. Valentine's Day: A Giveaway Surprise

2008-02-11T15:34:00.000-05:00

I can't help but to feel generous this time of year; it doesn't have the pressures that the year-end holidays do.I'm hosting a St.Valentine's Giveaway on CreativeGoddess and you'll want to sign up. Send your mom! Send your SO! Send your friends! Contest Ends Thursday, February 14.

Chinese Zodiac: A Giveaway!!

2008-02-05T22:05:00.000-05:00

In honor of Chinese Zodiac on Thursday, February 7, we are hosting a giveaway. If your name is called, you get to choose a free signed unframed print from our Chinese Zodiac collection.Go to the Chinese Zodiac Giveaway now.Contest ends Thursday, February 7th!

Addiction + Living With Creatives

2008-02-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

I've just written a lengthy post about how in addition to basic elements of Maslow's theory (food, shelter, etc), the artist drive to make art is not an option, but a necessity. The non-artist partners of creatives have a hard time understanding the concept of addiction and how it is related to art making.So, when does the need to create become an obsession? A vice? Or worse, an addiction?You'll

Suede Sundae

2008-02-05T21:59:00.001-05:00

This weekend, Andrew and I went shopping for more bundles of suede. Wow, we got some delicious colors and I can't wait to get started.I love the feel of suede. I had fun incorporating bubbles in the form of Swarovski crystals to this koi last week. He's now available in my ETSY ShopLuxe Suede Handcrafted Painted Journal with Koi

Studio News: Licensed with Thirstystone!

2008-02-05T21:57:00.001-05:00

We've got an announcement for all you wine lovers out there... we've launched a partnership with Thirstystone, a manufacturer of fine coasters this year. Thirstystone has uncorked 2 collections from us: Wine and Paisley!Thirstystone Wine CoastersI like the way the new wine series looks, I may just have to use them as wall decor!!Thirstystone Paisley CoastersI like the way the paisley beckons for

Luckenbooth Heart

2008-02-05T21:44:00.000-05:00

As an influence from our honeymoon and a symbol of our wedding, I have redesigned the Luckenbooth Heart to befit any home.Luckenbooth HeartBefitting for the most intense romances with a significant other or oneself, this new blazen beauty in red signifies royal love. Adorn your special space with this crown and glory.Luxe Suede Handcrafted Painted JournalI couldn't help myself, I had to find a

Studio News: WinterIce OLE Watercolor Sterling Pendants

2008-01-28T21:56:00.000-05:00

Introducing WinterIceWater is like the stream of creativeness, refreshing the spirit and awakening up new forces. -A. RakauskasAwaken and refresh your spirit with an ECStewart original one-of-a-kind watercolor! These fabulous pendants are inspired by the beauty of nature and the stream that flows within.Inspired by my travels to a much colder climate and my love for water and crystals, I've had a

Owls & Designaholics

2008-01-21T21:43:00.000-05:00

I'm a designaholic.I'm a designaholic who has just finished posting this adorable owl and her baby as a teaser on ETSY.Is this the first step to curing my own insatiable desire to beautify the world? Nop. It's my own small way of letting you know that I can't stop breathing design. I live design. I dance and sing design but only hit vibrato when my car strikes a chuckhole. I eat design -actually,

I Got Noticed by the Wall Street Journal!

2008-01-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! Blogging works!I was checking my stats tonight and realized that a few people were coming from the WSJ! Woo-hoo! Why in the... I discover that it's all because of an article I wrote about wearing my Princess Diana hat at New Year's Eve Party: Edinburgh: Hats Off to Compliments!Although the entry was a bit heavy on the introspection, Teri, the author of the article, Wearing a Fedora,

Thor Thursday

2008-01-10T21:39:00.000-05:00

Did you know that Thursday is named in honor of he god Thor? Makes sense because I'm feeling the hammer of the mighty God of Thunder right now in the form of a bloody head cold and on a Thursday. Co-inky-dink? I think not.Yup, our trip finally caught up with me. From freezing temperatures (I'm not going to bother to calculate Celsius to Fahrenheit -nop, not gonna do it) to a warm and balmy

Chinese Zodiac: Celebrating the Rat!!

2008-01-09T21:38:00.000-05:00

February 7, 2008 Year of the RatDid you know that the Rat is charming, diligent, courageous, observant, and a perfectionist? That's probably why I love Remy in Pixar's new movie Ratatouille.Homage to the rat, we've decided that we should celebrate the Chinese New Year with Luxe Gift Sets and Party Packs featuring the Rat.Luxe Gift SetYou get to choose any print (to be signed and framed) found

Back in the Studio

2008-01-08T21:33:00.000-05:00

I'm back in my chair, pushing my cat away from my keyboard as I read email and type another blog entry. I'm doing my best to sustain the after vacation glow. I want to get out and walk on those wet cobblestones of Edinburgh. I like cities.There, I said it.Many people squint their faces when I get enthusiastic about walking the cracked pavement of urban areas. Admittedly, I need a respite now and

Holiday Honeymoon

2008-01-08T20:54:00.000-05:00

We apologize for not keeping up with SAVANTBlog through the holidays -we were on our belated honeymoon.We did, however, stay current on CreativeGoddess and we invited you to begin reading our travels there. We will, from time to time, modify and update our entries, but we will let you know when we do.For now, you can begin in chronological order here:Pre-Travel Prep: Pedicures &

Technology Overload

2007-12-16T20:51:00.000-05:00

Is it possible to get too overwhelmed with cool techie devices? I'm beginning to think so.My battery in my mobile phone would no longer hold a charge, so I was forced to consider upgrading the phone entirely. So, now after doing a quick search thru Consumer Reports to determine the best rated phone -I just need to make/receive calls, vm, and have a comprehensive contact library- I arrived at

Studio Weekend Update

2007-12-09T20:48:00.000-05:00

After returning from visiting a few artist studios on First Friday, we returned home to have a TinMan Marathon. Having not seen it during it's original air-date -we were recouperating from Boylan- it was a fun mini-series. I think I liked it better than the original -the fun animals and pretty gingham dress cloaking the dark and sinister scared the Hell out of me when I was a kid. At least this

iTouch, iWant, iGot

2007-12-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

Andrew is the most fabulous husband ever!Last week, he surprised me with a Jetson space-aged toy that will definitely appease my immediate need to research online at any given time. The iTouch, as was emphasized to me at the Apple store, was the music -even the tutorial online was all about the iTunes. That's nice -just give me the gadget so that I can show manufacturers my work at any given time

Cheers to Andrew!!

2007-12-05T16:01:00.000-05:00

Now that I've got a chance to wind down after Boylan, I wanted to outline my gratitude to to my wonderful and favorite husband, Andrew.The reason I'm doing so is because after all the hard work he devotes to my business, no one on the outside is really aware of the back breaking contributions and sacrifices he makes.When Andrew comes home in the evening (from working for his mistress), he'll do

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!

2007-11-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

To the man who makes my life richer and makes ECStewart Designs possible, I wish you many happy returns!!Much love,Your Favorite Wife,NL

iTouch, iWant

2007-11-07T21:23:00.000-05:00

I want.I want. I want. I want.Andrew insisted on visiting the Apple Store when we strolled out today for his birthday. Ohhhh, he shouldn't have done that.I've been pretty darn good about keeping my expenses in check the past few years -picking up only what I need for the office and maintaining my frugality.Not today.While the iPhone tickled my fancy, it has two major flaws:1) a phone (silly, I

How to tell if a Web Site Sucks

2007-11-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

From a humourous standpoint, this flowchart is hilarious.http://warpedvisions.org/projects/how-to-tell-if-a-web-page-sucks/

YABO: The Lonely Cat Woman's Answer

2007-10-22T19:18:00.001-04:00

Ever get that weird and worrisome feeling that you'll become the infamous lonely ol' cat lady at the end of the street? I know I do. I also worry about what appliances I've abandoned that are left hot and will potentially kill my helpless pussycats. I shall worry no more.The designer, Kim Yong, indicates that the YABO will meet the master at the door upon arrival, monitor home appliances and

A Hybrid Worth Having: The Honda CR-Z

2007-10-10T21:12:00.000-04:00

Honda is debuting their latest/next entry into the world of hybrid cars at this month's Tokyo auto show. The car, the Honda CR-Z, is intended to be a small four seat hybrid sports car that is intended to showcase the abilities of hybrid cars beyond great gas mileage and 0-60 times measured on a calendar.Honda recently cancelled their hybrid Accord due to poor sales, but from all of the reviews I

Scary Statistic

2007-09-13T21:53:00.000-04:00

In the July 27th issue of BusinessWeek - The Future of Work - there were an interesting set of polls involving employees and their views on the environments in which they work. The one I found most imformative was the question about "Who do you fear the most?" 11% of men said their spouse.I won't say anything more about this, I just thought it was a very sad and scary statistic.

CalligraphyPets: A Giveaway!!

2007-08-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

On CreativeGoddess, I'm hosting my first giveaway:A CalligraphyPets Embroidered Towel.Contest ends August 28, enter now!!

Home Depot Disappointment

2007-08-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

While Andrew and I were running errands tonight, we had to stop by Home Depot tonight to pick up wood to build frames for my upcoming show. Because HD carried the wood that he really likes, Andrew -despite my dubious angst- insisted that we stop and pick up a sheet of it and get it cut. After 20 minutes of waiting and several calls to have someone help us at the mammoth electric saw and no

Weekend Update

2007-08-14T17:55:00.000-04:00

Sheeeeew! For a relaxing weekend, it was busy!After keeping my nose to the grind stone, I find that my list continues to grow. Art shows, product designs and development, plus I also realized that there was much that I wanted to create for my family before we head up to meet them next weekend. I view this weekend as a birthday catch-all weekend gathering because unfortunately, I rarely see my

Licensed!

2007-08-14T17:54:00.001-04:00

Woo-hoo! I've managed to license two of my Renaissance snowflake images as holiday greeting cards. Naturally, I was inspired by the classic styles within the Renaissance period and of course, the blustering scenes outside of Hogwarts leaded glass windows. I just couldn't help myself -such a romantic period!The press release has more info.

Advice for the Young

2007-08-14T17:53:00.001-04:00

Keith Ferrazzi has posted a question on his site about basic things you wished you had done as a teenager to boost your career and life.I know that I wish I had learned early to recognize the people who cared and learned trust them. I did embody a fierce dedication to trust myself as I got my hands dirty learning as many skill sets as possible so that I would always have the power to make money

Contacts: Skills, Building, & Maintaining Your Network

2007-08-14T17:52:00.000-04:00

I'm a huge fan of Keith Ferrazzi and his book "Never Eat Alone." I highly recommend this book, specifically to artists who'd rather sit in the corner and create art because they fear rejection.I'm an introvert -I'm also professionally shy. There, I said it! Yes, that's right, I'm shy. If you're an artist, chances are pretty good that you're shy as well, to a degree. Remember, being an introvert

Raleigh: Open Arts Market?

2007-08-14T17:51:00.002-04:00

Well! It looks like City Market in Raleigh is trying to compose an open arts market in Moore Square. In theory, the idea is fine, the application however, needs more work... and I'm still disappointed.City Market Extends An Invite to ArtistsRaleigh still will not allow artists to participate in the weekly farmer's market held on Wednesday's due to the fact that the bureaucrats believe art will

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2007-08-14T17:51:00.001-04:00

Andrew and I took the day off and played together. We found ourselves lunching at our wedding venue, the NC Museum of Art and collecting our fabulous anniversary cake made by our original cake designer, Jennifer Hicks. It's become tradition (because it's so darn tasty!) as that chocolate cake/chocolate mousse layer is addictive, so it got special place in our fridge while we ran out and played

Simpsons Avatar

2007-08-14T17:49:00.003-04:00

I found the SimpsonMovie link among those who have discovered how to create their own personal avatar in the form of a Simpson character. This happens to be both Andrew's & mine:

The Fourth: A Holiday, Right?

2007-08-14T17:49:00.001-04:00

Let's see...Andrew is busy playing demolition man with my bathroom. The former double vanity used to bite me each time I'd move or I could never fully open the closet inside the bath then doorknobs would punch me- -ugh! I'm pretty tired of the bruises on my hips! One day we'll bull-doze this house, but until then...I almost became a widow over the weekend because of this damn house.You can see

NYC Signage

2007-08-14T17:48:00.001-04:00

Many a folk ask us why we enjoy and why we prefer NYC to recharge our batteries rather than a remote cabin or beach... Frankly, it's for the daily life that exists.It's real, it's gritty, it's alive.As transplants, the South is nice, but it's becoming homogenous -well, it has for awhile. NYC offers surprises around every corner. I've snapped a few of them because they were charming or alarming.NY

Licensing Show

2007-08-14T17:46:00.000-04:00

We gave ourselves 2 hours to walk the Fine Art section of the Licensing Show to determine if this was a right fit for our work. We noticed that most of the conglomerates were the same as Surtex, but pulled out character driven illustrations to license -something we don't have... yet.The Branding section was interesting, much like wild Las Vegas in only 10,000 sqfeet. I would akin an experience

Studio Report: Strokes of Genius!!

2007-08-14T17:45:00.000-04:00

Weeks prior to it's original release date, Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing is now on bookshelves!!Last year at Surtex, the publisher came by my booth and we talked for some time about the initial submission process. Evidently, there were over 3000 submissions world wide and only ~100 artists got admitted. Most of them got 1 or 2 at best. Nine out of my eleven submissions were accepted!!

Designer Watch: SUVAWear & Natalya

2007-08-14T17:44:00.001-04:00

Each time we walk NYC, we have to head back to a favorite shopping spot in NOHO called EDGE*ny. Two years ago, we found within, an innovative designer, Natalya Bagrova of SUVA who provides wearable photography on hip clothing.When we first met Natalya (complete with Siberian accent), I picked up a zippered-front black jacket donned with a vibrant peacock (looks a bit Star Trekkish) that I

Surtex: Day 3

2007-08-14T17:43:00.002-04:00

Final DayWhile cyclical, the last day [at Surtex] was good. There were a number of folks who were refreshed looking at my work that was utterly different than others and believed they could use my work to transition out of the 'rest of the crap.' (Yes, we've actually had mfg say this directly to us!) So, it's a matter of nursing the headcold, not do a damn thing over the weekend and then hit them

Surtex: Day 2

2007-08-14T17:43:00.001-04:00

This morning, upon arrival to Javits, my stomach was giving me issues -thought I had the flu. Now it's just a freakin miserable cold. Nasty sore throat ALL day, I just wanted to crawl under the table. The only thing that kept me going were the potential clients coming into the booth and collaborating on their projects -very exciting. Then I'd sit down and conserve my energy and send Andrew off to

Surtex: Day 1

2007-08-14T17:42:00.001-04:00

Surtex: Day 1The showroom was very warm (they finally turned on the air!), but we saw a few folks wander in aimlessly from the ICFF not completely knowing what they were walking into. Let me just say (without jinxing myself) that this was a pleasantly good day. The show opened at 9am and by noon, I was extremely pleased. Many of the conglomerates were talking of how this day was so slow for them

NYC: Saturday - ICFF Party at the MOMA

2007-08-14T17:38:00.001-04:00

After completing our booth installation, we walked ICFF and I made a few good contacts with mfg who do really cool stuff. I mean, out of this world stuff that's only found in designer magazines. Hard to believe that I can be among them... collaborating.Not knowing how big the show was, my first reaction was to walk it fast, ascertain the size and return to some of the neat showrooms that we made

Spring Endeavors: Surtex 2007

2007-08-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

Our Summer endeavors our a direct result of Springtime madness and preparing for Surtex, our annual tradeshow. I'm going to transfer postings from CreativeGoddess, a blog that combines ECStewart Collections, CalligraphyPets and my creative life.Surtex: Install DayI know I should be more talkative about the annual tradeshow we participate in (SURTEX), but I get so darn busy from February to

Bring Out Your... Snot

2007-08-14T17:25:00.001-04:00

I've just discovered that Kleenex has created a personal design opportunity for you. If you're anything like me, you dicker over daisies versus butterflies versus 'there-must-be-something-else-on-the-shelf-that-I-can buy' on a tissue box. Your toes stretch to help your hands reach the back of the shelf as you toss one box aside for another and your armpit scrapes against the metal shelf."Nuts,

Better Business Savvy for Artisians

2007-08-14T17:21:00.000-04:00

Dear Fellow Artisians-I'm going to lead you to the key of good business sense -and hopefully success will soon follow. Remember the cash and sex job I referred to months ago? (Cash is your day job supporting your sexy job you love to get home to) Well, Niche Magazine talks about Donald Clark's Book, "Making a Living in Crafts" by combining business and beauty to assist artists understand the

The Battle for Talent

2007-07-22T23:58:00.000-04:00

I'm beginning to wonder if this whole "battle for talent" thing is a bit of a snare and a delusion that companies are going to get themselves caught up in. I recently read an article that talked about the likelihood that there will be a shortage of something like 3 million managers by 2010. That's only three years away and companies appear to already be scrambling to replace their departing and

Brand vs. Branding

2007-04-24T22:48:00.000-04:00

Last week, Lisa was talking with a friend about what we are doing to build the EC Stewart brand. In the middle of the conversation her friend stopped her and said, "I don't think I understand, what do you mean by brand?" It was a bit of a surprise question, but Lisa did her best to try and explain in as simple a way as possible what a brand is and why it is important.Later she asked me how I

Destroying Internal Brand Equity With Soul-Crushing Leadership

2007-04-23T18:46:00.000-04:00

"The truth of the matter is that our CEO considers you all [marketing] to be a necessary evil. At this company you either develop products or sell products. Otherwise you're just an expense."How's that for motivating? A friend recently shared this quote with me. It is from the head of the marketing division he works in at a global company - that shall remain anonymous - where there is an obvious

The Language of War

2007-03-21T22:09:00.000-04:00

I was listening to a BBC news report on the radio earlier today about the recent fighting in Mogadishu, Somalia and something struck me about the way that the correspondent described the battle. He kept using the word "insurgents" to describe the fighters on one side of the conflict. As I listened to this, I began to wonder just when fighters on one side of a conflict became "insurgents.'"

Helping artists become good business people

2007-03-18T23:41:00.000-04:00

Is It Real or Is It Mammorex?

2007-03-18T23:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Andrew received his annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2007 issue. Naturally, I grabbed it first just to see how my 40ish body compares to the ones laid out on each glossy page. Bleck. So, then I move onto critiquing the bathing suits, layouts, and the potentially cool airbrushing section -you know the one: the girls are nude but due to some of the skilled hands of the artists, you

Making Dreams Happen

2007-03-18T23:38:00.002-04:00

I've just read a great article by Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone, who outlines on how to convert self-defeating behaviors into success in Steps to Achieving Your Dream on the Reader's Digest Site. The power of relationships, focusing on what you really want, getting out of your own way, comprising a dream team, and milestone planning all form one strategic path to making your dream

Guide to Art Exhibition Applications

2007-03-18T23:38:00.001-04:00

Kristy on Fragiletender has outlined the guide to art exhibition applications. It simple, straight forward no-nonsense advice.http://fragiletender.livejournal.com/325150.html

Bring Out Your... Snot!!

2007-03-18T23:35:00.001-04:00

Definition: Shiny-Object Syndrome

2007-01-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

shiny-object syndrome (n.)a tendency among clients to want to incorporate every irrelevant fad into their business

Thoughts on Design

2006-12-06T14:34:00.000-05:00

It's interesting when you're forced to focus more clearly on something you ponder all the time. In my case it's design and right now it's more important to my life than ever. I recently underwent spinal fusion surgery (it went well) and have to wear a body brace for the next six months or so. Believe me, when you're restricted like this, design suddenly becomes top of mind.Simple case in point:

Hobby Hell

2006-09-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

Wall Street Journal illustrated yesterday the effects of crafty enthusiasts and their penchant for sewing into trouble.In the article, Sewing and Suing, crafters are discovering what they thought was embroidery ecstasy in their own homes to hobby hell in the courts. Copyright infringement is becoming unravelled, which I believe, is due to the growing partnerships between the embroidery machine

Brand Management is Reputation Management

2006-09-06T12:25:00.000-04:00

Part of Starbucks' Tribal Truths, Brand Management is Reputation Management echoes deep within me. Starbucks believes that reputation management goes a long way toward fostering alignment across all business units inside a company as to what a brand is and, more important, what a strong brand can do. If you're an emerging business, take great pains to

Good Enough...

2006-08-24T16:39:00.000-04:00

Seth Godin had a great post yesterday about the next big idea being products that are good enough. It raises a fundamental question for a lot of us in business. Not "what is good enough for my customers?", but "what is too much for them?" I remember when I was in product marketing at IBM working on consumer PC's, one of the things we had a bad habit of doing was stuffing the machine (and entire

Worse than Bad Decisions

2006-08-24T10:32:00.000-04:00

What's worse than making a bad decision? Not making a decision at all. If you are in a leadership position, you are often confronted with situations that require decisions you are not completely comfortable with. If that is the case, you have several options:1.) You can ask your people to get more data before you make a decision2.) You can show confidence in your people and make a decision based

Just Say No to Spec Work

2006-08-22T09:32:00.000-04:00

An article by writer Mark Evanier is about out working on spec. In hisarticle, Evanier refers to "Unfinanced Entrepreneurs" He is quoted,Unfinanced Entrepreneurs exist because of a fiction about creative people, so widely believed that even some of us writers and artists accept it. The fiction is that writing and drawing are not assets...they are things we whip up out of thin air and which cost

Are You a Young, Technologically Savvy Pet Owner?

2006-08-21T15:51:00.000-04:00

If so, Purina is doing a good job of keeping you and your pet fed. From serious discussions on podcasts to whimsical barktones, Purina is just a paws reach to keeping you mobile. While cellphone wallpaper isn't necessarily news on the frontlines of marketing, I think Purina dialing into the hands of grandpa's grandkid is definitely a good way of keeping

Who Do You Stalk?

2006-08-20T12:44:00.000-04:00

Last weekend Andrew and I attended (walked) a slew of tradeshows in NYC that included the Int'l Gift Fair, Directions, and the Textile Show. We've been walking various shows now for about 3 years. Other shows might include Atlanta Giftware Show (Jan), National Stationery Show (May) and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) that runs concurrently with NSS & Surtex -a show at which

It's the Little Things That Count

2006-08-16T21:44:00.000-04:00

Lisa and I recently returned from New York where we were attending several trade shows including the National Home Textile Show and the New York International Gift Fair. While there we hit one of our favorite restaurants for dinner and were, as usual, delighted by the experience. The restaurant, Focacceria, in Greenwich Village is one we discovered a number of years ago and always try to make a

Client Web Showcase: Gaylord, Yuska, & Rubinstein

2006-07-28T16:19:00.000-04:00

ECS|DC just completed the Web site for the partners at Gaylord, Yuska, & Rubinstein, multi-practice law firm in central New Jersey. This site provides a wealth of information for current and potential clients looking for legal services.Services RenderedWeb interface designStrategic planningConcept developmentInformation architectureStyle guide developmentSite: gyrlaw.com

More Stupid Things Economists Say

2006-07-23T15:47:00.000-04:00

So I'm reading an article in this morning's New York Times (July 23, 2006) about the shrinking middle class in many of the larger cities in the United States. The article talks about the trend in many cities to bifurcate economically between the rich and the poor with the middle class being squeezed out. Though the impact of this on the cities in general is not known, many economists see it as

Creativity does not Equal Innovation

2006-07-23T15:16:00.000-04:00

I was catching up on my reading the other day and came across an article in the July 3rd issue of BusinessWeek magazine that I completely disagree with. It is titles "The Myth of Creativity" by Robin Hanson, an economist at George Mason University. In the article, professor Hanson argues that individual creativity matters little and that a few less creative people or ideas would not be missed in

Some CEO's Just Don't Get It!!!

2006-06-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Tom Peters had an outstanding post on his blog about Patrick Cescau, CEO of Unilever and his glowing comments about the "diversity" of his team. In A Clear and Present Danger to Society Tom points out the cluelessness of one of the most successful companies that sells almost exclusively to women. Read it and weep.Great job Tom!!!

Innovation is Easy

2006-06-28T22:33:00.000-04:00

It's making it a part of your overall business strategy that's tough. I have been reading a lot lately about innovation and the companies that excel at it and several things keep coming up over and over again. Recently, I decided to do a little mind mapping and see if I could diagram all of the components that make innovation happen (when I get it a little cleaner I'll share it with everyone). In

Client Web Site Showcase: Don Sigl Photography

2006-06-20T15:42:00.000-04:00

ECS|DC just completed the Web site for talented photographer: Don Sigl. This fine art photo gallery was designed with the art collector in mind. The simplicity of this virtual presence hints of a traditional brick-and-mortar art gallery with the ease of previewing Don's collection.Services RenderedWeb interface designStrategic planningConcept developmentInformation architectureStyle guide

Pet Credit

2006-06-16T12:14:00.000-04:00

Having difficulty marketing to the boomers and geezers? How about the DINKs? Try going through their pets!Bank of America has done just that by allowing customers to post their personal pet photo on their personal Visa credit card. We don't have to tell you that this creates that allusive 'bond' between human and pet and money and then back to human again. Someone has to pay the bills, right?

Insurance for Small Biz

2006-06-12T12:38:00.000-04:00

I've had several small business owners tell me that they can't afford a CPA to do their taxes.My response: You can't afford NOT to.Ever since I had begun to freelance my design services, I had hired a CPA to do whatever it is CPAs do for me at tax time, sign their name, tell me where to sign and send my paperwork. Frankly, if the IRS calls me in for an audit, you can be assured that my CPA is

Churchill

2006-06-12T12:37:00.000-04:00

Churchill said that when you're at the top, all you have to think about are policies.When you're second in line, you have to think about what your boss is thinking, and about what your opposite number is thinking, before you you begin to think about policies.Start your own company, then you can have control of your own destiny. It makes you number one from the start.Have you started your company

Apple Can Change Your Whole Perspective

2006-05-28T19:38:00.000-04:00

We recently ordered our first iPod. I know we're a bit behind the curve here, but we generally stay connected through our PC's and are wired enough in the house, that an iPod seemed redundant. Ok, so we've since discovered the advantages of having one of these tiny wonders, but the real amazing thing for me was the ordering process.When I ordered the iPod, Apple was running a special with free

The Importance of Prototypes

2006-05-28T19:17:00.000-04:00

Lisa and I just returned from exhibiting at the 2006 SURTEX show in NYC (we've been working 20 hour days for the past 6 weeks - that's the reason for the lack of posts) and were reminded of the power of prototyping. We spent the better part of the past month working to create the most effective booth possible, based on what we learned last year.In 2005 we focused on Lisa's black and white, pen