2008 THE YEAR OF THE SCOUTDOG

I've been working this week on the first step in my business strategy/plan redo for 2008. The first step I took this week was to create my dream vision for ScoutDog Studios. I just put all of my dreams down on paper ... no limits ... no fears ... anything goes.

One of these dreams that I'm going to work on making come true this year for ScoutDog Studios is to finish my children's book (You can see the cover that I designed above.) and get it published. Even if these means I have to self publish, I'm ready to take this big step. I've finished most of the illustrations and just need to flush out the text and layout ... then work on getting it published.

I'm going to work like mad to make 2008 The Year of the ScoutDog.

AND NOW INTRODUCING SKETCHBLOGGING

So I'm having some fun with the idea of videoblogging and sketchblogging. I've added a new feature to the 365 Days of ScoutDog Illustration Blog.

Obviously I'm still learning how sketchblogging works so have patience but you can check out the first edition of the occasional sketchblog to illustrate how the daily illustrations are created. I will probably do these a couple days a week and also include some that feature the hand-drawing process as well. I'll post all of the sketchblogs on the blog as well as in our YouTube Channel.

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VIDEO BLOGGING AT SCOUTDOG STUDIOS

Wow, I was able to keep my promise with another daily blog posting ... the new year with new goals is off to a good start. And I'm experimenting with a new feature of video blogging life at ScoutDog Studios. You can check out the first video that has a little tour of the new home ScoutDog Studios. I'm still getting organized so it is a little messy right now.

The video blogging will probably become a weekly feature but it might appear more often. What I hope to accomplish with the video blog is to document my journey in 2008 as I explore my goals for ScoutDog Studios and my art. And I will be posting them on the blog as well as on our new YouTube Channel.

Also I uploaded some new photos to our Flickr as well.

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT THERE ...

Well it looks like I may be making a return trip to New York for a show in May. The Surtex show is a trade show where artists hope to sell and license their designs.

I'm still trying to make the final decision but at this point it looks like it will probably happen. It is just a big commitment both for money and time. But this is a great way to network as well as check out other trends since it is also at the same time as another big trade show, The National Stationery Show.

I'm also working on reviewing the current goals and plans for ScoutDog Studios ... which is why I'm probably going to do the Surtex show. I hope that this will be a big year for ScoutDog Studios and really get out the word. This will include a mixture of online retail, art shows, wholesale and licensing. I have a lot of ideas ... some crazy ... and just need to get them organized in a clear plan.

And that said, that also means some new goals for the blog. I'm going to start updating this blog daily (keep your fingers crossed) to document my journey on developing the new business plan and then putting it into action. I hope that by declaring the goal of updating daily that it will help keep me on track. (And don't forget to check out the illustration blog 365 Days of ScoutDog.)

Well I guess I better get busy .... more updates tomorrow.

"Columbines and Canines"

I just wanted to share a new painting that I just finished for a juried exhibition that will be at Denver International Airport. The exhibition will be on display from April 2008 to January 2009, during the Democratic National Convention and the airport’s busy holiday travel season.

The exhibition is titled "Colorado, See the New West Like a Local." The art will express the essence of Colorado as interpreted by the residents who live here. The exhibition will be made up of poems and short written statements about Colorado that will then be illustrated through visual, tactile, sound, and multimedia original artworks produced by Colorado artists.

So I had to select a statement. I chose "We have lots of people, lots of friends, and dogs in Colorado." And the painting is titled, "Columbines and Canines."

Hopefully my painting will be selected and will get to greet visitors to DIA. Keep you paws crossed!

This Valentine's Day send a message the old fashion way with cards from the ScoutDog Studios collection of cards.

GO SHOPPING

Happy New Year

ScoutDog Studios is excited to announce our new project for 2008, 365 Days of ScoutDog. It is a daily illustration blog from ScoutDog Studios.

Each day of 2008 will feature a new illustration from artist and creator of ScoutDog Studios, Jen Sebastian.

Check it out