NOT MUCH TO REPORT ... JUST WORKING AWAY

So I'm still planning and researching the business plan redo ... there is just so much information out there. I probably just need to turn away from the computer and dive into what I have already collected. So that is what I will try to do today.

And I have been trying to work on designs for surface art for the Surtex show. You can check out one of my design layouts above. My goal for today is to finalize the designs I need to create for the show as well as develop a timeline.

Hopefully by posting this it will keep me honest. I can only hope.

WATCH ME PAINT

Here is the newest custom painting that I just completed. It features two labs, Frankie and Jimmy, and the iguana Izze. This is my first iguana.

Also I took photos as I painted and you can see the painting come to life.

LITTLE MOOSE IS GROWING UP

So our little Samson is growing up. Today I dropped him off for his first day at doggy daycare at CampBowWow Boulder. He didn't seem to even notice that I left. I guess he is getting to be a big dog now.

The fun part is though that I can watch him on the webcam all day ... you can see a screenshot of him above. He seems to be having fun and hopefully it will wear him out.

I'm sure that many of you have been watching some of the Westminster Dog Show. It is so much fun. And I learned today that they are also having a auction of dog art at ... maybe some ScoutDog Studios art will make it to this auction. (I can always dream.)

HAPPY SATURDAY



For just a little fun on this Saturday, check out the 365 Days of ScoutDog Illustration for February 9th. Who's saving who? Hang in there kitty. The Coonhound is here to save you.

The week was a whirlwind, and just trying to get organized. The studio is just piles of papers with ideas doodled on them for designs, products .... Now the hard part for me ... I have to narrow it down and focus so that I can be ready by the show in May.

Learning to say NO! is very hard for me when I'm so excited about all of the new ideas that I have swirling around in my head.

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

I spent most of yesterday researching and trying to create a list of the categories of designs that I will need to create for the Surtex show. I started out by checking out the other exhibitors at Surtex to see what themes are included in their portfolios.

And all I can say is that there is a lot of competition out there. So I'm going to have to really work at creating a unique collection so that I can stand out in the big crowd of artists. I'm just trying to not freak out and get overwhelmed with the task ... often when I feel this way it ends up paralyzing me and I don't end up getting anything done.

I know I just need to take it one step at a time and I'll get there. I think the first step is to create the design sheets and product mockups using my ScoutDog Studios illustrations. That way I will have those ready by May. Then once those are done and if I have time, I can add additional styles for the JennyBen Illustration side of the business.

Sounds like a plan and I better get busy.

TODAY THE ROAD TO SURTEX BEGINS

The check is in the mail. I've officially decided to exhibit at Surtex 2008 in May in the big New York City. I'll be in booth 605 in the Galleria and River Pavilion on Level 4.

In addition to the signature ScoutDog Studios designs, I've decided that I want to expand in to other styles to hopefully make my art more appealing to companies to license my designs. I also want to do more illustration in 2008 and beyond so this will require pushing myself into other styles as well.

In order to explore other styles, I've decided to launch another brand so that I can keep moving forward with ScoutDog Studios and not confuse it by adding other styles. The new brand will be JennyBen Illustration. I will be working on new designs that will launch at the Surtex show. I will be developing a website and probably a blog. To start most of these designs with the goal of licensing them but down the road I might also manufacture my own products as well.

So this is just another step in making my business goals, dreams come through in 2008. And that means I better get to work!

DON'T HATE ME BECAUSE I'M HANDSOME

Here is just a quick sneak peek at our little supermodel Samson. He did a great job at the photo shoot for the Spring 2008 cover of The Colorado Dog Magazine.

The cover is still top secret but will be out in March so stay tuned.

Oh and he is also featured on today's illustration at 365 Days of ScoutDog.

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY SKETCHBLOG

Just a quick video of today's 365 Days of ScoutDog Super "Bowl" illustration.

AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

Little Samson has a big weekend ahead of him.

First there will be the Saturday visit to the dog park. And then another training session on Sunday where he will show off how smart he is in front of all of classmates.

Then it is off to the big photo shoot for the Spring 2008 issue of The Colorado Dog Magazine. We went to Mouthfuls Pet Store today to pick out some collars and leashes for the shoot. He is sure to look very handsome, especially since the photos will be shot by Heather Green of Studio Bella.

It should be interesting ... I'll try to snap some photos and take some video and get it posted by Monday.

Have a great weekend.