“Obvious State”: My new favorite Etsy Shop

I love Etsy. I’ve said it before so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. I love anything handmade as it has a story and a uniqueness that other things don’t have. So, I browse the site often looking to see what’s new, and happily my latest find combines two things I adore — good design/illustration and books. Literary posters — what’s not to adore?

Obvious State is the shop of Evan Robertson who is a writer and illustrator in NYC. Visit his shop to see the fantastic work — I can’t wait to buy one as soon as I can pick a favorite!

Literary Posters by Obvious State

Pics of the Litter!

A couple of months ago I received a very flattering email — a marketing agency in St. Louis had seen The Shelter Me Project and it was one of a handful of projects that had inspired them to start something similar in their own city — and what could I tell them about how and why I started it.

Wow. Not that I was the only influence, but to be on that list was exciting and an honor. So, what ensued was a lovely afternoon conversation about shelter animals — how wonderful they are and what we can all do to help them find their forever homes. I got off the phone from my conversation with Andi Garavaglia with such enthusiasm for what she and her colleagues were planning to do. And then yesterday I just got the big news — their project has officially launched! “Pics of the Litter” was born!

Pics of the Litter

Check out the website (the design of which I am in love with!) and all of the great images of the animals they photographed (with the help of photographer Lynn Terry). It’s a fantastic project and already has made great impact just out of the gate! Can’t wait to see where it goes from here! And yes, they have now inspired me in return to give even more energy to my project, too. Hey, what wouldn’t you do for faces like these:

Pics of the Litter

Pics of the Litter

Beautiful video to inspire

I saw this on Facebook, naturally, as that seems to be the best source for great finds nowadays. Not only is it a beautiful and sweet video, it was made with a wonderful sense of imagination. You don’t need crazy special effects to make an impact. Watch this and explore your dreams…

"Her Morning Elegance" - from the album "The Opposite Side of the Sea", written and produced by Oren Lavie. © 2009 A Quarter Past Wonderful.

Are you ‘pinning’ yet?

I’m guessing you’ve heard of it by now — the visual pin board site on the web, the latest addiction where friends need “Pinterventions” — yup, Pinterest. If that word doesn’t ring a bell, then you’re in for a treat. While some people are groaning at the idea of yet another social media site, take a minute with me before you dismiss this one.

Pinterest, in one sentence or less, is a place for you to create your own virtual pin boards and “pin” images found on the web to them for future use. It’s your own inspiration scrapbook, but without the mess of glue. It’s the one-click wonder that will let you keep those passing visual thoughts in a place you can find later without a new search. Yeah, obviously I’m a fan.

But, what sets Pinterest apart from the other social networks out there is the fact that there’s no “social pressure”. You can follow other people’s pins, and they can follow you. Or you can just go in and do your thing. The root of Pinterest is you — these are your pages for your inspiration. It’s a different kind of social.

I will most likely be writing more on this subject soon — especially on how Pinterest should be worked in your social media plans — but for now, let’s stick with the basics and just have fun. So, go ahead — jump in and start pinning. I’ll be right behind you.

(View my pin boards here!)

My Pinterest Boards

Updated website! Finally. :)

What is the expression — “the landscaper’s yard is never the greenest”, right? Well, that can easily become the case for anyone’s own portfolio. When work gets so busy clients become the priority — as they should be! But, projects like updating my own website sometimes get pushed down the list. Well, I am happy to announce that the site has officially been updated! Not just a bunch of new work, but also with some new technology. I’ve deleted the Flash slideshow and replaced it with jQuery — we all know Flash is on its way out and isn’t mobile-friendly so it had to be done. Plus, I’ve decided to continue that jQuery throughout the portfolio section of the site — no more rollover-to-view needed — just kick back and enjoy the show! Hope you enjoy the updated site as much as I do!  www.thumbnail-designs.com

thumbnail designs website

My Television Debut!

Yup — it’s true! I made my television debut this past Tuesday on FOX’s morning news show! So exciting!! Okay, and completely nerve-wracking, lol…  :)  But, I made it through and overall really enjoyed the whole experience. I was promoting my Shelter Me calendars which means a lot to me anyhow, so it’s not like it was a presidential debate or anything! Here’s the link, and then below are a couple of pics I snuck with my iPhone camera — sorry, a bit blurry, but I was on my way out!

http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/66742570/News/Pet-Photo-Calendars-|-12/13

Latest self portrait

It’s not too often I photograph myself, but this one snuck by without my even realizing it…. I love those surprise moments that happen before you even know what’s going on. Just another small moment in life.  

Caught in the act!

Framing, Shelter Me style

It’s that time of year again — the Hygienic Gallery’s Art=Gift show! I’m honored to have been asked again this year and have been working away at framing this year’s photographs. I decided to promote Shelter Me again as I had all new images I was excited to share — plus, why not raise a little extra money for the shelters, right? It’s always a great show — join us next Saturday, November 19, for the opening!!

Friday night framing here in New London!

Shelter Me: Behind the Scenes

This is my third year of photographing for the Shelter Me Project Calendar, and by far the best year yet… Not just because of the final product, but because of the amazing and heart-warming experiences I’ve had along the way. I am so lucky to be able to spend time with the wonderful and compassionate people who run these shelters and rescue organizations — and I am better off for having known them. And then there are the animals themselves. I take so many pictures while I am there, only to select a few for final production. So here are a few of the cute moments that will never make the calendar, but will remain in my heart. These animals make me smile, laugh, and cry. And I can’t wait to do it all over again next year — I’ll be counting the days.

My new assistant at Forgotten Felines

Silly ducky at Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary

"He's mine -- you can't have him." at Meriden Humane Society

Getting nuzzled by a miniature donkey at Beech Brook Equine Rescue

Shoelaces getting nibbled at Hop Along Hollow

Getting hugs and kisses at PAWS

Buster at Greener Pastures Horse Rescue so wasn't interested in being photographed, lol...

This little guy at Ray of Light Farm had me cracking up! Too cute!

Shelter Me at the Venetucci Gallery with Dog House Diaries

What a wonderful event last weekend — my darling client, Dog House Diaries had a book signing for their new book, Rescued in L.A. The story is about a shelter dog who finds his forever home, and since they knew of my Shelter Me Project, they invited me to display some work at their signing which was held at the Gallery at the Venetucci Home. Well, it was a lovely evening. Not only did I get to meet my clients face to face for the first time, but Shelter Me sold a photo to the Madison Veterinary Hospital! A successful night!

Gallery at Venetucci Home

Venetucci Gallery

Nikki, Annie, and Paul from Dog House Diaries

The Shelter Me Project photos on display

You can see this print at the Madison Veterinary Hospital!