Artist, Mother, Geek – insights from a creative mind
Jen Goode
Jen Goode is the owner and “doodler in charge” of JGoode Designs, a Denver based art and design studio. She has been a creative professional since 1996, developing art for a variety of uses in an array of mediums from handmade crafts to Graphic design and illustration for licensing. Jen, a designer member of CHA, is a tech savvy, work-at-home mom of 3 who shares her creative inspirations with other moms through her sites Projects for Preschoolers and 100 Directions and as a featured contributor on various sites throughout the web. For more art and design examples, view Jen Goode's Art and Design Portfolio.
I recently attended the premier trade show for the craft and hobby industry. The whole event is a gigantic craft store waiting to explode filled with new ideas, concepts and wow factor for the crafty mind. I was at the show to exhibit my own art to potential licensors so I didn’t have a huge opportunity to see any specific trends.
That said…
I am hearing all kinds of talk about mix media being the up and coming movement. That sounds trend-like to me. I’ve always created in mixed media, I’m too scattered and unattached to pick and stick with one medium as a specialty or focus. I like to mix textures and techniques. I like to see the results of mixing materials… sometimes it’s good and sometimes not so good.
I’m also noticing a growing trend in the use of layers. Layers of color, materials and more often even images to create interest and depth. I think this is the answer to indecisive creativity, but hey, it’s its now cool to collage, yay me! Layers create a visual appeal I don’t think you can get any other way. Add in some extra padding between the layers and you have all kinds of fun happening.
Here is my contribution to the recent trend observations, a hand made bracelet. There are a variety of materials as well as layers upon layers to create the finished piece. I might even go back and add a few more layers… we’ll save that for another day.
Using the duct tape roll as the foundation for the piece, I decoupaged the paper both on the inside and outside using Mod Podge. After it dried, I added more Mod Podge and various accents from paper, string, beads and brads. I also glued twine alone both the top and bottom edges for an interesting texture finish. Once the entire thing dried over night I brushed on a layer of Ice resin to give it a high shine and protect the various layers from wear. I let that dry again over night. I finished it off with another layer of Ice resin.
Recently there seems to be an unpleasant and somewhat un-noticed by mainstream rumbling of issues regarding “infringement” in my world. I’ve heard of people copying the work of others, using the work of others without permission and others frustrated with others. That’s a lot of “others” . What happened to what inspires the creativity?
Well that’s where the confusion sets in. Where is the line between inspiration and copying or using without permission? It’s really not a complicated line once you know where it is and how it looks. The real nuts and bolts is, if you didn’t originally think of it, come up with your own original thinking to create it. When it comes to art, this means, if you like how an image looks, admire it, hang it on your wall, but don’t try to draw it exactly. Make your own cute bear, don’t copy Winnie-the-Pooh. Let Winnie inspire you, not drive your view.
Ok, maybe that’s still a bit vague. Think of this… No one can own a concept. However, they can own the result of their original creation of a concept. So, for example, although I have a gazillion variations of cartoon penguins, I can’t own the concept of a cartoon penguin. I can only own the way my specific penguin looks… in “interpretation” of a penguin. If someone else wants to make a penguin, cool, do it! I hope I inspire one that is fabulously fun. But, please don’t trace mine or mimic mine or even try to duplicate mine in some way… not to mention, please don’t use my actual penguin art. Instead, create your own. If you must have one just like mine, ask me, I might be willing to make you one, sell you one, license the use or just let you use it… but the permission starts with the request. If you use it without asking , I can’t give you permission, then we could end up in a situation neither one of us like.
Enough of the legal-ish summary.
What really inspires my art? I’m pretty sure I’ve answered this question from some angle or another before – maybe that was just in my head, I do like to talk to myself a bit. However I’m happy to say it out loud again in case you missed it, or really I was the only one in the room. I’ll point out where the inspirations live in my own art.
A few of my favorite artists:
Art by Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci inspired my love for sketch work, details and observation. He created so many amazing works in so many incredible directions yet his style is consistent. He sketched everything he saw, not necessarily as a drawing practice session, but more for a purpose of documenting what he saw. I think the way we draw has a way of sharing how we see the world… sometimes. I don’t see everything with literal grins and giggles on them. I do however like to think that there’s a lot of potential for moments of happiness all around us, if we stop to notice once in a while.
Art by Ty Wilson
Ty Wilson has a talent for less is more and from the moment I first saw his work I was in awe. Every line has a purpose and every line displays emotion. Much of his work has a vibrant jazzy feel, yet the pieces I love the most are the couples. They dance, they embrace, they love each other and you can see it, almost feel it in every image. He uses color sparingly but with purpose. His work speaks to the viewers emotions.
Art by Sandra Boynton
Sandra Boynton just makes me laugh. I love the random grins and silly expressions. She adds the fun of silliness to reality… she isn’t making up creatures, she’s stylizing real things in her world, cows, chickens, dancing hippos. Her style is simple but full of personality. I’m sure she could write a book without any words and it would still be hilarious. I also love her artistic technique… it looks to me like she uses markers to create her images, and art markers are my favorite tool (Prisma colors, if you need specifics). I also love Sandra’s story of success, she’s done it herself while staying true to herself.
Art by Mary Englebreit
Mary Engelbreit needs to be included because she brings me back to where I am as a professional. She is an inspiration from a commercial perspective for me. I love her fun art style, but what I appreciated at an early age was how no matter where you went, you could find her art to purchase. As much as I loved the concept, I never really thought others would want my art in their house as much as I would want to see my art in their house. Every time I get a note from a fan or a recent customer I am giddy with excitement all over again. It’s inspiring to have others like something I created all myself.
Can you see the commonalities yet? From my perspective it’s in the simplicity and the unnecessary fluff that I find these artist so appealing. Ironically, my own art has fluff here and there… but I like the texture the fluff creates… that’s the “ME” coming through in my own art.
In the end, we each learn and create from what we’ve learned and experienced. If you love something someone else has created so much that you want to make it yourself… you should instead try making your own rendition and sharing that for others to love as well. If you want to talk about something someone else created, always make sure to give credit where credit is due. We can’t be successful without the creations AND the people that love them, so we need to work together to share in the joy of the creativity.
That’s right, March is National Craft Month! So get your creative hat out, or make one you can wear for the next 4 weeks. It’s time to get those craft happy juices flowing to make something fabulous! You don’t have to be a creative genius, nor do you have to be able to draw a straight line. Crafting, at least from my view, is all about making something yourself.
I’ll be sharing ideas throughout the month both here and on my preschool crafts site, Project for Preschoolers.
I challenge you
Don’t fret over how fabulous or not your creations are and just dig in and make something special for yourself! Share your creations with others, or stop by here and tell me about it!
Here are some craft project thoughts to get the ideas flowing:
Make a greeting card
Knit a scarf
Make something from an old tin can
Add a fresh coat of paint and embellish something
Make a scrapbook page
Buy a new stamp
Make a craft foam stamp
Get out the beads and string them
Try a new technique
Buy a new tool
Have friends over and make something together
Spend an hour in a craft store and discover something new
I’d love to hear what you’re going to do this month!
Some places to see and things to check out for Craft Month around the web:
I recently got a hold of a papercrafting pack from Graphic 45, I love love love their papers! They have the most beautiful vintage styling and detail to their products and presentation. Here’s a quick and easy project that is both form and function. Using the Graphic 45 papers, various recycled containers and some glue I created a desk set for my husband’s office. Thank you Graphic 45 for these fabulous designs!
Vintage themed desk set by Jen Goode
I used papers from the “A Proper Gentleman” collection which is full of wonderful textures, patterns and vintage imagery with a classy male focus. Vintage golfers, vehicles and a touch of architecture (which of course my husband, the architect, really liked) is all a part of this double sided paper pack.
Here’s what you need to make this desk set:
Various recycled containers, clean and dry (soup cans, small boxes, etc.)
Paper, various patterns
Aleene’s tacky glue
Rubber bands
Straight edge
Pencil
Scissors
How to make this vintage desk set:
Make a pencil/pen holder using a soup can, measure paper to cover leaving 1/8″ space on top and bottom of can for edges to show. Make sure to allow a little overage to overlap when wrapped.
Using the edge of your scissors against a straight edge, score the paper and then fold and tear so you have a nice rough trimmed edge.
Liberally cover back of paper with glue and wrap around can. Wrap rubber bands around can to hold paper in place.
To line inside of can, repeat the above steps to trim then place paper carefully inside the can. Hold in place for 30 seconds to ensure the paper adheres well.
Continue to measure and cut paper to cover and line additional containers for each item you’d like to create. Because this is vintage inspired, rough cut and torn edges along with weathered corners are ok, it adds to the feel of the piece.
For the business card box, I mixed and matched different papers for the inside coverage.
For the clippy tub I used a cut out of an image from the same paper set to cover a gap where the paper pattern was short.
You can get a hold of Graphic 45 products from a variety of outlets including:
Last year I attended the CHA winter show as a non-exhibiting designer. I met great people and learned a lot simply walking the show. So, this year I decided I needed to exhibit and experience first hand what the whole thing was about. I made a great choice! It’s one thing to go and see the sites, it’s entirely different to be emersed in the event. I met more new faces, gained a variety of feedback about my art and most importantly was able to go home feeling like I’m moving in the right direction with my art.
Jen Goode at CHA 2011
Here is this year’s list of things learned while exhibiting at the CHA winter show:
Always be prepared to tell what you do
Just because you aren’t in your booth, doesn’t mean you won’t have the opportunity to share what you do. Be not only prepared but willing to start conversations about who you are and what you do.
Share your expertise
Volunteering to teach or share information you are familiar with can help you connect to others that are looking for your knowledge but might have something to share in return. I participated in a handful of events sharing my insight on various subjects. Through these events I made some fantastic new contacts.
Triple check your list of must haves
No matter how many times you check your list of things to pack, do it again. The last thing you need is to show up at the event without your scissors or tape or whatever else you forgot you might need. Then remember to bring it to the booth and not leave it in the hotel room. I ended up leaving a small portion of my Designer Showcase display at home. I had missed it when I was hurrying to pack the night before I left town. In the end I was the only one that knew I had left things out, but next time I’d rather triple check.
There’s no such thing as too much tape
We had a number of packages of poster strips and Velcro to hang things up for our booth display and we used it all. It’s much better to come with more than you think you need… rather than run out and wish you had more.
When it comes to image options, more is better
Keep the booth display clean and organized, but be prepared to open your portfolio with more options. I found myself wishing I had put together more pages for my portfolio showing art I didn’t think I should bring. This doesn’t mean bring a hodge podge of images from all directions, it just means, make sure you bring your best and a little more.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it – Doubt only hinders your success
Brag, if you don’t, who else will? You are your biggest fan and your biggest advocate, remember that when you are exhibiting. When you aren’t sure if someone is interested or seems to want to just walk buy, strike up a conversation and see if you can offer something they might value. If you doubt your ability others will sense it. Be confident and remember why you are at the trade show (not to mention how much money you spent to be there). Stand tall and proud and shout out to the masses that you are ready to share your talents… here they are!
No one looks at your shoes
For years I’ve always taken nice dress shoes and by the end of day one my feet are killing me. This time, knowing I’d be in a booth and on my feet a good portion of the day I decided to stop caring about my footwear and brought comfy shoes. I’m happy to day my feet are happy and not once did I get a funny glance from anyone about my feet. That’s happiness all around.
Listen
When someone does stop to look at your art and then begins to talk with you about it, listen to what they have to say. They may like what you have exactly as it is or they may be looking for something different. If you’re open to their comments you are more likely to find the connecting they are reaching for.
Take notes
Time moves by much faster than you realize when exhibiting your art, carry a notebook with you always. Write down what you hear, ideas and most importantly, things others tell you. When all is said and done, you can sit quietly in your studio and revisit all that you learned without struggling to remember where to start.
Be yourself and don’t change for the sake of fitting in
I found myself constantly thinking “they said they wanted …… so I can do that” when really I need to stay true to myself. Many artists can be many things and create many styles but what really makes each of us unique is our own individual approach. We need to stick with our style and approach and not try to conform just for the sake of a check.
Exhibiting at the CHA winter show in Los Angeles was a fantastic experience. I came home with more confidence about my art and where I am trying to go with it. I met some wonderful new people and enjoy every minute of the trip. Bonus tip, don’t shortcut your own expertise for time, make sure to give yourself the time and preparation you know you are capable of, it’s well worth the effort!
What ever you do, don’t be your own worst obstacle. Get out of your way and jump in head first, you’ll be glad you took that step!
JGOODE DESIGNS UNVEILS NEW LICENSING COLLECTION AT CHA 2011
Popular Penguin Artist Invites New Opportunities for Retailers
CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO (January 24, 2011) Designer and well-known artist Jen Goode is pleased to announce the licensing debut of her popular art and illustration at the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) 2011 Winter Conference & Trade Show in Los Angeles, California January 29 – February 1, 2011. Goode’s whimsical art has gained a wide fan base through a variety of online venues, and her popularity continues to grow. Although she has created a number of different characters and designs, her most recognized piece is a cartoon penguin that has secured a world-wide following, making appearances on products, in videos and at various events around the globe.
Goode’s work will be on display throughout the CHA Winter Show, the world’s oldest and largest craft and hobby industry trade show. Manufacturers, retailers, and members of the press can view Goode’s work first hand in booth #5043 of the License & Design section of the CHA Winter Show, or in the Designer Showcase (Table #1). In addition, she is moderating a round table discussion on affiliate marketing, and contributing an original art piece as part of The Group Canvas Project silent auction to help raise funds for the Kids in Need Foundation. Goode’s extensive catalog of designs, branded under the names Jen Goode, JGoode Designs and Penguinality, will also be available to companies looking for unique, playful art to include with their own product offerings.
“My daily life is my inspiration.” Goode says. “Creating smiley hamburgers, silly ice cream cones or another penguin personality is what I love most. Being able to show this quirky view of the world to spark a smile or encourage creativity in others is what motivates me. When I discovered the potential to expand my audience through art licensing while working with manufacturers to develop new products, I couldn’t wait to jump in head first!”
About Jen Goode
Jen Goode is the owner and “doodler in charge” of JGoode Designs (http://www.JGoodeDesigns.com), a Denver based art and design studio. She has been a creative professional since 1996, developing art for a variety of uses in an array of mediums from handmade crafts to Graphic design and illustration. Jen is a tech savvy, work-at-home mom of 3 who shares her insight as an “unstarving artist” by writing as a featured contributor on Suze Orman’s Money Minded Moms and is the Denver work-at-home mom at Examiner.com. She currently is an active designer member of the Craft & Hobby Association.
2010 flew by and I hardly had time to notice. Along with my usual illustration and internet marketing adventures, I’ve been working really hard to expand into some new directions with my art. I’m opening the doors for art licensing and working on digital art products for consumers, especially the crafters out there. Watch for it… I’m working on opening an affiliate program to accompany the sales of these products. for the past 6 years I’ve been selling products direct to consumers through Cafepress, Zazzle and a variety of other online outlets, now I’m looking to grow beyond the print on-demand. How cool would it be too see the Penguinality Penguin in a local store near you? I keep dreaming that it would be so fun if I could go to do my shopping at Target and voila, there’s the penguin!
With all this work I’ll be involved in a variety of events throughout the up-coming year. Here’s a few…
January 8-12 – Affiliate Marketing
I will be attending Affiliate Summit in Las Vegas. Sunday, the 9th is my busy day.
11am – I will speaking on the Affiliate Improve panel with Daniel M. Clark, Michael Buechelle, Drew Bennett and Wade Tonkin at 11am.
6:30 pm – I will be hosting the Newcomer Program meetup.
All Day – I’ll also be donating some art for a silent auction at the conference to help raise money for breast cancer awareness. The auction will be Sunday during the meet market.
The rest of the conference I am attending various sessions, networking, walking the show and am free for meetings.
January 28th 2-4 pm – I’m also moderating a table during the Building Bridges Designer Round Tables. I’ll be sharing insight about affiliate marketing – stop by and say hi if you’re at the show!
If you’d like to meet during this show, please contact me to set up an appointment.
May 25-28 – ShareASale Think Tank
A fantastic networking and learning conference hosted by ShareASale.com, an Affiliate Marketing Network.
June 25-26 – Charity
I am walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, right here in Colorado along with the AMGB team, and of course the Pink Ribbon Penguin will be joining me. I’d love your support! Every bit helps please Make a donation.
July 16-21 – CHA Summer Show
Hoping to do a lot more networking and some great design exhibiting in Chicago. Craft design and Art Licensing is the goal for me here.
More fun for 2011:
I’m hoping to walk a few more art licensing conferences as well as attend some more affiliate marketing and blogging events. Here’s the goal short list:
ASE11
SAS Think Tank
Atlanta Gift Show
Licensing Expo
Do you have a suggestion of another event I should check out? Let me know!
And some of the projects I’m planning
I’m working on a few special requests, including a book cover.
Projects for Preschoolers
Various craft projects and tutorials
Re-organizing and cleaning the studio so I can get some serious creativity going
Here’s to a fantastic upcoming year!
2011 is going to be fabulous, and I hope you’ll join me for all the fun!!
