My Friend Ronnie (r)

2012-01-25T11:50:00.003-05:00

I'm back...for now. I'm not exactly sure how bloggers keep up with their blogs. Sure, I have deep thoughts now and then but somehow blogging about them escapes me for...well it looks like months on end. We've been busy little cartoonists here in the studio, drawing concepts for new products, more art for the next calendar and of course writing. Writing requires solitude and focus, drawing for me requires neither. Give me a couch, a tv and a glass of wine and I'll happily draw and come up with concepts all evening long. Funny, except for the glass of wine, that's pretty much how I spent my childhood.

We just returned from the Atlanta Gift Market and if you are reading all the bloggers who actually blog, you've probably heard that it was super positive and hopefully successful for everyone. We had a few exciting launches and I never get over the thrill of seeing my work out there in the world--only surpassed by the thrill of the royalty check that comes after. I will not bore you with pictures of me standing next to all the products but I'll share this one from the awesomely cute collection from Blossom Bucket. How cute is that? It's part of a group of 12 little angels we named "Heaven Help Me".

So now, with Surtex a mere 15 weeks away (as a friend happened to mention) I must go back to drawing and writing and all the follow-up from Atlanta. See ya!

Bucket List-check!

2011-11-28T10:58:00.003-05:00

I checked an item off my Bucket List last night. I don't really have a Bucket List written down but whenever I hear of someplace cool or something awesome that someone has done, I always say, "ooh, I should put that on my Bucket List--which I don't have." The Thanksgiving weekend in Florida seems to be the kick-off to party season---which lasts until the Snowbirds leave in April---so a girl's gotta keep her exercise and diet in check so that the excess cocktails and many, many tiny foods do not add up to well, excess.

So on the 4th party we attended over the weekend (one was our own on Wednesday night, and I'm counting Thanksgiving, because, well--- have you met my friends?), we stopped by an open house at the home of two of my fave peeps. These guys are awesome---funny, smart, passionate and very generous. They are both hair stylists and Anton is a former opera singer and Barry, an incredible pianist. So between adorable finger food and a few holiday toasts, they would break into song---beautiful renditions of hymns, Christmas Carols with a few guest singers to round out the evening. Don't worry, I did not do a "Michelle Pfeiffer on the piano in the Fabulous Baker Boys"---that's still to be checked off the list.

So what was my Bucket List moment? That was when Anton invited all of us to sing Silent Night together. I know---so simple! But I've always wanted to be one of those people hanging around the piano in someone's home singing Christmas Carols! I've seen it in a million old movies and when I was growing up we always sang together at Christmastime around the tree (and trust me, there are no opera singers in our family!). So thanks, Barry and Anton for jump starting my Christmas season and kicking my inner Scrooge to the curb!

Ignorablog

2011-10-24T20:54:00.002-04:00

Here's what I've been up to:

1) Jim and I went to Colorado to see a few clients and we stayed two extra days and hung out in Snowmass and Aspen. I now want to sell everything and move to Colorado. But I won't.

2) I spent an amzing weekend with 3 fabulous friends from college in a picturesque cottage on a picturesque lake. I love these people...they are the ones that "fill up my cup".

3) Working.

Here's what I've been thinking:

1) Now that we live in Florida full time, the seasons mean nothing any more. Every day is summer and when they mention fall, halloween, or hearty autumn casseroles on tv or in the paper, I can't really get my head around it. But I would not say no to the occasional casserole.

2) I have an awesome life.

3) We have some awesome things coming our way and I can't wait to share!

As a matter of fact, I'm not Kim Kardashian!

2011-08-23T13:58:00.005-04:00

But I did have a beautiful wedding a few years ago. There were beautiful seasonal flowers, our dearest friends, incredible families, a cake that left a lot to be desired (another post) and a dress I loved. I didn't change into three different dresses like I heard Kim did, but I'm sure that's the only difference between our weddings.

My dress has been hanging in the guest room closet for almost eight years now and really...what do you do with it? Pass it on to another ancient bride? Sell it on consignment (or worse...having it rejected by the consignment shop)? And since I am only one of two women in history that was fatter at my wedding than I am now (Diana was the other one), it seemed unlikely that I would wear it again---even dyed some snappy color.

Then I heard about an event called "Love That Dress", a fundraiser for the Pace Center for Girls in Fort Myers, Florida. Donated dresses are sold to raise money for their programs to keep at-risk girls in school. I donated the dress (and the matching shoes of course) to the event and I feel great knowing that someone will be wearing the dress that meant so much to me. I hope the love I felt on that day "rubbed off" a little (but it's ok, I had it dry-cleaned!) on the next women who wears it. And Kim? Well, I hope she knows the joy of having an amazing husband who makes her feel beautiful every day--- whether in jeans or a fancy lace dress.

Penguins In Vegas...

2011-06-23T21:21:00.002-04:00

...Another reason the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas is so darn fun!

A Study in Contrasts

2011-06-23T14:43:00.006-04:00

Well, I'm back from yet another trade show...seems like that's all I blog about these days, but it is the "season" for trade shows. We wind up this round in Atlanta next month and then not another show until next January. (there will be business travel just not the show kind,---just the visit fun clients kind) We were in Las Vegas last week for Licensing Expo 2011. And if ever there are contrasts within a city, this is the one. Balancing on the beautiful (the Bellagio Botanical gardens) vs the tacky (the constant barrage of noise, information and smoke), the noise of the casinos vs the surprisingly quiet hotel room and the beautiful people vs the...not so much.

We had a great show, always fun to see "the people" after hiding out in the studio for the weeks between this trip and Surtex in May. I think we'll see some great stuff happen as a result of those efforts and of course the enthusiasm and pluck (I love that word) of my fabulous branding agents Lisa and Mickey Marks. They are the founders of Lisa Marks Associates, a branding agency with clients like Peeps (you know you love 'em!), Martin Guitars and other biggies---and me of course! They have resumes a mile long and apparently know everyone. Really... everyone! And they are super fun too.

The biggest contrast was after racing around getting ready for the show, living in the weird world of Las Vegas for a week and being "on" for 3 straight days (and nights) at the show, Jim and I took a drive for a day and hung out at Red Rock Canyon---I highly recommend this side trip if you ever find your way off the strip. Simply beautiful, awesome and blessedly quiet too. A nice transition, I must say!
Ronnie

What day is it?

2011-06-09T09:51:00.005-04:00

Oh, well... let me just check my handy new My Friend Ronnie wall calendar! I can only check 2012 dates, but you get the idea! This is one of those products that I have always dreamed of having my artwork on and here it is! How cool...

Heaven Help Me!

2011-06-02T20:53:00.003-04:00

I designed this cute little angel line with a company called Blossom Bucket---they do some of the cutest heartfelt products out there and I am proud to be a part of it. And they're really nice to work with too! See the line here. To paraphrase my fave Ina Garten...how cute is that?

Great Insights...

2011-05-26T10:21:00.003-04:00

Did you listen to the Ask Paul Brent call last night? I did, and what a great way to spend an hour--while I worked on new collections of course! Tara Reed, an art licensing coach and artist hosts "ask" calls with prominent contributors to the art licensing market. For the past 3 years, she has had a Surtex wrap-up call with Paul. To those of us in this industry, Paul Brent is the gold standard of someone who's success is only overshadowed by his generosity and good humor. (loved his giggle when asked if the economy has affected art licensing!) He had lots to say about trends both in the market (a trend away from vector art, more florals) and within the show itself (more artists, shorter visits by fewer people---but quality attendees, baby, quality!).

With the changing economy and retail trends (such as they are) he really emphasized the importance of continually showing up with new work, new ideas and concepts. The man is a machine apparently, as he mentioned that he put out 40 new collections in the past year. Yeah...40, people!

I decided a while back that I had to step up my game as well....if you want to have longevity in this business, you can't wait around for inspiration to strike, you've gotta go get it, wrassle it to the ground and show up!

So, guess what I'm doing this weekend? Besides making potato salad and drinking a beer (or two) on the dock? You guessed it, I'm drawing pictueres!

Studio? I have a Studio?

2011-05-23T12:42:00.007-04:00

Hello? Hello? It seems like ages since I've been in the studio. It's not like I haven't been working, mind you...it just seems like it's been forever since I actually drew an actual picture. My time has been taken up with getting ready for Surtex, going to Surtex and following up on Surtex. I'm not complaining as it's just a part of the world in which I work. It's kind of like Christmas, it comes every year whether you're ready or not!

And now for the pictures. The top one is my adorable friend and spectacular artist Cathy Heck. Cathy and I have known each other for years, art buddies from way back. We shared a booth with each other at Licensing Expo waaay back, before our hair was this color. Her new collection is absolutely adorable and I can't wait to hang with her in Las Vegas next month.

The next shot is with the lovely Connie Haley, another amazing artist with a wicked sense of humor---we were booth neighbors in Atlanta and let's just say if we had been in 4th grade the teacher would have separated us immediately! And people get us confused all the time!

I get to meet new delightful people too. I met the darling Monica Lee on a shuttle bus. It's a blast to meet people you only meet through their blogs, and she is as just as cute as her artwork. Every once in a while you meet an artist and you can't believe from their personality the kind of artwork they do. Really? That's you?! But not with Monica. Cute girl, cute art.

You'll notice that I am wearing the same thing in each photo, as I suddenly remembered after the show had closed that I meant to take a bunch of pictures! So even though these shots don't show it, booths were crashing down around us and the sound of forklifts was deafening. But we're all about illusions, right?

Talk to you soon, I've got pictures to draw!
Ronnie

Bring on the Shows!

2011-05-05T07:32:00.003-04:00

Next Friday, we leave for New York for Surtex---a trade show for people like me where we exhibit our work and meet with manufacturers of all kinds of things. We have meetings set up with stationery, fabric, giftware and greeting card companies, plus we always meet new people along the way. It's an exciting show plus it's in New York! So in the next few days, I will be doing the following: printing out portfolio pages, organizing all the supplies, tools and stuff we need to actually hang the booth, figuring out my outfits (the most important part of this whole deal, right?), designing the handouts, begging for more appointments, losing 5 pounds (ok, that's not going to happen!) and trying to continue to speak in full sentences. I know I've done these shows for over 10 years, but they do tend to somehow sneak up on you. Here's a picture from last year---I'll post new ones after we return. See ya!

Wanna have your own My Friend Ronnie?

2011-04-28T10:05:00.004-04:00

This fun collection just came out with one of my fave clients, Personal Creations. We developed a way that you can have your own My Friend Ronnie portrait printed on notecards, address labels, stationery and a really cute note cube. You can pick your skin tone, hair style, hair color (no matter what color it is this week!) plus they are personalized with your name (or all your friend's names, of course). Oh, and you can have glasses too---See? We thought of everything!

I'm heading off to New York in a few weeks to exhibit at Surtex, an awesome venue for designers to meet with manufacturers and industry folks. Jim and I have been going for ages and we love the excitement of the show and seeing all our peeps that we only see a few times a year. So, lots to do in the studio and of course there's the whole wardrobe selection process that is an ongoing challenge. I know, it's New York...just pack all black, right? See ya soon,
Ronnie

2011-02-14T15:02:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day! Now go eat some chocolate!

Five things I love about the Atlanta Gift Market

2011-01-21T14:10:00.004-05:00

1) The Heavenly Bed at the Westin--not that I got to spend much time there since each morning our feet hit the floor at 7 am and our heads did not hit the pillow again (with a thud, I may add) until 11 pm or so.

2) Seeing all the cute products (some of which was even mine---like these plaques from the Real Women...Real Country collection by My Friend Ronnie at Blossom Bucket) in the sparkly shiny showrooms.

3) Seeing all my wonderful, creative, audacious, hilarious business-y friends. You know who you are, but here's a few names (in no particularly order so don't get mad at me): Susan, Barb, Mary, Elise, Connie, Alan, Bobbie, Greg, Joe, Guynna, Ketra, Kim, Marty, John, Renee, BJ, Carol, Ellen and Jane. If I forgot anyone I'm sorry and I'll write your very own blog at another time.

4) Cute outfits. Everybody looks so darn cute in Atlanta, those Southern Women really know their accessories and unlike New York they actually wear something brighter than black.

5) Cocktails in Showrooms---now what better way to get people to shop than to serve them wine, margaritas and cute food?

6) Oh, what the heck--here's one more...the deals! I really like the deals!

Creative Chicks Cafe Interview

2011-01-06T19:50:00.002-05:00

I had a cool experience being interviewed by the lovely Kate Sullivan of www.creativechickscafe.com last week. Kate's website is emerging as a creative venue for artists and she is an incredible artist herself. She works in ceramics, stained glass, fabric and she paints too. She also hosts open workshops in her to-die-for studio! Enjoy the interview...more good stuff is on the way...

May I say thank you?

2010-12-28T19:28:00.003-05:00

So the old year is almost over and the new year is hovering suspiciously close...and now is the time for all good bloggers to thank their loyal readership and those who love them. So thanks! I know I should be writing more often and sharing my deep deep thoughts about art and life and life in art and the art of life, but certainly you can get that somewhere else, right? Aren't you here to discover a clever turn of a phrase adorable cartoons and the inside scoop on all things Ronnie? I thought so! Put away the Christmas stuff, have a fabulous New Year's celebration (I recommend the black eyed peas for luck), and yes, thanks so much for being here!

Real Christmas

2010-11-30T17:30:00.003-05:00

I may have mentioned a time or two that I have been designing products for a jillion years or so (and loving it, I tell you!) and people like me design Christmas all through the year. And when we are not designing for it, we're looking at it, thinking about and at least once a year we actually celebrate it! Or as Jim and I call it, "Real Christmas". Sometimes it's hard to drum up enthusiasm for decorating the house when really, I was working on Christmas during Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July and yes, Labor Day.

But sometime around this time of year, I actually get a soft spot in my other-wise cold cold heart for twinkly lights, fake snow (I am in Florida after all) and the smell of ginger and cinnamon wafting from somebody's (maybe even my) kitchen. And then something big happens. I hear it. Someone singing Oh, Holy Night. Like I heard last night. And then, I drag the decorations from the loft in the garage and bore Jim with all the stories of how we acquired each one and then I'm officially In The Christmas Spirit!

Maybe I'll draw a picture about it.

Thanksgiving...

2010-11-24T11:07:00.003-05:00

I love Thanksgiving...what's not to love about mashed potatoes and gravy as the focal point of a meal? Oh, it's the turkey, you say? Ooops, my bad. I especially love cranberry sauce-- particularly the straight from the can jellied variety, with the can marks visible when you slither it out (onto a fancy plate of course---I'm not completely without style!). My sisters and I have all become foodies over the years but I think most of us still have canned cranberry sauce on our table (right next to the whole berry, orange,walnut, brandy concoction).

But mostly I like this holiday for all that it's not...no presents, no religious affiliation, no decorating unless you include a few pine cones and candles artfully arranged (or not) about the table. I love the kid art place cards and I will never forget my nephew Nick reciting a Thanksgiving poem he learned in 1st grade (and that boy is an attorney now!). It's simple family time, and so darn American. It makes me happy to live here and happy to be in this family.

And I am so. darn. grateful. I am healthy, strong, have work that I love and am married to an amazing guy who makes me laugh every day. I am completely jazzed for what's on the horizon and still wake up every day with the notion that "I get to draw today!".

Have a wonderful day---enjoy every morsel of turkey, pie, mashed potatoes...and life!

It's Christmas at Macy's!

2010-10-13T16:12:00.005-04:00

I'm happy to say that the new My Friend Ronnie products have debuted at Macy's in the past few weeks! They are safely tucked away in the Christmas Departments of the store as the spinners have Christmas designs and everyday sentiments included. There are really cute mini plaques that are perfect as ornaments, package decorations or hung on a wine bottle. The larger size is a great little gift ---for a friend, sister or by golly, get one for yourself!

When you make your living designing products, it's a very s-l-o-o-o-w process getting your designs to market. We first showed these designs to Macy's in May of 2009! And through a long decision making process, design approvals and manufacturing cycle they have finally made it into the stores! I am thrilled with the quality of the plaques and had a great working relationship with our client, Enesco/Department 56. We are currently working on next year's designs so I am keeping my fingers crossed that everybody stays happy and these babies fly off the shelf!

Why I love TV.

2010-08-26T16:53:00.004-04:00

I am a child of TV, I pretty much loved it all, and still do---but I am slightly more discriminating these days. I once interrupted my Halloween candy gathering to run home to watch The Monkees. Since it was also a time when you'd send your 4th grader out with her friends and 6th grade sister (to supervise), I went out again after the show was over. After all, they were giving out candy!

I had my fill of the Law and Order franchise a long time ago and I cannot sit through any of the CSI's. Those shows either gross me out, scare me or I get stuck on things like: "Why is the coroner wearing false eyelashes?" "And why does David Caruso speak in that odd, halting manner?" But in summer reruns I have discovered "Castle", a clever over the top show that has been compared to the good years of Moonlighting. It has snappy writing, compelling characters and plots that don't make me fear for the future of humanity. So what does this have to do with anything regarding art, cartooning, or licensing? Well, in a recent episode, Rick Castle's young daughter is conflicted about studying or going to the beach with her friends, and how can she ever resolve this when she grows up? And he said;

"Find work that feels like play."

It took me a few (dozen) years to find work that didn't feel like mind-numbing, soul sucking work but now that I've found work that feels like play I can never go back. OK, I could...but I really hope the bottom doesn't fall out of the cartoon market any time soon. Because frankly, I am no longer qualified for any other work---just ask my former employers!

Ronnie's Work Habits

2010-08-19T12:32:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,
Do you ever wonder what I'm doing when I'm not blogging? Oh, go on, I know you do! Here's a few things I've been doing: Working. Oh wait, that's just one thing. But when I "work" it looks like this:

Sit at my drawing table. Stare out window. Check my Facebook page. Make tea. Check email, answer a few. Panic that I'll never work again. Check my Facebook page. Draw something. Draw more somethings. Think: Hmmm...I think this could be something. Make it into something. Show it to a client. They say: Hmmm...I think this could be something. Celebrate! Repeat.
Wait 1 and 1/2 years for royalties to kick in. Make tea...

So there you have it. Any questions?

America's Mart---whew!

2010-07-28T16:26:00.004-04:00

Hi Kids, Just returned (ok it's been a week or so) from the summer Atlanta Gift Market and Jim and I had lots and lots of meetings but managed to have a little fun with our licensing pals. Most of the shows we go to are between January and July so during the second half of the year, I really miss our business friends!

The new My Friend Ronnie plaque line was in a teeny corner of the Enesco showroom---and if all goes well, that teeny corner will grow a bit next time around! And they will be heading for a Macy's near you soon! For artists, there is no bigger thrill than seeing our "stuff" actually make it to market (well, that and a royalty check...) and I enjoyed watching people actually BUY the plaques!

I was going to post the obligatory shot of me next to the display but frankly why would I publish the unflattering shots that we took? Mama didn't raise no fool!

5 Steps to Successful Art Licensing

2010-07-10T18:19:00.003-04:00

...From a writer, artist and licensing agent

I’ve been licensing my artwork since way back in the previous century and have seen the business grow up and get a life. I do have hundreds of designs under license and with my husband Jim, we run Two Town Studios, an art licensing agency. Here are a few (kind of blunt) tips to help you understand what this is really all about.

1)After you develop a portfolio of your work, show it to as many art licensing agents, gift and stationery retailers and gift and stationery manufacturers who will see you. Tell them you want 10 minutes of their time and ask if they will have a look at your work and give you an opinion. Here’s the deal---most of these people have seen thousands of images and product ideas come and go and they have very strong opinions of what will work and what will not. Expect that they will be direct with their comments and do not take it personally. Be quiet and LISTEN to what they say and do not argue with them. Thank them (profusely) and then go have coffee with your friends and bitch about how wrong they all are. BUT, if you hear the same things over and over (“gee, I’m not sure that style is saleable” or “I’m scared” or “Hmmm…yeah…not for us”), go back to the studio and refine your offering. Or, you know…rethink the whole idea.

2)Have something to say. Not the exact same thing as someone else, but say it in your own way. Most of the images that are licensable have a point of connection with another person. “I’m thinking of you”, “Let’s celebrate”, “Awwww…”, “you mean so much to me” or “screw this, let’s party!”. Be original but stay within the parameters of what is already on the market. This industry sometimes moves at glacial speed, but it does need refreshing new ideas.

3)Be patient. A career is built one contract at a time. A greeting card. A puzzle. A set of coffee mugs. 4 more greeting cards. A single fabric design. A fabric collection. A 72 sku Most Amazing Gift Collection Ever! You get the idea…so yeah, another source of income is a pretty good idea in the beginning.

4)Be nice. Extra nice. Most manufacturers I have worked with are working really hard to put out new, innovative products with tight schedules and even tighter margins. Whiners, complainers and prima donnas are not often invited back to the party. And those parties can be really fun!

5)I’ll cram a whole bunch into this one. Keep working. Try new stuff. Adapt to the comments you are hearing. Spell the word “stationery” correctly. And whatever you do, refrain from using the words: Live Laugh Love on anything. Ever.

Just three things...

2010-06-28T18:37:00.003-04:00

1. Shopping at a farmer's market always makes me feel smug. I'm not proud of that fact, but it's true.

2. My sister Chrissie attributes her non-cellulite thighs to a diet of M & M's and red wine. Do you think she could be on to something?

3.I think if I only had one room in my house it would be a screen porch.

2010-06-15T17:17:00.004-04:00

I'm back from Vegas, caught up on my sleep, my follow-up (ok, that's ongoing) and basking in the glow that is Licensing Expo. There is something so energizing about going to a show that's pretty much populated with people in the business of new ideas, clever concepts and exciting deals. Oh, sure, there are always the doom and gloom types but I try to ignore them, or at least just talk about them behind their backs. This is a picture of me next to my wall showcasing My Friend Ronnie (tm)---tell me honestly---is my hair veering too close to Paula Deen's? No, really, do let me know as these are the things I'm concerned about. I've never taken one of those quizzes that let you know who would play you in the movie of your life as I am afraid it would turn out to be Bea Arthur. And my voice is just not that deep. And neither am I, apparently. I'll keep you posted on all the fun things that could/should bubble up from the show.

My Friend Ronnie goes to Vegas, Baby!

2010-06-04T10:45:00.002-04:00

The Licensing Expo is next week from June 8-10th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and My Friend Ronnie will be there! We will be exhibiting once again amidst the sea of other properties including a few names you may have heard of: Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, NASCAR and Two Town Studios! This is one of the trade shows we do every year where we meet with and (hopefully) develop relationships with current and potential manufacturers. Jim and I enjoy this show on a lot of levels: one...hello?! It's Las Vegas! and two; it's fun to get the inside scoop on all the new property introductions for movies, tv and consumer products and of course because all our pals are there at the same time! You can feel the excitement brewing with new ideas, new relationships and well, I just like being around clever people! So now I will finish my to-do list, start packing (and most important---figuring out my outfits!) I'll have a few pics for you when I return and maybe even a few scoops from the show.

Things N Stuff

2010-05-14T14:37:00.003-04:00

It's Friday, but in my free-lance world that means very little. I've always logged a few weekend hours in the studio without grumbling because A. if the phone rings, it's probably someone wanting to go out to dinner with us and B. there is often a "Real Housewives of Somewhere" marathon on Bravo. And it's totally embarrassing to be watching something like that when a client calls or our office manager needs my attention. Of course during the week, I only listen to Public Radio so I can appear to be super smart, but most people know better, particuarly the Real Housewives.

Reading the Refrigerator

2010-05-03T17:31:00.006-04:00

These are some of the ultra fun magnets (there are 32 of them!) I designed for Leanin' Tree Greeting Cards---part of the Real Women, Real Funny by My Friend Ronnie greeting card collection that was introduced in January.

I have always loved reading refrigerators. From the choice of magnets, which coupons have been clipped (really? you need to save a quarter on anti-itch cream?), photos and calendars , you can really learn a lot about a person. Families with kids have complicated schedules posted with stickers, post it notes and pretty multi-colored markers to keep track of which kid needs to be where when. It's so relaxing to know that I do not have to go to soccer, hockey, basketball, Spanish, dance, religion, or karate---unless of course I feel the urge. Shopping lists are fun too---oh, sure the usual things show up...milk, bread, eggs but it's a bonus when there are items like "tequila" and "glitter glue". I do like seeing a well placed magnet but mostly I like it when the fridge is completely encrusted in them---with a theme! Holstein cows, famous motels, felt and sequined crafty things from the senior center craft and bake sale are my favorites. On my fridge? A few well placed "inspirational" messages, holding Sunday's menu and a couple of My Friend Ronnie magnets, but I keep all the juicy information on the side you can't see right away---I'm not letting my refrigerator blab all my secrets!

How fun is this?

2010-04-19T13:23:00.002-04:00

We have some really fun personalized products with Personal Creations! You can order a wall print, trinket box or mug with My Friend Ronnie girls---up to six on each item. And you can change their hair and skin color and add names---just like playing with Barbie! Oooh, and just in time for Mother's Day, or Bridal showers, maybe a girl's trip...

On the radio...sort of!

2010-04-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

I had a great opportunity last week to be interviewed on blogtalkradio.com. Rick Tocquigny, a client of mine, hosts a show called "Life Lessons" and he invited me to be a part of the show. I've never done anything like that before and thought it would be a good experience---and it was! The questions were challenging and helped me to "go deep" as opposed to my usual day to day frivolous (yet hilarious) thoughts. You can listen to me at www.blogtalk.com/search/ronnie-walter. You might want to grab a beverage or a snack as it's about 30 minutes---which is about as long as I can go without either of those things. Let me know what you think!

Let's start from the beginning...

2010-02-25T12:27:00.008-05:00

When I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was draw. My dream was to have a sketchbook all to myself and paper to draw on that didn't have a letter from an insurance company on the other side of it, or the envelop it came in. I also hated drawing on notebook paper as I knew "real artists" didn't use that kind. But I drew anyway. All the time. I wish I still had my notebooks from jr. high through college as I suspect there were some pretty good ideas doodled in those margins. That's the only time I liked drawing on blue-lined paper and it sure beat listening in class. From the time I was a kid, I loved illustrators like Joan Walsh Anglund, Robert McCloskey and Lois Lensky. I studied the drawings as much as the stories.

I was educated, but just barely. I went to Catholic grade school so I know a lot about the parts of speech and diagramming sentences but very little about science or math. I went to a vocational high school (in the art program)so I learned to draw really well, but again...science and math eluded me. The academic program was geared a tad on the low side so I got straight A's but I couldn't tell a marsupial from a metatarsal. I managed to graduate from college, with 2 years at the Columbus College of Art and Design (where I really learned to draw)and 2 or so years at a state university in Minnesota. Funny, science and math eluded me again. Thankfully I come from a smart family with parents who read (a lot) and my 6 sisters and I are all voracious readers. So I guess it all worked out and I can carry on a charming conversation as long as the topics stay away from science and math! But I still love to draw, some things were just meant to be.

Really...I'll be writing soon

2010-02-23T14:40:00.004-05:00

I know! I know! I know I should be sharing all the fun, wonderful behind the scenes stuff that I'm working on to bring My Friend Ronnie(tm) to the marketplace, and really I will! Our super fabulous card line debuted at the Atlanta Gift Show with Leanin' Tree Greeting Cards (www.leanintree.com) in January, and the gift line debuted with Westland Giftware as well (www.westlandgiftware.com)! The card line has it's own dedicated spinner with cards, really funny magnets and organizer pads that are unlike any you've seen so far. The gift line includes mugs, figurines and snow globes! Snow Globes! They are so cool! And now, back to the drawing board...