The Merry Bird...: September 2008

Monday, September 29, 2008

FrontPorchFolks.com - an Interview

FrontporchFolks.com has interviewed TheMerryBird for the Front Porch Spotlight this month. Check out the interview posted on Frontporch the week of October 12th!

[Business]

* Your stippling process is a fresh alternative to brush. What led you to this art form?

Actually it’s a funny thing, stippling. This style is a relaxing art technique of pen and ink. It’s not “free” but reflects static and kinetic energies at the same time. I guess a little bit of scientific thought comes to mind.

* The artwork is very detailed. does it take a long time to do each one?

It depends on the subject matter. It can take a long time to complete a drawing if it’s very detailed, ie. pets. (the hair can be a challenge!).

* Do you use a graphics program or physical media?

I use different pen sizes, colors and inks. I usually create the master image by hand and have it printed on note cards or invitations. Recently, I began entwining graphic programs with pen and ink images. It’s a lot of fun and I’m sure in time my style will evolve into something different.

* Are your designs one-of a-kind or can customers order stock images?

So far a limited edition of each motif has been printed. Customers can order CUSTOM motifs but usually orders are of what is available on www.themerrybird.com

* What was your most challenging custom order?

Ad design is the most challenging to create, but wedding invitations rank high up there on the challenging list. Brides like things a certain way and they should get what they want!

* Who is your ideal customer?

The ideal customer is one that is excited about what The Merry Bird offers and wants a note card or invitation not found in stores!

* How long does it take to deliver a finished product?

If a motif or note card is in stock it takes One week for delivery. If the work is custom or personalized it could take up to 3 weeks to have ready to ship. Everything depends on the time of year and what the customer needs and wants. Logo design takes 1-2 months or more, ad creation has a 2-5 day turnaround and E-cover and Book Covers design take 4-6 weeks to complete properly.

* Will your business be affected by the current state of the economy?

Yes, as a small business owner I know the state of the economy affects the way people will spend their dollars. Most people pull back spending on frivolous items and non – necessities. But as long as entrepreneurs exist, businesses will need logo’s, ads and other design work to propel out there!

[Personal]

* How did you decide to start your business?

The Merry Bird has been out there for a long time. It wasn’t until recent years that I had time to reflect on how I wanted to go about building it and make it official. The web has made all of this possible as marketing, networking and viewing is much easier than if I had to do all of business searching by foot.

* Is this your primary business or is it more of a part-time endeavor?

This is my primary business.

* Do you have formal training in art and/or graphic design?

Natural from birth, painting, sculpting and drawing has been part of me, innate. Formally, I have a BA in Art History, and Studio Art. After graduation from college I continued my Art education with graphic design courses, photography and computer art. Right about now I wish I had a business degree too!

* How did you come up with the name Merry Bird?

The Merry Bird refers to two things: a man’s “flitting” woman, and a waltz from 1871.

* Where do you see the Merry Bird in five years?

I see The Merry Bird making full time income and gaining greater exposure with authors, publishers for book cover design, with small/big businesses for logo creation and identity and eventually in your local store as an invitation or note.

* Do you have any advice for aspiring graphic designers?

Once you start your dream of becoming a designer, don’t stop, not even for a moment!

Monday, September 15, 2008

What a day!

So here we are at the Trumbull Arts Festival at 7am in the morning, setting up tent and table. It just stopped down pouring and we were thinking this day isn't going to be fun.

With kids in tow, rain trickling and that muggy feeling all around we just realized our tent was stuck out in left field! Geez, we knew the traffic flow would be even slower because of the placement of our tent.

To make matters worse, by 10am (the opening time of the show) the sun started to peak through and droplets of sweat start to pour off our brows.

By 11am we were stuck in this hot sauna of a day, for the rest of the day. Fortunately, no rain meant people would be more likely to walk! Noon time: no one is crying YET and YES there are people walking the festival and even buying!

1 pm, Now, for the jury to deliberate the winning vendors of the day. Oh well! I didn't come in at all but neither did 65 other vendors so I don't feel so bad! (I do need to work on display, but for a first time vendor, I pat myself on the back!)

Ok, Ok, I made some sales and the day turned out great. With my little helper handing out flyers and making cute talk with people, he managed to lure people in and HOOK 'EM!

I managed to go through at least two boxes of biz cards and other marketing materials I had. All and all - good job!

At 2pm an interview by Channel 17 stopped by to chat with The Merry Bird. I asked them to put me in soft focus and let my helper do all the talking! lol

Thanks to my husband for helping set up the tent and table, it made it easy. He even took the baby home for a three hour nap and returned to take my little helper out to lunch.

What a team! Now maybe next year I'll get a space that is in the middle of all the flowing traffic!