Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! 6 years ago, I hosted an anti-Valentine's day party. Thankfully Kevin decided to attend rather than watch Juno, drink a bottle of wine, and eat a KFC bucket like he originally planned.

Huzzah for Square Market!!

If you're a small business owner or a frequenter of craft fairs and small, local businesses, you've probably noticed a little white credit card reader plugged into ipads and smart phones giving practically anyone the ability to take credit card transactions. What is it? Why... it's SQUARE! It's brilliant and has certainly made my life as a small business owner less stressful. I even keep one on my person just in case (it's come in handy for on the spot illustration transactions). And you can request one for free, or snag one at the info booth at most Renegade Craft Fairs. They're usually there repping.

Perhaps not as well known is the Square Market. Think of it as another version of Etsy but without the facade of being all "handmade" (quotations around handmade because I've been seeing more and more mass-produced items on there and it's watering down the quality of Etsy, but that's another topic). It's marketplace to find small businesses, and it's absolutely wonderful. They've been putting together gift guides as well, and I had the great fortune of being featured on their latest two. If you haven't browsed through Square Market, you're in for a treat. Make sure you set a budget for yourself though! ;). 

You can view my shop here.

THANKS for making the first IG art sale a SUCCESS!!

Ahhh!! Thank you to everyone who followed along the Original Art Sale on Instagram. this past Wednesday. It was so much fun! I painted 8 illustrations on the spot, from 1-3pm. I can't get over how quick everyone was. I hope it wasn't too distracting from work ;). I also took some videos of my process, a very tricky task while you draw. My hands were shaking from the adrenaline and nervousness, my mind spun trying to figure out the next illustration. I've been busy with filling Valentine's Day orders and custom work so although stressful, the thrill and joy of drawing whatever I wanted was so gratifying and a necessary pause from the hustle. I'll be hosting another one soon FOR SURE.

Have a look at some of the illustrations I painted--

And here's a "making of"video of "Baby Elephant Kisses." To see all the illustrations, have a peek at my instagram!

SAVE THE DATE // Together, we adventure: an original art SALE!

I'm trying something new this year. Presenting.......

TOGETHER, WE ADVENTURE: AN ORIGINAL ART INSTAGRAM SALE - January 29

Between the hours of 1pm-3pm, I'll be creating original art & posting them for sale on Instagram.  All pieces will be 5" x 7", priced at $45 each, & listed as I finish (with work in progress videos in between).  If you're interested in a piece, simply comment with your email address & I'll send you an invoice to arrange payment & shipping.  All unsold pieces will be listed in my shop once the sale concludes.  No prints will be made so your original is just for you.  The theme is "together, we adventure"--perfect for Valentine's Day! I'm all booked with custom paintings for the rest of the year so this is a great way to get something original, affordable and sweet for your valentine (or you!)

Introducing Sanrio's newest character, KIRIMI-CHAN

Ahhhh how cute is this?!?! She's a SALMON FILLET!! WHAAAAAT!!! I don't usually get excited about Sanrio characters but this one... THIS ONE. So hilarious. I love it so much I could eat it, ha!

via Sanrio.

Supahcute Kaiju Show - OPENING NIGHT!

The Supahcute Kaiju Show opening at Leanna Lin's Wonderland was THE BEST EVER! Ahhh so many wonderful artists were in attendance, including Michelle Romo of Crowded Teeth, Patty & Jason of Fat Rabbit Farm, Nellie Le of Quiet Tiger, and the paper cut-out extraordinaire Jared Andrew Schorr. I officially became art collector that night by purchasing my very first original, Jared's "Night Swimming."

A big thank you to everyone who came by and supported the show. If you haven't seen it yet, you absolutely MUST. It's seriously so good. And my two pieces are still there & available if you're looking to bring a couple adorable kaijus to your home :).

Ice Cream Buddies - $190

Kaiju Chase - $175

Show pieces can be viewed & purchased here.

all photos by luis jaime // leanna lin's wonderland

Love at First Clink Show EXTENDED with more art!

Need a jaw-dropping Valentine's Day present for your special one? How about an original from the Love at First Clink show at Leanna Lin's Wonderland. The show has been extended, and I've added originals from the 2014 Calendar to the wall, as well as an array of Valentine's Day cards and other goodies. You're bound to find a special gift for your Valentine there. The 2014 Calendar is also ON SALE now in the shop and in store so get one while you can. Only a few left.