Tara Reed Designs Blog http://tarareeddesignsblog.com Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:37:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Hop on Over to Lowe’s for Easter & Patriotic Garden Flags by Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:37:52 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=589 I’m getting quite a collection of cute garden flags for my backyard!  Here are the latest – now available in Lowe’s stores… Hoppy Easter is available in the small size shown and the Patriotic Poultry is available in both small and large formats.

Can you believe I’ll be working on designs today that will hopefully be [...]]]> I’m getting quite a collection of cute garden flags for my backyard!  Here are the latest – now available in Lowe’s stores… Hoppy Easter is available in the small size shown and the Patriotic Poultry is available in both small and large formats.

Can you believe I’ll be working on designs today that will hopefully be in stores this time next year?  Such is the life of the licensed artist – usually working 12-18 months ahead.

– Tara Reed

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/feed/ 0 Looking for feedback… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:54:43 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=583 In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. [...]]]> In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. It was  a relief to hear him say that he has built his brand through trial and error and didn’t have it all figured out right out of the gate.  His tips and insights were very interesting and inspirational and his homework? A little daunting truth be told!  But I am so sure it will be worth it that I’m getting started right away.

This is where I hope you will help me… Paul pointed out that what we see as our brand might not be what others perceive it to be.  He told us to get feedback from others.  I’ve been getting some from Twitter but thought I’d bring it to the blog as well.

What I need from you:  can you give me words that describe my art or my brand in your mind?

Please put them in the comments so I can continue on with my assignments.  Here is a sampling of designs to give you the feel if you aren’t super familiar with what I do.  I really appreciate your help and feedback – it means a lot!

– Tara Reed

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/feed/ 6 The Devil Wears Prada – it’s probably fake and involved in human trafficking http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/09/the-devil-wears-prada-its-probably-fake-and-involved-in-human-trafficking/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/09/the-devil-wears-prada-its-probably-fake-and-involved-in-human-trafficking/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:20:51 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=545 My friend and colleague, attorney Cheryl Hodgson, graciously let me post her blog about how human trafficking is involved in many of the knock-off products that can be found on many city street corners, at outdoor markets and more.  This is a huge issue that many are not aware of. I encourage you to read [...]]]> My friend and colleague, attorney Cheryl Hodgson, graciously let me post her blog about how human trafficking is involved in many of the knock-off products that can be found on many city street corners, at outdoor markets and more.  This is a huge issue that many are not aware of. I encourage you to read this and let others know about the information.

Thank you!  – Tara Reed

On January 11, 2010, National Human Trafficking Awareness Month was launched across the U.S.   Human Trafficking involves all sort of horrible mistreatment of children, some abuses too difficult to even speak of, much less imagine.  Did you ever wonder who makes those “cheap” Gucci knockoffs?  Those DKNY items on street corners?  Many of them may well have involved child labor, some of them akin to slavery.

During a recent chat with a friend deeply involved in raising awareness of Human Trafficking through www.intent.com, I offered to share how Intellectual Property theft is tied to the human trafficking by sophisticated criminals.  My goal is that this piece forever serves as reminder to those of us who have been tempted by those inexpensive, counterfeit luxury hand bags or watchs.  We are all aware of the issue, but until more informed, tend to think in terms of the big brand owner who is upset about loss of rights and profits.  “So what’s the big deal?”  Read this, and I hope you will think again before you buy.

I am an Intellectual Property attorney who has worked passionately in the field of trademarks and copyrights for many years.  Even I was completely sobered and sickened by a story I heard at U.S. Trademark Office program here in Santa Monica a few years back.  An American attorney based in Thailand spoke of his law firm’s involvement in verifying fake goods seized by Thai custom officials. This type of cooperation is a rather recent side cooperative effort, resulting more from terrorist concerns since 09-11 than a real concern about protecting luxury goods trademark owners.   Discovery of the fake goods is a rather random event, since custom officials are routine bribed to “look the other way.”

Imagine a horrible unsafe, unsanitary warehouse containing $20 million in state of the art cigarette manufacturing equipment used to make fake cigarettes.  Imagine criminals who have recruited unsuspecting youngsters to travel from China and beyond to “job fairs” seeking a better life.  The innocent girls are sold into sexual slavery, and young men are chained to machines like the one in the cigarette plant, forced to do the work of criminal enterprise.  In this case, a raid of the plant found the owners long gone, tipped off in advance by custom officials in Bangkok.  All that remained were the young male teenagers, chained to the machines to which they were slaves.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article…

Cheryl Hodgson presently serves as a member of the Emerging Issues Committee of the International Trademark Association, and Past President of the California Copyright conference. She practices law in Santa Monica, CA and Cheryl can be reached at www.hodgson-law.com.  Cheryl posts regularly at the BRANDAIDE Blog. www.brandaideblog.com

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/09/the-devil-wears-prada-its-probably-fake-and-involved-in-human-trafficking/feed/ 1 Why I'll keep my day job… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/07/why-ill-keep-my-day-job/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/07/why-ill-keep-my-day-job/#comments Sun, 07 Feb 2010 23:09:13 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=542 Last night I headed to Vancouver, WA with my boyfriend to go dancing.  We were invited by a friend he used to work with and promised fun people and a great time – she was right.

The evening started with an hour long Zydeco dance lesson.  I thought I was back in my college ballroom dance [...]]]> Last night I headed to Vancouver, WA with my boyfriend to go dancing.  We were invited by a friend he used to work with and promised fun people and a great time – she was right.

The evening started with an hour long Zydeco dance lesson.  I thought I was back in my college ballroom dance class (what a great choice for PE credits!) as we learned new steps and kept rotating to new partners.  After the hour-long class, the lights were dimmed and the real dancing began – wow!

Many of the dancers are regulars at the Vancouver Ballroom and even had their own dance shoes.  How fun to watch them do the “East Coast Swing” and of course, lots of Zydeco.

Craig and I tried but let’s just say, “we don’t quite feel the beat”.  We had fun and boy did we do a good job laughing at ourselves! It was a great change of pace but I’ll keep painting and probably won’t be buying my own special dance shoes anytime soon…

If you are like me and never heard of Zydeco before, here is a video which happens to feature our teachers.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Trying new things is the spice of life so get out there, overcome your fear and aprehension (I sure had to!) and give it a whirl!

– Tara Reed

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/07/why-ill-keep-my-day-job/feed/ 2 42 Things I've Learned in my 42 Years… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/31/42-things-ive-learned-in-my-42-years/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/31/42-things-ive-learned-in-my-42-years/#comments Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:00:05 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=532 Jinkies, how did I get to be 42? I still, quite vividly, remember planning surprise parties for friends when we were all turning 13. Or making construction paper cars to put on a locker to make sure everyone knew a friend was turning 16… (and to make her embarrassed… wonder if Sue will read [...]]]> Jinkies, how did I get to be 42? I still, quite vividly, remember planning surprise parties for friends when we were all turning 13. Or making construction paper cars to put on a locker to make sure everyone knew a friend was turning 16… (and to make her embarrassed… wonder if Sue will read this post?) Let’s not forget turning 21… and the headache the day after.

Well now it seems I have somehow reached 42! Last year it was my son turning 16 not my friend. (I got 16 cars from the Dollar Tree and hung them over the table instead of the construction paper stand-by.)

Anyway, I fine with my age and thought it would be fun to sit down and write the 42 things that came to mind that I have learned in my 42 years. Some are silly and others just might make you go hmmm… (remember that song? The video is at the end of my list)

So here goes… 42 things I’ve learned in my 42 years

  1. I love my 40s! (and I knew I would!)
  2. Your mom isn’t always right… (unless your name is Kyle and I’m your mom.)
  3. Things you hear as a child STICK in a person’s head for years so be careful what you say to children!
  4. Big Boobs doesn’t necessarily = Sexy. There’s more to it.
  5. Being yourself is always the best way to go in the long run!
  6. Your education doesn’t have to determine the rest of your life.
  7. Risks are rewarded – sometimes with wealth and other times with lessons to be learned.
  8. There is always a silver lining if you are willing to look for it.
  9. Swollen feet on airplanes is not fun.
  10. I love to Twitter!
  11. Highlights aren’t for me – I have dark hair and I love it! (Gray isn’t for me either so I’ll dye the heck out of any that try and invade my head.)
  12. Being a parent is hard work – but worth it. You get out what you put in.
  13. Everyone doesn’t always choose the best partner. Pick again. (But not the same person with a different name – lots of people seem to do that too!)
  14. The internet isn’t a fad. Thank goodness! How did we survive without it?
  15. Live with no regrets, it makes for a happier life than second guessing yourself.
  16. I’d be really wealthy if all the “Lotto” winnings I got in my inbox were real!
  17. Shoe size has nothing to do with anything except how big your feet are.
  18. Finding someone who gets you is something to be cherished!
  19. Laughter is an awesome way to spend time.
  20. Travel to foreign countries expands your perspective.
  21. Trust your intuition, even if it goes against everyone else’s advice. You usually know what’s best for you.
  22. I can’t sing or dance… and I haven’t quite come to terms with that!
  23. My mom was right: “If you don’t ask, the chances of getting a “yes” are slim to none.”
  24. She was also right when she said, “The worst that can happen is they say no.” (I’ve discovered you can always survive that.)
  25. My dad was mistaken when he said, “They wouldn’t call it work if it was fun.” (Sorry dad) I have found a way to make work = fun. Yippee!
  26. If you do things right, you really do get wiser when you get older, so listen to those that are even older than you and see what you can learn.
  27. I actually do have a sense of humor. (phew!)
  28. Sometimes it really is ok to sit and do nothing… for hours.
  29. Sometimes you get what you pay for. Other times you get more or less… be careful how you spend your money.
  30. I don’t enjoy cooking.
  31. Not everyone is meant to stay in our lives forever but everyone that comes into your life serves a purpose or provides a lesson you need to learn.
  32. Doing the best you can with what you know at the time is all anyone can ask for.
  33. It’s ok to admit that you were wrong.
  34. Our beliefs don’t always make sense – even to ourselves! Keep the ones that work for you and try to change the ones that hold you back.
  35. Knowing yourself and being honest with yourself is the key to all things.
  36. Success is more than the size of your bank account.
  37. Time really does seem to pass more quickly the older you get! (I remember my mom telling me that when I was about 8 and thinking she was nuts!)
  38. I like to know how everything works. Which can cause me to do more than I should by myself.
  39. I’m “micro-social” – I would choose to be with small groups of people over large gatherings.
  40. I’m glad I was able to stay home with my son for 10 years but I’m really thriving building my business and being his mom at the same time!
  41. There is no “right answer” that will work for everyone. (No matter what the question is.)
  42. I’m excited to see what this next year brings…

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No matter how many candles you have on your birthday cake this year I hope you are growing wiser and laughing more with each passing year! Now where’s my cake?

– Tara Reed

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/31/42-things-ive-learned-in-my-42-years/feed/ 2 Are you a POSITIVE WOMAN? http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/27/are-you-a-positive-woman/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/27/are-you-a-positive-woman/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:52:51 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=539 I’m really excited about tonight and wanted to share a new resource with you!

Last year I took a class, Teleseminar Secrets, and met some amazing people in the process.  One of those people was Kelly Rudolph – always ready with a sunny smile and happy thought.  She has turned her positive attitude into a website [...]]]> I’m really excited about tonight and wanted to share a new resource with you!

Last year I took a class, Teleseminar Secrets, and met some amazing people in the process.  One of those people was Kelly Rudolph – always ready with a sunny smile and happy thought.  She has turned her positive attitude into a website to help and inspire women to stay upbeat, positive and happy, in spite of all the negativity floating around.

Watch videos. Listen to audios. Connect with other positive women.

The site is a membership site and the big launch is tonight!  I’m so amazed at everything she has done and put together – how thrilling to get to be a part of the launch!  (I will also get to be a part of the site, we just have to set the time and format – so you’ll hear more about that later!)

The launch is at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST tonight, Wednesday, January 27. Kelly has asked me to lead the “Tweet-Up” – meaning keeping the conversation going and connecting with everyone on Twitter during the launch.  So if you decide to listen in and tweet at the same time, be sure to add #PWR to your tweets so I and all the other Positive Women can find you! (find me at www.Twitter.com/ArtistTaraReed)

I encourage you to take a look and see what this is all about and hope to see you tonight on Twitter because you know what? Positive Women really do ROCK!

– Tara Reed

FTC disclosure: I am an affiliate of this site and will receive a commission if you decide to join.  That is not, however, the only reason I’m telling you about it – I believe in it and think you should decide if it will benefit you as well.  Here’s to great things in 2010!

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/27/are-you-a-positive-woman/feed/ 5 New Kitchen Textiles Hitting the Stores Soon! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/25/new-kitchen-textiles-hitting-the-stores-soon/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/25/new-kitchen-textiles-hitting-the-stores-soon/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:53:26 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=526 I spent the first weekend in January walking the Gift Show in Atlanta – boy was  I tired when I got home!  3 tall buildings, tons of things to see, people to talk to, trends to look for, a product signing and more… FUN!

A few of the new products I was able to see for [...]]]> I spent the first weekend in January walking the Gift Show in Atlanta – boy was  I tired when I got home!  3 tall buildings, tons of things to see, people to talk to, trends to look for, a product signing and more… FUN!

A few of the new products I was able to see for the first time were designs licensed to kitchen textile manufacturer Kay Dee Designs.  I have a set of two flour sack towels featuring my “Fashion Forward” art and humor as well as a line of 8 western motif products now available.

It is always exciting to see the art finally on the products – this process can take 6-12 months on average.  The next excitement will hopefully be to see them in stores!  (If you see them, snap a pic and shoot me an email, ok?  Always makes my day!)

As well as working, the Atlanta Show is always a great place to meet and see celebrities as well. 

I met Meredith Baxter (remember her from Family Ties?) – she has a skin care line and was as nice as she seemed on TV.

During my signing with Thirstystone, where I was giving away “Walk on the Wild Side” coasters, I had the pleasure of meeting author Patricia Cornwell – who was surprised that I recognized her. (She looks just like her photo on the books and we had been talking about enjoying her Kay Scarpetta books at dinner the night before, so she was on my mind.)  When I asked why she was at the show I learned that she not only has a gift store, but a turkey farm as well!

Marie Osmond was there but I didn’t see her and Mary Engelbreit had a ‘meet and greet’ for the launch of her Christmas ornament line with Katherine’s Creations.  I didn’t get to meet her either, as I had to get 10 flights up to my signing with Thirstystone.

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/25/new-kitchen-textiles-hitting-the-stores-soon/feed/ 0 My Art Licensing Story by Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/06/my-art-licensing-story-by-tara-reed/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/06/my-art-licensing-story-by-tara-reed/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:06:27 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=523 Over on my other blog, ArtLicensingBlog.com, I started a little contest.  My goal is to get artists to share their stories about art licensing – how they got into it, why they like it, etc.  So I thought I’d share my story with you, just in case you ever wondered!

This career is the result of [...]]]> Over on my other blog, ArtLicensingBlog.com, I started a little contest.  My goal is to get artists to share their stories about art licensing – how they got into it, why they like it, etc.  So I thought I’d share my story with you, just in case you ever wondered!

This career is the result of a single phone call from a trade show floor…

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Here’s to whatever path life, and phone calls, take you down!

– Tara

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/06/my-art-licensing-story-by-tara-reed/feed/ 2 How and Why to Save your Digital Photos to DVDs http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/03/how-and-why-to-save-your-digital-photos-to-dvds/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/03/how-and-why-to-save-your-digital-photos-to-dvds/#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:42:46 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=516 If you are like many people, you plug your digital camera into the computer, transfer your photos and delete them from the camera.  You share a few on Facebook or by email… but do you back them up?

Backing up your photos and saving them in multiple locations (as in, physical buildings – not all in [...]]]> If you are like many people, you plug your digital camera into the computer, transfer your photos and delete them from the camera.  You share a few on Facebook or by email… but do you back them up?

Backing up your photos and saving them in multiple locations (as in, physical buildings – not all in your home) is essential if you want to ensure you have your pictures for years to come.  Lane Hill of Lasting Impressions, the makers of the Memory Mixer Digital Scrapbooking Software that I design for, got me thinking and taking action.

Here is a video showing you how to export your photos from iPhoto to jpegs, so you can burn them to DVD’s (CD’s only last about 5 years but DVDs have an average life of 60) and store them off site.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Here’s to the safe preservation of your memories!

– Tara

P.S.  Want to do more than have folders of jpegs lying around?  Check out Memory Mixer Software – it makes scrapbooking quick and easy – it will change how you think about scrapbooking!

P.P.S.  Have the software and want to see the designs I have currently have available? (I hope you do!)  CLICK HERE

(disclosure: I have no vested interest in your purchase of iPhoto or Memory Mixer software, but do earn royalties on the sale of Memory Mixer kits featuring my art.)

Share/Bookmark ]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/03/how-and-why-to-save-your-digital-photos-to-dvds/feed/ 0 Happy Verby New Year! Wishing you much happiness and prosperity in 2010 http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/31/happy-verby-new-year-wishing-you-much-happiness-and-prosperity-in-2010/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/31/happy-verby-new-year-wishing-you-much-happiness-and-prosperity-in-2010/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:20:26 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=512 Happy New Year! If you read both my Art Licensing Info blog and this, my personal art business blog, you may recognize this post.  But I want everyone to consider the concept of picking a verb to describe the coming year.  Wishing you much happiness and prosperity in 2010.

VERBS have been coming at me from [...]]]> Happy New Year! If you read both my Art Licensing Info blog and this, my personal art business blog, you may recognize this post.  But I want everyone to consider the concept of picking a verb to describe the coming year.  Wishing you much happiness and prosperity in 2010.

VERBS have been coming at me from several directions lately and have caused me to stop and ponder…

My teacher, Alex Mandossian, asks his students to “proclaim their verb!” I ________, therefore I am! Some verbs from that class include teach, inspire, blog, nurture… mine is create.

Then local artist and entrepreneur coach Rebecca Shapiro suggested choosing a verb to define 2010 instead of making resolutions that would more than likely be forgotten or defeated by the end of January. I love this idea! SO watch this short video and pick a verb… feel free to leave your choice in the comments to inspire others.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Here’s to a creative and verby 2010!

– Tara

P.S. If you need help getting organized and focused, don’t forget about The Goal Wheel for Artists™ eBook…

P.P.S. Need clarification on what verbs are or just want to go back in time and enjoy a great School House Rock song? Here it is – VERB!

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

YQ4TZUY5TPEH

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