Gail Green's Blog

The importance of registering images for copyright...but when and how?

2011-11-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

How important is it to register images while they are still being formed into collections and manipulated into a variety of product designs and formats? This question came up during a discussion in one of my groups and it seemed like a great topic to explore and repost.

While in theory, it is good practice to register art before sending it to anyone to review, I find that to be virtually impossible with so much of these “hurry-up-we-need-it-tomorrow” requests being made more regularly than not. I race to get something completed and am then sent spinning in another direction by another similar request. The only way to get things registered in a hurry as an unpublished work would be then to just throw everything together in a group and call it a "collection".

But is that truly going to protect you against a submission being used as "inspiration", derivative or a downright ripoff?
When an artist registers groups of work as collections, it is disadvantageous to just glob a bunch of unrelated artwork together to register an unpublished “collection”….especially if the next registration contains additional related images or derivatives that are part of a collection. For example, you don’t want to register Easter rabbits, snowmen and Seashore/Nautical in one registration as a “collection” of unpublished work. If you ever have to use that registration in court, a judge may not see that registration as a true collection and damage may be significantly reduced.

So if I’m just starting to work on a snowman collection, I will wait until I get the collection into a more complete state before finalizing the online registration pages. I may be sending individual snowmen to one manufacturer for mugs, ornaments or floormats first but I try to wait until the grouping at least looks like a cohesive collection. Otherwise, I’ll be sending off designs as soon as I get them completed....then using the same basic images in surface design format or as giftbags and have to include those images in another registration just a couple weeks or a month later. And, since EVERYTHING is always “hurry up and wait”, if 6-8 weeks later the first company I send off to asks for changes or decides they want snowmen with birds… now I have to create the birds, add them to the snowmen and do yet another registration. That’s impossible to keep track of. Or, at least it is for me.

However, one suggestion is to always include preliminary sketches and ALL versions/variations/derivatives of your work, from individual images/icons to complex scenes and surface design....and include them with your unpublished collection when you register. That “trail” shows that the designs originate with the creator instead of just kind of “appearing” as finished images on a product. I can almost guarantee that anyone who steals art (or uses it as obvious inspiration) isn’t going to do that prior to their rush to get product manufactured and shipped....especially since they won't have created early sketches and concepts. And, even if the artist had initially sent them sketches, they won’t think of it PLUS they won’t want to spend the $ registering each published image once it is on a product and shipped to be sold…IF they even know (or bother) to register the designs at all.

The best way to ensure your work is being submitted to reliable sources is to request that party sign a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement. Or, if that seems too off-putting, make sure you at least always follow up all verbal conversations with a written summary that is sent to the other party via email, fax or written letter. Then, in case of a problem later on, you will have a time stamp on your submission along with the statement that the work you are submitting is your property and is being submitted for consideration in good faith.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be considered legal advice. Consult with an intellectual properties (IP) attorney for more information on copyright and/or help or if you discover an infringement.

Protecting art when submitting to companies

2011-08-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

A recent question was asked on one of my online groups regading how an artist can protect themselves from companies that request that all art being submitted not be preveiously registered with the US Copyright office.

From my own experience, there's only one way to protect yourself. Don't submit to to any company that would make such a request...and make sure you register your art before it is displayed on websites, marketing materials or submitted digitally to any company--unless it is with a company that you know respects your rights as copyright owner.

By law, art is copyrighted automatically by the creator the minute it is drawn on paper. Registering it with the U.S. Copyright office creates a timeline that can be proven if the rights are ever contested. And since those rights CAN still be transferred to another party after the formal registration is made, the terms mentioned by the person who posted this concern were uneccesary and nreasonable. In my opinion, it sounds like the company making that request wants artists to submit art for them to either purchase outright (so they own all rights and can register the art under their own name) or else for them to use as "inspiration"...and they don't want a formal registration to hinder them from their goal.

Understand, however, if their goal is to own ALL rights and register copyright under their name, they would also own the right to create derivatives of that work AND to license that work to other companies. If YOUR goal, however, is to license your art to multiple companies and/or create a signature style and brand, it is probably not in your best interest submit anything to this company. However, if an artist has already sent this type of company any samples to pique their interest, make sure to save a copy of the cover letter and list of the images sent or viewed, ALL correspondence, documentation of phone conversations, meeting, or anything else that will prove a timeline in case it becomes necessary to prove ownership in a court of law at a future date.

Now, if a company that specifically requests art not be registered with the US Copyright Office contacted YOU and requested your submissions, ask them to first sign a nondisclsure agreement and see what their reaction is. My guess is they will refuse. However, if they do sign it, that will help protect your rights if you ever discover they have used your art without your permission later on. And, a company that is willing to sign a nondisclosure agreement usually does not have undesireable motives to begin with.

Unfortunately, it is only too common in this tough economy for artists to submit art to companies who are basically "fishing" for ideas and/or inspiration so their inhouse (or other) design staff can get instant info on trends, color palettes or styles by offering submission "contests". Unless you already have a signed nondisclosure or an existing working relationship, this is never in the interest of artists who are creating a unique brand and look and who spend many hours, weeks and sometimes years creating a large portfolio of art collections for licensing. Artists can even find themselves in a position of looking like they copied someone else's style or look if art being offered for consideration isn't copyright registered prior to or concurrently with those submissions.

In the case of the artist who initially asked the question, by registering her art PRIOR to submitting it to this company AND keeping copies of all submissions, communication, etc, she would have the leverage to file a suit if she ever discovered that this company had indeed taken her art and used it without her permission. Even if you deal with a company that may be totally above board and have integrity, you cannot control the actions of third parties or employees who may leave that company. So the basic mantra in protecting one's copyright is to (1) know who you are submitting to, (2) register your art regularly and (3) save all correspondence.

Licensing Art: Is it the Right Thing for You?

2011-05-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

That is a difficult question to answer without first knowing exactly what an artist will need to do. So, what exactly IS involved in licensing art?

The answer depends on which side of the licensing spectrum you are on. For the artist or copyright owner, licensing involves many skills. If you are thinking the most important skill is being a fantastic artist, you’re only partially correct. While creativity and artistic ability are important, licensing art also requires other equally demanding skills, including all of the following:

Patience. Waiting. Lots of hard work. A thick skin and an ego that is not easily bruised. Endurance. Hope. Another source of income while you are waiting and creating a large portfolio…PLUS enough money to register copyright and perform all the necessary legal and practical business functions. Some of these functions may include skills an artist will not have and will need to hire other people to perform,such as preparing taxes, forming a corporation, creating and maintaining a website, exhibiting at trade shows, making presentations to potential Licensors, negotiating and creating contracts or writing promotional material and other forms of business communication. Creating a large portfolio of art in formats suitable for a wide variety of manufacturing production specifications, trend-on and trend-forward color palettes, subject matter that is being sought at the correct time and with a “look” that will appeal to the end user—the consumer. Filling a specific and real need in the marketplace. Being willing to work long hours—including weekends, evenings and holidays. And, did I mention….patience?

Licensing art is hard work with a great deal of risk. Licensing also involves a lot more than being creative and creating art. Licensing art is a business with all kinds of time-consuming (and potentially unpleasant) business activities like bookkeeping, marketing, and contracts. That’s the reality of what is involved in licensing. And it involves much more than creating art.

If you are now more discouraged than intrigued, then licensing probably isn’t for you. However, if you are intrigued by the potential of creating an income stream and aren’t daunted by high learning curves, putting in mega hours, and creating work “on-spec” with no certainty it will ever be licensed, then continue reading…and learning.

Licensing seems complicated because it is! Most artists and manufacturers lack the understanding of how licensing really works when done properly. But when both parties DO understand and work together fairly, licensing art is an incredible and satisfying way for both to maximize the potential of a single artistic effort.

In licensing art, the artist, creator or owner of a piece of art (or an entire collection) allows another party to use their art for a specific purpose--while still maintaining ownership to the rest of the rights. This not only allows the artist the ability to license a single image or collection to multiple parties, for multiple purposes, licensing art can also create a revenue stream from each artistic effort. Instead of cranking out a dozen paintings and receiving a single fee for each painting sold, the artist can instead generate a dozen royalty arrangements or flat fees from a single painting. In addition to maximizing effort--especially if each painting takes a tremendous amount of time to create--licensing also allows for quick and effective market recognition to grow a brand. Familiar examples include Thomas Kinkade and Mary Engelbreit. Their work is highly recognizable and in great demand. And while each of these artists generates an impressive and steady stream of revenue through multiple licensing deals, they both continue to develop additional art which, in turn, has the potential to generate additional revenue in a seemingly endless pattern.

And that is the goal. Licensing art creates a steady income stream based on efforts done months or even years prior to receiving royalty checks. And, because the artist does not give up his rights of ownership, licensing also allows the artist the ability to continue seeking new avenues of income through a single piece of art.

My next post will explore what artists need to know when creating portfolios for licensing.

Meanwhile, Surtex 2011 is still underway. If you are attending, my licensing agent Julie Ager (Artistic Designs Group) will be representing me at Surtex in booths 603 & 605. If you are unable to attend, please visit http://www.artsdg.com/gall_gg.html to preview examples of my art for licensing.

A Look at Licensing

2011-05-11T07:58:00.000-07:00

    What initially began as an extension of my love for rubber stamping eventually turned into licensing my illustrations on a wide variety of retail products in multiple markets. My art has appeared on products throughout the craft/hobby industry including rubber stamps, rub-on transfers, scrapbook products and needlearts kits to products in other markets—gift bags, gift wrap, partygoods, veterinary scrubs, children’s coloring products and much, much more. Most of these products have been sold in large national chains such as Michaels, Joanns, PETCO, PetSmart, Hobby Lobby, Archivers and all partygoods stores, as well as through various independent retail channels.

    Many artists and designers are interested in learning about licensing but don’t know where to start. I’ve been licensing my art for about 15 years and I’m still learning. Licensing is a straightforward concept but it is actually very complex. Here’s a short summary of what Art Licensing is all about….

    When an individual creates a piece of art—whether a simple line drawing or a complex painting—that individual automatically owns that art by law. This means that the moment an image is in tangible form, the creator owns what is called the “copyright” to that image. The exception to this rule is if that individual is an employee or has been hired as a temporary employee/contract worker. In that case, the employer owns the art. But, for the sake of explanation to artists and designers that are reading this blog, this summary will refer to art being owned by the individual who created it.

    The primary different in licensing art versus selling art outright is that the artist maintains copyright ownership. But…what does that actually mean? And, how would licensing be an advantage for the artist?

    Licensing art is like renting an apartment or other property. In property rental there is a landlord who owns the property and a person or group that pays for the right to occupy that property. What the renter is allowed to do with that property depends on the type of property is being rented—a business space, single family home, garage or an apartment within an entire building with multiple apartments—as well as the terms agreed on and signed in a mutual rental contract. Both landlord and renter must also follow the law. But, throughout the rental period, one thing remains the same. The landlord OWNS the property and the renter does not. The landlord can change, alter, or sell that property as long as those actions do not adversely affect the renter or prevent the renter from using the rented property. The landlord can also choose to rent additional properties (such as additional apartments within the same building) to other renters.

    In licensing, there is also a property owner (Licensor) and an individual or entity (Licensee) that “rents” certain rights for that property. The copyright owner (Licensor) controls what is done with the art, how it is done (quality control), who can use the art, what they get to use it for, where they get to market products and for how long. The manufacturer (Licensee) will have specific rights to that property as explained in an Agreement (Licensing Contract) but can can only use that property according to that Agreement. There are also negotiations, contracts, legal terms and lawyers involved with licensing. That’s a lot to keep track of.
Licensing includes a steep learning curve for both artist and manufacturer. Manufacturers need to have a clear vision of the products they will be producing and selling. Artists can spend months, or even years, just developing a portfolio of art to license before they even have the potential of earning any income from licensing their art. Legal terms are difficult to grasp and the significance or specific terms such as “exclusive” verses “non-exclusive” and “first rights refusal” can be daunting to either party. But, when done correctly, licensing art is like a well choreographed dance—with everyone working together to create magic.
Some of the confusion about licensing lies in the perception of what licensing is about. Yes, it is about commercial use, royalties and financial gain. But, at the core, licensing is about copyright ownership.

Tomorrow’s blog will expand further on this very relevant topic.

My licensing agent Julie Ager (Artistic Designs Group) will be representing me at Surtex in booths 603 & 605.

For more information on art licensing and consultation, please contact me directly.

CHA SuperShow Rubber Stamping Techniques workshop

2010-08-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

Yay! My Craft SuperShow workshops were a real hit! We had a large rubber stamping technique class that was totally awesome. No one wanted to leave cause they were having SO much fun! They all started with the "deer in headlights" look and ended up as stampers beginning their journey of endless exploration. I always love seeing the transformation...it's magic! All I do is give them the wings to fly....

Oh WOW---can't WAIT to share photos of the projects for my Workshops!

2010-06-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

I've been working feverishly (well, not like in sick with a fever) on the projects for my Trash to Treasures class and WOW....!!!! So pleased with the results. Okay that sounded really like I'm praising myself but that's not it. It's all about the fantastic materials I'm using...and these are materials that are environmentally friendly, easy to use, and safe for chemically-sensitive people like me (or children, birds, etc).

I'm still trying to figure out how to post additional photos so please bear with me if the images don't get up right away....they are different than the ones on the website link above because we had to submit something representative of the workshop LOOOONG before I could even gather my materials and start creating magic. But...if you are at all sitting on the fence about signing up, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE sign up today to be assured of a spot in my workshops..... Both are being offered on Friday, July 30 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Visit http://www.craftsupershow.com/ . Just look in the class list for the sponsor name...Gail Green Licensing & Design. That's me!

Workshop Projects for CHA Craft Super Show

2010-06-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

Things are starting to come together now for the Workshop projects! Waiting for materials to arrive so I can flesh out my hundreds of ideas into projects that can be smoothly completed in the two hour time slots. These projects are going to be SO much fun! Sign up now to ensure a place in my workshops before tickets are all all sold out.....! Go to http://www.craftsupershow.com/ and check out my workshops "Rubber Stamping Techniques and Beyond" and "From Trash to Treasure"--both being offered on Friday, July 30 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. See ya all there!

CHA is back in Rosemont!

2010-05-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

This past year has been filled with one disaster and emergency after another as my elderly father's failing health continues to advance...which is why my blog has been so sadly neglected. But things seem to be stabilized now and I'm back with some EXCITING news.....

Have you heard about the Craft & Hobby Association's new Consumer Supershow? Following on the heels of the CHA summer trade show, this consumer show was first introduced last summer in Orlando and then again in Anaheim the end of January this year. Well, the good news is the CHA summer trade show has returned to the Rosemont Convention Center (in Chicagoland)! And I'm going to be teaching TWO WORKSHOPS at the Consumer Supershow! Yay! I'm very busy developing the classes and will post images and descriptions soon......

Stay tuned

Tis the season for giving....

2009-12-23T20:19:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays to all! While many of us may get caught up in the shopping, wrapping and visiting, there are also little ways we can help help brighten up the lives of those who truly need our help.

During the research portion of my YA book, I discovered a therapeutic riding stable nearby...and wound up volunteering there. It is such an incredible place....a place of healing and hope for all those who ride there, as well as those who work or volunteer there. If you would like to help make a difference, please consider a $10 donation to light a light at the barn and help us provide therapeutic riding programs to children and adults with special needs.

No one who needs this therapy is ever turned away if they cannot afford the treatment. Words can never describe this place....and the expressions of joy on the faces of the children and families who come here.

Between December 9th and December 31st, donate a $10 tax deductible donation to light a light in honor of one of our riders, our horses, your friends, loved ones or beloved pets.
Encourage your friends, employer, club, congregation or others to light a light.
By making a $10 tax-deductible donation to light a light on our barn this holiday season, your donation will allow us to continue our therapeutic riding programs to our growing community of riders.

Just go to https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=ZF2V2K7 to make a donation or visit www.equestrianconnection.org for more information.

Disclosure of Material Connection

2009-11-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

Disclosure: While I may have a material connection to a company affiliated with a brand, topic and/or product that is mentioned herein because I received a cash payment and/or product samples from that company for other services rendered (including trade show demos, project design & publication, etc.), the opinions and statements on this blog regarding those products are based solely on my own experience, preference and/or use. I am not being paid by any of these companies for writing my blog or in any other way being compensated for statements made on this blog or on my websites http://www.gailgreen.net/ or http://www.sweetpetatoes.com/.

Read about me on the front page of www.CraftForHealth.com !

2009-11-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

If you have ever wondered what inspired me to create the Sweet PETatoes line or develop the rendering technique and style, all is revealed in a story featured on www.CraftForHealth.com , a blog developed by TV Host and best selling author, Kathy Peterson. This Lifetime series TV host asked me to submit my story about when, how and why creativity is the most essential ingredient in my life....so I'm shouting it out! Just go to www.CraftForHealth.com and read all about how Sweet PETatoes came to life...and how they came straight from my heart.

Roller Coaster Riding...

2009-11-20T07:29:00.000-08:00

If you wonder why I haven't blogged recently, it's not because there has been a lack of things going on. On the contrary...it's been a bit TOO busy. Over the top busy, in fact. Trade shows, new clients, meeting deadlines-yes. Enjoying the gorgeous weather while it is still here-yes. That's busy enough, right?

Now add in the emotional roller coaster ride associated with the failing health of one elderly father that included serious, life-threatening infections, two trips to the ER, 2 stays in the hospital, rehab, heart attacks, heart procedures and surgery....and you've got a better picture how over the top it has really been.

Hopefully all will stay on an even keel for a while. Or, at least, for a few hours....

Around here, we can't really be certain of that.

WOW! Where did August go???

2009-09-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

Actually, where did the entire summer go? Oh wait...Chicago never actually had a summer this year. Or at least, we didn't have a typical hot and steamy Chicago summer. Instead we have been fluctuating between wet, rainy weather and drop dead gorgeous Hawaii weather with only a random hot, sticky day thrown in.

I also cannot believe I haven't posted for so long because so much has happened the past few weeks. I'll try to summarize:

I was interviewed live on WGN-TV a couple weeks ago. The video is now posted at this link: http://wgntv.com/news/middaynews/wgntv-hblock-082409,0,7659631.story
The interview is about my new book Animals & Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide.

I attended the CHA show, doing make n take marker blending projects and demos the entire show at the Tombow booth. We were INCREDIBLY busy the entire show...sometimes demoing to 20+ people for hours.

My incredible husband also earned his O.T.C.H. title (Obedience Titled Champion) on Maggie. He's been getting consistent top scores (199 or 199.5 out of a possible 200) and placing or getting High in Trial. They're a magnificant team! So proud of all the hard work!

New member of our pack/flock joined us recently--Ollie, a baby Eclectus parrot. I'll post some photos soon.

That's all for now.....time to go walking with Shady and enjoy the rest of this drop dead gorgeous afternoon! I so love September....

Back from CHA...WHAT A SHOW!

2009-08-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

This year's CHA summer show was much smaller than in previous years but definitely did not lack for enthusiasm and creative energy! I heard repeatedly from attendees that they actually liked the smaller scale because it gave them the opportunity to visit each and every exhibitor's booth and try products they had never had time to explore in previous shows. Many felt less rushed and frantic and more able to actually relax and learn about these products so they can carry them in their stores.

I was at the Tombow booth for the entire 3 days of the trade show, demoing and teaching marker blending techniques to the steady stream of attendees working on projects or waiting in line and eager to learn about the Tombow markers and blending pen. We were totally mobbed almost the entire show and the days just flew by! EVERYBODY just loved doing the make-n-take projects and I had such a blast meeting all the people who went from never having tried Tombow markers and blender (or marker blending with any markers) to marker blending experts in the matter of minutes! It was hilarious when at least one person in each and every group would then turn to everyone else and tell them how much fun this was.

More thoughts later....

Stop by Tombow booth 335 to say hi at the CHA Show!

2009-07-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

A last minute invitation to everyone out in Twitterland, Facebook Island and Linked-in Avenue....stop by American Tombow's booth #335 at Orlando's CHA Summer Show Tuesday July 28 through 30 and do a make n take project with me! I'm teaching marker blending techniques using the awesome Tombow Brush Pen markers and blending pen. We'll be exploring techniques like Scribble Blending and Faux Watercolor, as well as Shadow Blending and Faux Chalking.

For anyone who is chemically sensitive or who is careful what chemicals and toxins they breathe or absorb through their skin, THESE are THE markers for you! I am VERY chemically sensitive and cannot even come within several feet of solvent-based markers and inks without triggering a reaction. But I've been using Tombow markers for almost 20 years without one single problem!

And, these markers are available in an incredible color range! If you were a kid like me who wanted to use every color in the crayon box, you will be blown away! The results you can achive with these markers and the techniques I will be teaching rival watercolor, airbrush and chalk effects.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the CHA Summer Show!

CHA in less than 10 days!

2009-07-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe I fly out for CHA in just 9 days! I think my fingers are permanently stained with ink from all the show prep.

Back from ALA...next stop CHA in ORLANDO!

2009-07-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

I'm finally rested up from the grueling weekend at ALA. Walking the show and networking with fellow SCBWI members and publishers was awesome, but it was exhausting when combined with a daily 5 hour commute. And, of course, this was a whole different audience than what I am used to at trade shows. I only saw librarians and related personnel instead of retail buyers. It was definitely a learning curve to absorb it all.

The Sunday afternoon book signing at the SCBWI booth was a bit disappointing since there was little traffic that late in the day and the author table was set so far back from the aisle it was difficult to engage anyone who walked by. But it was still pretty awesome to have librarians coming up to me while I was walking around and comment when they saw the author ribbon on my badge!

My hat got many, many comments, too. This is the second show where people have asked me where they can buy a hat like the one I was wearing, complete with all the pins showcasing my illustrations. I'm wondering if I should start manufacturing decorated hats......

Will you be attending the American Library Conference (ALA) in Chicago this weekend?

2009-07-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

If yes, please stop by and say hi!

I’ll be exhibiting with SCBWI at Booth #1626 on Sunday, from 3-5 pm. I'll be signing books available for purchase at my publisher's booth, Scarecrow Press Booth #2428. I'll also have periodic appearances in my publisher's booth where I'll be giving away handcrafted bookmarks featuring some of my original line art from my new book Animals and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide.

See you there!

First Stop-ALA Conference!

2009-07-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

What a shock to turn the calendar page to.....JULY! This month promises to be jam-packed with w-a-a-a-y more than one month can hold. Here's a sneak peak ahead:

The huge annual ALA (American Library Association) Conference runs July 11-13 at McCormick Place, Chicago. I've never attended this show so I will be experiencing it for the first time. Unlike the trade shows I'm accustomed to attending or exhibiting in, this show is similar to a consumer show except the attending "consumers" must be professionally affiliated with a library or educational institution. Attendees can also purchase books on the spot without having to purchase quantities--something not done at most "wholesale only" trade shows.

In addition to walking the show with fellow SCBWI members, I'm also scheduled to sign books and speak about my school presentations, programs and workshops at the SCBWI booth on Sunday, July 12 from 3-5 pm. This week I've been getting all my promo materials and hand-crafted bookmarks created. I definitely do not want to go into this show tired or stressed! The days will be fun, but very long and tiring. I need to remain high energy and full of enthusiasm throughout the show, but especially during my 2 hour time slot at the SCBWI booth.

NEXT....Orlando! The CHA summer show has been moved to Orlando this year. And, this year, I'll be demoing and doing make 'n take projects for Tombow. If you are going to be at the CHA show, please stop by booth 335 to learn all kinds of marker blending techniques and tips using the absolutely, fantastic Tombow markers. Unlike others on the market, these markers have no odor and are perfect for people like me who are chemically sensitive. I have just LOVED using these markers for many years! And these markers LAST forever. I've had other brands wear out or dry out within months but my Tombow markers not only have lasted for years, many of my pens are still perfect after over 15 years! These markers feature both a brush and bullet tip so you can color both small and large areas equally well. Perfect for rubber stamping and other paper crafts, as well as creating faux watercolor looks.

On a more personal note, our baby cockatiel is already 5 months old. That's still a little baby for these birds, however, since they can live to be 25 years or more. Not only is he quickly learning whistles and short melodies ( I SO want him to learn every Sugarland and Toby Keith song...), he's already beginning to form word sounds and phrases. That's incredible for a bird this young since most cockatiels don't begin talking until they are at least a year old. Hmmmm...looks like we've got ourselves a BORDER COLLIE cockatiel! Sure fits right in with out Border Collie pack....

Until next time....happy 4rth of July to everyone! Stay safe! We'll be hanging out in the basement trying to disguise the fireworks and explosions by playing movies until our sound sensitive Border Collies can turn back into their normal crazy selves instead of velcro dogs.

July will be a double-header trade show month!

2009-06-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

May's Stationery/Surtex and BEA shows now belong to the past. Although I was not able to attend these shows this year, I am now looking forward to two other shows that I will be attending. Since BEA (Book Expo America) no longer travels to Chicago, I'm thrilled that ALA (American Library Association) will be holding their yearly summer conference here at McCormick Place in Chicago. And what perfect timing! This conference actually coincides with my book launch for Animals and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide.

Soooo....I'll be signing books and promoting my school visit/library programs at the SCBWI booth (#1626) on Sunday, July 12 from 3-5 pm. Plus I'll also be hovering periodically in my publisher's booth (Rowman & Littlefield/Scarecrow Press) on both Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12. I might just have a freebie to pass out....so please stop by if you'll be at the show!

But wait...there's more! At the same time I'm developing my school/library program brochures and hand outs for ALA, I'm also creating 3 days worth of "make it-take it" projects for the summer CHA show! YES, that's right...I'll be demoing and teaching marker blending techniques for at the Tombow booth at the summer CHA show! Woo hoo! Orlando here I come!

More info on these two shows later...

New Beginnings

2009-05-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is naturally a time for new beginnings. Our new beginning arrived as a 10 week old hand-fed, hand-raised baby Cockatiel! Our family has always had a bird, from the week I was married through today. We began with a parakeet (Ruffles) that used to participate with us in relay races down the hall (he always won) and then another one (Frosty) who was THE sweetest bird we had ever had. He'd take a bath in my hands, fluttering his wings and singing to himself -totally vulnerable, total trusting. He was a hard act to follow and none of the birds following his death ever lived up to that standard. Until this new addition! We named him Frosty in honor of the first bird and he is already living up to the name. He's incredibly vocal and spends lots of time practicing whistles and tunes until all of a sudden, he gets the pattern right. It's pretty cute. Kind of reminds me of when my son and daughter began learning their band instruments. At any rate, out 17 year old Cockatiel is also singing a new, happier song these days. They aren't kept in the same cage and haven't had close contact with each other yet but I think they will eventually get along very well. Meanwhile, Frosty seems to be fascinated with Shady, one of our Border Collies. If Shady's in the room, Frosty will take off towards him. He's managed to land on Shady's back a couple of times now while Shady just looks at me, smiling, knowing that if he "leaves the birdie", he'll get a cookie. Once the flea and tick prevention season begins, however, we don't allow birds out when the dogs are in the same room. The prevention medicine could be harmful and probably fatal for a bird since it is absorbed quickly through the skin.

EXCITING NEWS! Books can be purchased on amazon.com!

2009-03-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

Exciting news! Books can be purchased through www.amazon.com but signed copies can only be purchased directly through me. Just search under books>"gail green", then scroll down to the cover for "Animals and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide". For more information on how to order personalized, signed books directly from the author, just email me at the address on my website www.gailgreen.net

Yes this book was definitely a huge project but one close to my heart. And I met THE most incredible young people in the process! Their stories about first-hand experiences with the human-animal bond will truly enrich everyone who reads the book.

Congratulations...It's a BOOK!

2009-02-17T08:51:00.000-08:00

"Teens and Animals: The Ultimate Teen Guide" is now officially released. Here's a synopsis about what's inside the covers:

(From the publisher, Scarecrow Press/Rowman & Littlefield)
Animals and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide illustrates multiple ways young people can become involved with animals, from providing foster care and pursuing animal-related career opportunities to simply caring for pets at home. It also features teens that have worked with a variety of animals or participated in animal-related activities, therapeutic programs and shelters as volunteers and interns, as well as discussions about a wide range of topics that include how animals grieve, “Reading with Dogs” program, equine and dolphin therapy, and how the internet is being used to help stop animal abuse.

All teens need friends they can trust but teens live in an imperfect world where people judge each other on looks, popularity, bank accounts, or clothing styles; a world where people are not always treated fairly. Animals, however, do not care about poor test scores or bad skin: they simply love unconditionally. And that is what makes the animal-human bond so special. “The bond between people and their companion animals is incredible. It is a complex attachment involving friendship, affection, companionship, trust and a sense of being needed, basically filling all the emotional needs all humans instinctively have and must have met in order to be truly happy.”

From small mammals, reptiles and birds to cats, dogs and horses, Animals and Teens uses real-life examples to show how animals can enhance teens’ lives and how teens can improve the welfare of abused, neglected or injured animals as well as those that live in shelters, refuges and wildlife preserves. The voices in this inspiring book come from a large cross section of teens and young adults whose stories will resonate with anyone who loves animals.

Author Gail Green discusses everything from basic pet responsibility and dealing with the loss of a pet to how animals help humans and what is involved in the handling of service animals, such as dogs that provide physical assistance or horses that help with therapy for children with autism and other conditions. From helping with animal rescue to overcoming learning disabilities, these heartwarming experiences demonstrate how each of us can make a difference through the incredibly rewarding human-animal bond.

More info soon......

And now.....for the Book Launch Announcement!

2009-01-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hear thee, hear thee! My LONG awaited YA non-fiction book "Animals and Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide" (Scarecrow Press) is expected in February 2009! Yippee! This is an AWESOME topic and an equally AWESOME book (okay, I'm a little prejudiced but my book truly IS an awesome piece of work) that is all about the incredible bond humans (specially teens and young adults) have with animals and how that bond can change lives. Literally. The book is FILLED with incredible real-life stories about teens who have had service dogs, volunteered at animal shelters, rescues and refuges, been involved with animal assisted therapy, including dolphin and equine therapy, and who are delighted to share their love for animals with all the teens and adults who read this book. AND it is filled with some of my illustrations.

Check out the book on the publisher's website at http://www.scarecrowpress.com/Catalog/SingleBook.shtml?command=Search&db=^DB/CATALOG.db&eqSKUdata=0810857693

New Year, New Beginnings...and a LONG awaited Book Launch!

2009-01-08T17:10:00.000-08:00

Whew...glad the holidays are finally done and the pounds gained can now be melted off. Can you believe SEVEN holiday parties in just 2.5 weeks?! AND...all parties with too much high calorie foods that I NEVER eat and no veggies ("boo, hiss" says the rabbit inside of me).

I miss summer. The evening power walks....the weekend forest preserve hikes...and not needing a coat, boots, scarves, hats or gloves. The weather here in Chicago has been way too wintry for my taste! Cold, ice, snow, wind...each day a different combination. And none of them resembling walking weather! Each time I spot some poor brave souls out walking their dogs in the dark and cold, I just shake my head and think how nuts that is. But I also really empathise with them. Not only can they not stand not being out walking, they love their dogs so very much they'll risk slipping on the icey sidewalks, chapped skin and windburned cheeks just to make their pets happy! I know. I took Shady for a quick walk around the long block tonight...over icey sidewalks...in the dark...until my face hurt from the biting wind and we agreed to return home.

So we shall continue to brave the winter....and whatever weather we are handed. Eventually, the sun will rise in the early am and all the obnoxious slight sensitive robins will return to wake me at 2 am, screaming in their excitement, totally fooled that the street lights are the rising sun...and we shall be able to walk outside comfortably once again. It's winter until the swans return.

Summer's almost over...crafting season is just beginning!

2008-09-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that Labor Day has come and gone. While there is a little more "nip" in the evening and morning air, the sun is still toasty and summer-like during the day. This time of year is my favorite for evening walks. No mosquitos to chase us inside the moment the sun begins to dip...and just cool enough for a light jacket. Black dogs do not tolerate the hot sun very well if the air temps are also warm so they're also eager for a respite, as well.

And with the beginning of this new season of back-to-school and great walking weather, also comes new possiblities. It's time to get back to doing creative projects for the approaching holiday seasons! I have always loved teaching creative classes--drawing, rubber stamping, and more. Most people are familiar seeing me teaching and demonstrating at the CHA trade shows but I also love teaching & working with adults and children of all ages and skill levels. Beginning this month, I will be teaching private drawing workshops and classes, as well as after school creative programs. Private drawing lessons will be taught at my home studio and group classes will be taught at various locations. Please check back for more information or contact me directly for class schedules and places.

But first....I need to work on some more illustrations! Don't forget to check out the latest Sweet PETatoes gift bags at Petsmart!

News flash!

2008-08-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

Just got word that Animals & Teens: The Ultimate Teen Guide is officially in production now! It should be released early 2009, which I know will be disappointing to those contributors who may have been hoping the book would be available for holiday gifts. I do not know what caused the delay (the release date was supposed to have been October, 2008) but these things can happen. Scheduling issues are usually the culprit. I'll keep everyone posted as soon as I hear more!

Back from CHA and still following up 3 weeks later!

2008-08-17T15:29:00.001-07:00

CHA was a great but tiring experience. So much to see in so little time! 4 days just wasn't long enough when I also had meetings back to back on two of those days. Of course, I was also on total visual overload with so much color, so many patterns, tons of collections and just plain creative energy everywhere. But it was wonderful seeing many familiar faces and re-establishing relationships after being stuck in a booth for so many years! I felt like I was truly being welcomed back into this industry that had always been my anchor.

The economy may be depressing, but spirits were definitley high at the show. Lots of order writing, lots of positive energy. I'm still following up 3+ weeks later and expect the entire process will take weeks.

The one surprise at the show was the announcement of venue change from its long-time place in Chicago to Orlando in 2009. Chicago in mid-July is hot and steamy enough, with the potential for violent thunderstorms, 90+ temps and humidity, but Orlando the end of July/beginning of August will certainly not be cooler! The buzz on the floor was the addition of a 2-day consumer show to be tacked on to the summer show. Details have not yet been worked out as to whether consumers will also be able to purchase new products at this show or if it will serve solely as an educational opportunity to enhance the retailers' ability to furnish their customers with the new products and techniques. The big questions are whether retailer buyers (and consumers) will want to travel to this new location to make it worthwhile for the exhibiting manufacturers...and if this later date could affect orders being shipped in time for 4rth quarter.

But that will all be played out over the next several months, with the winter CHA show still ahead in Anaheim the end of January.

Next on my show agenda will be the pet industry show (HH Backer Christmas Show) in October. At least there is still ONE show I can attend without having to travel! With Book Expo and now both the CHA summer show and Halloween/Costume/Party show having moved out of Chicago, I'm starting to feel abandoned here in the Midwest!

Of course, the Backer show will never be the same without Tyler (see photo). That dog stopped people in their tracks at the show for years. Yes, he was that gorgeous...and yes, he had that star appeal that made him the model he was...and the instinct to read people that made him a phenomenal Therapy dog, as well. There was a reason why he was brought to NY to be on the AKC judge's tape for Border Collies! He may not have been interested in sheep but boy could he work a crowd...especially at those trade shows! CEO's from large pet food & other companies in the industry (along with the buyers they were speaking with) would run out of their show booths as Tyler strutted past. And that went on in every single aisle. Tyler loved all the attention, all the gushing over how "pretty" he was and, of course, all those cookies!

Maybe one day I'll have a new puppy who will show that same instinctive pizzazz and light up the show again! And volunteering at the nearby therapeutic riding stable (http://www.equestrianconnection.org/) sure isn't the same without my little Therapy dog at my side. Uh oh...starting to get puppy fever....

Getting ready for CHA Summer Show!

2008-06-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Now's the countdown time to get ready for the CHA Summer Show next month in Rosemont, Illinois! Starting to develop press kit, display and all materials I will need for the show. This is the first time in years that I will be able to walk the show and just absorb everything everyone in the craft/hobby industry is doing. Always looking for new licensees and publishers to work with.......

Update on the book

2008-05-04T14:05:00.001-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything recently but I have been waiting to hear if the book made it past the additional editing steps and into production. Well...the good news is.....it has! I will still have to create the index for the book after everything is typeset, but that won't happen for at least another month (and possibly longer). Indexing is a rather tedious process and seems a bit difficult to do for someone like me who is a creative thinker but I am confident that I will succeed.

I intend to invite more of the book participants to this blog shortly. My hope is that the many wonderful teens, young adults and "experts" whose inspirational and interesting comments, interviews and stories fill the pages of my book will find a common bond and speak freely. After all, we are ALL animal lovers...and, as we all know, pawprints (or feathers, fins and scales) are thicker than dna!

Gail Green

2008-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! Please check often for news and information on my latest book and Sweet PETatoes products! I'm currently in the process of updating my www.gailgreen.net website, so please take a look at it and let me know what you think. And, if you want to know more about the Sweet PETatoes brand, visit www.sweetpetatoes.com

Gail