a quick note
In January of 2007, I quit my job, cashed in my 401K, sold my car, and decided I was going to be a traveling artist.Somehow it worked out.
The following is a little insight into what I do and some of the great experiences and opportunities that come while pursuing a dream.
August 2011
Very excited about the response to "Monkey's Uncle Attire" and Sweet Baby T's continued support. Wanted to announce the "Super Cute Baby" contest going on now until September 1st at Sweet Baby T's. Send in a super cute pic of your little one for a chance to win a "Monkey's Uncle" body suit or T of your choice. Visit www.sweetbabyt.com for all the submission info and get those cameras ready!!!
March, 2011
Spring has arrived (or so they claim) and I am so excited to announce the release of my new clothing line "Monkey's Uncle Attire". 100% organic cotton onesies, bibs and T's for the little ones adorned with some familiar faces (apologies to the "big" kids out there looking for larger sizes...haven't forgotten you). In the past I've had alot of people ask me if I ever considered jumping into this arena, and quite honestly had put alot of thought into it. My problem was I wasn't as educated as I'd like to be in this sort of market. This of course always held me back from pursuing it.
Awhile back I mentioned that when I began this "journey" as an artist, I adopted the leap of faith attitude that I would let my work take me where it would, and I would follow, hoping that opportunities would come my way just by being in front of people. Well, the release of this new collection stems from exactly that belief.
I met Heather Daly, owner of "Sweet Baby T" at a show in Newport, RI. She later contacted me to see if I was interested in designing a line of clothing and partnering with her to market them. I have to say, Heather and I really hit it off. Her creative and business philosophies, as well as her belief in the importance of quality and customer service matched my expectations, and we began working in October 2010. Modifications and product tests took us through the winter months and brought us here to the official launch just a few days ago. I'm so proud of this collection and had a blast designing them. Truly hope it shows in the characters displayed. Check out www.sweetbabyt.com to view the entire collection and, please, let me know what you think.
Now onto the next project for later this year. I'll keep you posted.
December, 2010
Simply put, I love Christmas. How else can you say it? Right now Helena's in the kitchen baking holiday cookies, Christmas movies are on a non-stop reel on the TV, and I'm beaming with pride after the final count of my "Coloring for Kids Charity" this year. One hundred budding artists sent me some amazingly colored pages downloaded from the CFKC (that's "Coloring for Kids Charity", just in case) section of my site with the intention of not only creating some incredible artwork, but helping out some kids in need. You did your part, now it's my turn. I know I said 25 cents for each picture, but I'm so proud of everyone who participated that I doubled it. A fifty dollar donation has been made to the RI Make-A-Wish Foundation because of your effort and creativity. Now, isn't that what Christmas is all about? Take a bow kids...you deserve it.
I'm so thrilled at the response and want to thank all of you for participating. I'll be changing the downloadable page with a new image soon, and hope you will consider taking part next year as well. Please spread the word and let everyone know about it. I challenge you to double it next year. Let's see what you got.
Also, a huge and heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to a show or reached out via the web to say "hey". This year in particular I am humbled and grateful for all the support and encouragement I've received and hope to see you again soon. Have a lot of surprises for next year and can't wait to reveal them. Putting together my schedule now and will begin posting it soon. In the meantime, Happy Holidays to all. Wishing you the best for a healthy and happy 2011.
Be good.
Eric
October 2010
Sunday morning...trying to get in gear. Arrived back from my honeymoon 7:30am Friday morning from New Zealand and still can't get into the swing of things. I know, I know..woe is me. Not trying to gain sympathy, I promise. Just trying to catch up with my excitement for this weekend's Scituate Art Festival. One of my absolute favorites. Fall is in the air, Halloween is on it's way, and Scituate is one of the best ways to celebrate. Feel refreshed from our excursion down under, and inspired by the wildlife. I think Kiwi's are the greatest things ever (not the fruit). If you haven't seen one, look it up. Looks like a living Dr. Suess creation and moves like a muppet. Incredible.
Visited Sydney, Australia for 8 days and then headed to New Zealand and loved every minute of it. Museums and harbor cruises, "The Pirates of Penzance" at the Opera House, Tigers vs. Roosters at the Sydney Football Stadium (yes, my wife is cool enough to see a rugby match with me on our honeymoon. Most of the fans felt the same way), bungy jumping in New Zealand, "Lord of the Rings" tour (again, my wife is cool enough to support my geekness and go on a location tour on our honeymoon), jet boats, food, wine...it was amazing.
Thrilled to be married. Thrilled to be back.
Looking forward to this weekend.
August 2010
One of the coolest things about traveling to shows is meeting some exceptional artists and hearing their stories. Just got back from the Mt. Gretna Art festival in PA and have to plug my neighbor at the show. I met James Browne as we were opening up our tents the morning of the first day and caught a glimpse of his work as he was
rolling up one of his walls.
My jaw dropped.
A true illustrator using watercolor and ink, his work hooked me from that very moment. Scenes of fantasy woodland creatures, inspiringly beautiful images depicting the wonder and imagination of children, and images of his childhood experiences had me constantly visiting his booth. And he's a super nice guy to boot. Had the pleasure of getting to know him and his family throughout the weekend and was thrilled to see that he was able to juggle the responsibilities of a husband/father (his son is an adorable six months old) and travel to shows to pursue his passion and make a living. As I prepare for the big day next month, and hope to start a family of my own, I'm always concerned with how it'll all play out. It was so inspiring to see someone so talented and so dedicated also stay grounded and succeed. Trying to lure him into this neck of the woods so you can all see his stuff firsthand. In the meantime, hit www.jamesbrowne.net.
You won't be disappointed.
July 2010
It's official...the new 3-in-1 spiral bound travel games for kids are now available at Barnes and Noble stores and B&N.com. Click on the yellow "Barnes and Noble Stuff" link on any page of the site to see them and order. Hope you like them!
July 2010
I know...it's been awhile since I've said "hi". The fact is I've been planning a wedding for the past few months with my bride-to-be Helena and kinda lost track of time. We've gotten lost in the fun of putting together our big party and, well..I've kinda slacked off a bit. Sorry everyone. Can you blame me? I mean, come on... we've discovered that free cake is just a phone call away. Just call up someone who makes wedding cakes and say "hey, we want to come by for a tasting", and you get free cake. Seriously! We left Johnson and Wales on a sugar high. It was awesome. Sorry, but work takes a back seat to free cake.
I consider myself so very lucky to have met Helena. We met when I was about to quit my previous job and become an "artist", and she never showed signs of hesitation.
Our second date I knew I had to tell her what I was planning, and nervously explained to her my situation. I told her I completely understand if you don't want to go any further, but I know it's going to work.
Somehow she did too.
She's been with me from the beginning and has always supported my decisions.
Along the way she's inspired me with her intelligence and humor, and even come up with some great ideas
you see on the website.
My best friend, my true love...can't wait for September 4th baby.
May 2010
Some exciting product news to reveal. Have some 3 in 1 travel games coming out later this month with Barnes and Noble, each containing Tic-Tac-Toe, Play Dots and Hangman. Three spiral bound designs to choose from with tear away sheets to take anywhere you go. Also have two new puzzles coming out, this time with Books-A-Million stores. The new designs are based on "Barnyard Reading Time" and "Fairy Tales". Those should arrive in stores later in the year. Keep checking back as I'll update the blog with arrivals and availability. Thanks so much for your support and to all those who helped to make the card game set and puzzles a great success.
Getting excited for the South End Open Market Kickoff this coming weekend. Always a blast in Boston. Thanks to everyone who came out to Mayfair last week. Fantastic weather and a killer turnout made it an amazing day!
April 2010
Returned last night from a fantastic weekend in Morristown, NJ and wanted to say "Hi" to the kids at Joyful Noise Nursery School and Day Care.
Susan Cate came by to visit me at the show and dropped off 57 beautifully colored fish for my "Coloring for Kids Charity". Susan visited the website and downloaded a page for all the kids to have some fun with, and they are all perfect. Thanks so much kids (and Susan) for being creative and helping out others in need.
Easily the highlight of my trip.
Many thanks to everyone who came out to the show, especially John and Janet for their generous gift of an inflatable pool tube (love the color by the way) for me to use as I continue to pump out my basement from the flooding here in Warwick, RI. Gotta have a sense of humor, right?
Enjoy the warm weather and I hope to see all of you later in the year.
March 2010
Recently had the privilege of visiting the Vining School in Billerica, MA and taking over Mrs. McGinnis' fourth grade art class for the day. Not only were these kids extremely enthusiastic and talented, but clearly willing to help out other kids in need. Discovered a surprise in my mailbox that really moved me. Each of the students printed out and colored a fish from my "Coloring for Kids" page and mailed them to me. They look amazing! Wish I had a way of showcasing all of them. Out of fairness I'm not going to pick out one for the featured artist of the month because they're all so good, but I will be donating 25 cents for each one to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. That's all it takes. Just have some fun coloring in a picture and I'll donate for you. Click on the "Coloring for Kids" box on every page of the website to view the details and get involved.
Great work kids.
Keep on drawing.
