Leanne Wildermuth : Artist by Nature

Famous Amos

August

2006

Famous Amos.For days when your whogivesacrap flies out the window.

Comes in nifty little packages that your husband gets out of the hotel vending machines.

Use precautions while swallowing.

You could choke if you don’t drink liquids after consuming these products.

Contains crumbs.

Not suitable for children. Parents only.

Yes, everything needs to come with a long explanation and a warning.

Lisa – you should only eat these after you sign the terms of use stating that you fully understand that you – and not anyone else – are solely responsible for whether or not you use common sense while consuming these products.

Lindsey – thank you. I sortof liked the whole mouse thing, I suppose I should have given apt warning that post was not for the mouse-weary.

Fruitful – they’re not so dry during the chewing process, so no need to add liquid at that point. However, if you inhale them whole, it is likely that they’ll become lodged whereby a swig of something (non-toxic, of course- common sense rule again) will prevent death.

Taba – Amos is just famous. Sortof like me, he’s probably a jack of all trades. Or at least the ones in the field of baked goods.

Robin – If you eat them while driving and talking on your cell, well, that’s just rude and irresponsible behavior. However, if the person on the phone doesn’t mind all the chewing and drinking, more power to you. I’m not sure how many hands you have, but perhaps you could hire someone to put them in your mouth and offer you a drink with a straw so that you don’t kill other people on the road? Also, I do hope you understand that Amos is not responsible for the deaths of the people you kill while you’re totally ignoring all those other people on the road, with all the talking and chewing and swallowing and drinking.

Laura – If they aren’t discreetly left behind by my husband after he’s purchased them in bulk out of the hotel vending machines, chances are I won’t buy them. I stock ice creams, but not other chewy individually wrapped goodies because I eat them all at once. There’s no warning label on those packages, so maybe I should sue?

Sallwood – Twix are wrong. They’re packaged all wrong – there should definitely be more than two in a package. I’ll consult my attorney about that, I bet I could sue.

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Filed under: Chit Chat

PSA: Image Use & Copyright

August

2006

This applies to everyone who doesn’t understand common copyright law and general terms of use for images on the internet. Even if you think you understand it. Read on.

It seems many people don’t really really understand copyright. If you take a photo, and you publish it to the internet, it doesn’t then become the property of the internet. It is still YOUR PHOTO. You have rights to earn commissions, royalties for use, etc. Unless you specifically state that the image is public domain. Public domain means anyone can use it for any purpose, be it reference material for painting, printing and reselling, etc.

A lot of people display that Creative Commons button on their blogs, just because they have it displayed doesn’t mean they understand what it means. Let me summarize. If you see original text on a blog by that blogs author and you republish it, you must credit the author for that text. Regardless of whether or not they have that CC button. If THEY have text on their blog written by someone else, they must credit that author. Written word should be credited to the author just as much as imagry. Let me explain.

Royalty-free images: These are images that you pay for, once, to use on things that bring you income. Royalty free images may still have conditions – such as personal use only at a given size, but above a standard size you must pay for the image. Once it becomes used for business or promotion, expect to make a payment to the creator – unless you prefer to pay a percentage of your income to the creator in royalty payments.

Attribution: ALL Images – if you didn’t take them, if you don’t personally own them, should have credits to the artist and or the source unless you’ve paid for royalties (and some conditions of royalties is that the artist be given credits). This includes images used for personal things, even if you just say you like “this photo” on your blog.

Changing stuff: Public domain images only. You can’t just change up an image unless you took the photo/drew it, have specific authorization to make changes or paid for it and have a specific copyright release – because part of copyright means you cannot alter an image.

Artists always, always retain copyright to their images. Regardless of sale. Unless it has been deemed public domain.

Google Images: Just because it came up in Google search results DOES NOT make it public domain. Up on the top bar Google clearly states that “Image may be scaled down and subject to copyright.” GO to the source. CREDIT the source. Don’t just take stuff that isn’t specifically in the public domain. Be thoughtful and be responsible, because you are liable for any costs incurred for using that image without being informed about their terms of use.

Graphics: You may have purchased a design package. That package includes stuff for you to use and display for personal use. Prices are set for things like banners, etc. to display, to gain traffic from, those prices permit you to use them for that purpose. You do not pay for the right to use those images on items that will earn or have the potential to earn income. Consider that those images may have limited use and/or specific terms. You should always check with the creator before you pursue anything of that nature.

Artwork. Last but certainly not least. This applies to photography, photoblogs, illustrations, custom illustrations, caracatures, paintings, pictures of paintings – etc. No artist on the internet is going to give you free unlimited use of thier creations. Not-a-one. Many are generous enough to give you freebies to use, and they will say “these are free to use” and maybe “credit me”. If there are no rules stated, that does NOT mean no rules apply. Copyright is copyright, and it does not need to be spoken every single time. Copyright immediately belongs to the creator at the MOMENT the creation is created. Personal use – is personal use. You can’t change it or alter it, that is against copyright law. You can’t deface an original artwork, regardless of whether or not you commissioned it. That is also against the law.

Consider that by not crediting the creator, you are effectively eliminating any potential for them to earn an income from their work. Consider that by altering their artwork, you are falsely representing their creation. Consider that by capitalizing off of their imagry (or even text) without a specific release, you are, in a word, stealing their income and you could very well be expected to pay royalties when the artist is notified of its use.

Violating copyright is wrong. On so many levels, but first and foremost it is offensive to the creator of the image, the person whose creativity you are saying is worthless by not paying their due compensation for their time and talent.

Please be considerate, thoughtful and EVER mindful of copyright laws. Always look and be aware of images you publish and their terms of use. Give credits back to the source on any image you don’t own outright.

Note: This post was spurred by several incidents, not one particularly – this is a public service announcment, basically. A reminder for some, an introduction for others.

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Filed under: A Lil' History

A Creative Project

August

2006

This requires reader participation! I started this list while I was mowing (read: styling) the front yard this morning. This list – so far – is based on things I find myself doing all the time. Please, feel free to add to it. I’ll add to it, too!

You Know You’re An Artist When…

You don’t just mow the yard, you style the yard by mowing in a pretty pattern, and varying it each time you mow.

You pick a dog based on how cute his portrait is going to be. (this is partially true!)

You are happy to sign your checks, slowly, perfecting the signature, because it is. that. important. That document could be worth millions some day, it can’t be sloppy.

You write a list, and when you cross something off the list, it’s a fancy doodle cross off line, not just a straight line.

You know that no idea is an original idea, but you hope you’re one of the few that follows through and makes it your own.

You have DT’s when you haven’t been creative in the last 12 hours.

You have tools to encourage your creativity in every room in your house. Yes, sculpting gel counts.

You use your sculpting gel very literally. Apply, sculpt for hours, squash it down, rinse it out … repeat.

You don’t just braid your kids hair. You style it into a french braid with twists and put it into a bun of some sort, using as many coordinating ponytail holders as possible.

You own more than one very expensive piece of equipment and don’t let anyone else touch them (or have to sit on your hands if they do).

You get cranky if you can’t complete your creative endeavor, if something has distracted you from it.

You don’t understand why anyone doesn’t “get” that place you go to when you’re there. And feel bad that they’ve never been.

You’re creative in your sleep.

Few people think that what you do is monetarily worth what you’re asking.

You try on several “filters” before you finally decide which one you like.

You’re terrified to show anyone your work, but after you get past being terrified, you spread your feathers like a peacock.

You’re like that every. single. time.

read more in comments…

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Filed under: Hahaha! That's Funny.

Daylily Monarch

August

2006

(View all available prints)

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Filed under: Available for Purchase, Photography Prints, The Photog in Me

Pretty Spoiled Boy

August

2006

We picked up the little gifties that Tucker won, being such a frappin cutiepie and all. WooT did he score! He got a basketful of stuff to chew on, a bagful of even more stuff to chew on, a couple of stuffies to shred, a TOOTHBRUSH! – a shirt, a $30 gift certificate for grooming and a PEN! Because puppies can write! Didn’t you know? And they should definitely write thank you notes, but not until after they brush their teeth!

So, Tuckerhead checked out his stuff, and got all excited. He went right for the shirt! He’s such a smart dog. He liked everything, and wants it all right now. Even the basket, and the paper in the basket. Woof! Nummy Paper! Woof!

So we put the shirt on, and now he looks like the opposite of a pig in a blanket. You know, when the hot dog is sticking out of both ends of the croissant? Well he looks more like a croissant exploded out both ends of a hot dog. Bad analogy? Perhaps. Did I get my visual across though? Maybe this will help.

And this. This is how frappin adorable he is in his new Diva Doggie Wear. OMG, He’s like a ladies man for dogs. If I were a little scottie, or even a maltese, I would totally go after him. I just know I’m gonna have to beat those girlie doggies off with a stick. Okay, a chew toy. Leave my stud alone, girls.

I never thought I’d be one of those people who put clothing on a dog. But look at that picture. Just LOOK at him! Good gravy he’s adorable. Now scroll up, and look at him nekkid. It just seems so wrong, doesn’t it? He looks sweet in his little shirt, even if his fluff does explode out of the seams!

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Filed under: Our Little Wheatie

Thursday Thirteen #38

August

2006

Thirteen Things about Leanne, Thursday, August 17, 2006
My other Thirteens1. 14 days until school starts. Am I excited? Um, yes, I am. Does that make me a bad mom? With hubby on the road so much, I am super-mom all week. I am looking forward to “me time”. I want to paint, and my oils would dry up in the amount of time I’m diverted from the studio over the summer.

2. My little Tuckerhead won a prize! Yes, he did. WHBF agrees that my dog is the best lookin’ dog on the planet. I sent them this photo (not the one below), and they think he’s the cutest dang dog! He won some really neat stuff that I have to go pick up. I’ll tell ya what it is later.

3. I found out this week that there are people I know (in person) who read my blog that I didn’t know read it. You know why I don’t know? Because THEY NEVER COMMENT. Oh yes, these are people who say they care. Yep, I sure can tell. (Catch the sarcasm there?) That is my biggest peeve, if you didn’t already know that. Show up and never say a word. Yes, you know who you are. Knock that crap off – you don’t call, you don’t comment, and you sure as heck don’t stop by when you’re in the area. What do you think that I am, psychic? No, I’m not. What I am is tired of making all the effort to stay connected. It’s a draining thing, thinking that your affection isn’t mutual.

Here’s an example: My biological dad (sperm donor dude) pulled that crap with me, I was always calling him – and I gave up after a few years of calling him. That was over 10 years ago, and has he picked up the phone? Not a once. Yes, my calling him was “wanting something”, apparently. I only called him when I wanted something. You’re right, jerkhead, I wanted to know you cared. I wanted to know how you were doing. I wanted to get to know you. I’ll be sure never to do that again.

4. On a lighter note, I took this bada$$ photo yesterday afternoon. I know, I know. Birds. Me and my birds. I love my hummies, though. When’s the last time you saw a photograph of one with his landing gear down? That’s what I thought.

5. I have to plug it – just have to.

‘Nuff said. Please, go over and check it out, there’s a lotta good gossip goin’ on!

6. I received word that one of my first photography print orders arrived safely and that my client is uber pleased. Nothing makes me happier than reading those kinds-a e-mails! I’m happy you’re happy, and thank you for letting me make your walls a little brighter. Here’s the print she chose:

7. Did I mention how much I’m dying to paint? I’ve been jonesing for my brushes. Ugh. 14 days.

8. Did I tell you my back went out again? Oy. Well, if you weren’t here for the back-capades last year, here’s the scoop. This was my back nearly a year ago to the date. This year, when Chloe passed away I had another episode where L4 and L5 decided to tell me they hate me again. My doc gave me some really great meds, and beginning in 14 days, I start physical therapy. The funny thing is that I’ve been blowing off the whole therapy thing, and they’ve been like boot camp drill sergeants. Callin me, reminding me that I need it, making me go, calling and telling me when my appointments are, calling the insurance company and setting it all up since I’ve blown it off for a month. It feels kinda good, like they really give a hoot about me and my advanced degenerative disc disease. It’s sweet, really. I wish someone would do that about my nutrition and weight goals.

9. Speaking of weight goals, 14 days ’til restart. I have 25 Pounds2Go yet, standing still from spring when I said “It’s Summer? I don’t need no stinking diet!” I’m so proud of myself that I JUST SAID NO lastnight to the super yummy gooey chocolate cake in the fridge. I also JUST SAID NO to the yummy chocolate fudge swirl ice cream. Whew. One more year of that and I might lose a couple of pounds.

10. I’ve been designing my fool head off this week, diggin into the code. I gave The Shizzle a total makeover, tweaked things at the World of Bloggers Cookbook, upgrading and writing smilies packages for Shelli and got The Smilly Family designed and launched. I also completed that illustration for a design that I’ll be working on and launch in the next few days. Busy busy!

11. In my spare time, I enjoy knitting, scrapbooking, and…. (hahahhaaahahha! I crack myself up!)

12. Girls. School. 14 days. Uniforms this year. Excellent. $142 for both kids. Lovin’ uniforms.

13. The pool is comin’ down this weekend! It’s draining as I type. YAY for getting my yard back and not having to monitor chemicals and skim the bird droppings anymore this year!

Happy Thursday! Thanks for stopping by!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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TECHNORATI TAG: Thursday Thirteen

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Filed under: Thursday Thirteen

Custom Illustration WIP #2

August

2006

This custom blog illustration has been tweaked, the line drawing is done, and I’ve colored it in. The blood pressure cuff is just floating there, it will be grounded within the layout of the blog design. I just love this guy! (He’s pending, there may be further and minor revisions.)

I love my job.

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Filed under: Custom Illustrations, Graphics, Blog Designs, E.Webscapes, Works in Progress

Illustration Sketch WIP

August

2006

Here’s a rough (very rough) sketch of a custom illustration that I’m working on – this is the preliminary sketch. Things may change within it, but I thought it turned out so cute I just had to share. He’ll be incorporated into a blog design when he’s finished.

Fun stuff going on here in my little corner of the web today!

Hope you’re having a good one, I will catch up on my mail and your comments in the next day or two!

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Filed under: Custom Illustrations, Graphics, Blog Designs, Doodles, E.Webscapes, Works in Progress

The Smilly Family

August

2006

I’m proud to introduce you to The Smilly Family!

My baby girl (yeah, she’s still my baby) has been doodling The Smilly Family for several months. Her drawings and the stories that go with them are so creative and fun, it deserves attention. Of course common sense says you can’t get more attention than when you put something on the internet, so that’s what we decided to do with her stories!

She wrote her very first entry today while I was finalizing the design – so go on over and have a read, and welcome my little Smilly Girl to the world wide web!

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Filed under: Custom Illustrations, Graphics, Blog Designs