Kickstarter, Baby!

 

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Lately, I have been addicted to Kickstarter. What is Kickstarter? It is a place online where people can post an idea or project that they would like to launch and its basically a business plan they pitch to you. They are asking for people to donate or become “backers” in exchange for certain perks. These projects range anywhere from helping a band record their next album, books, artwork, music, dance-almost any and everything creative.

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To become a backer, you can pledge how much you want to donate and there are also different pledge packages, where if you donate a certain amount, you can get some pretty cool amazing perks. If you have the money to really invest and back a project, you can get anything from original artwork, the product you are backing up, sometimes even a hotel and a trip, all depends on the project. One of the things I like about Kickstarter is if the project does not make its goal, then you are not charged and do not have to pay your pledge.

I plan on launching a project in the future on Kickstarter, but I am not quite ready for that yet, but I have been backing a few projects and I have my eyes on a few other ones as well. I wanted to share a few projects with you and if you like it too, then you should help back a project!

First, I’m going to start off with a new project created by Brian Reams with The Creative Rebellion. Creative Rebellion is a wall graphics project. Specializing in large format printing on low- tack removable vinyl. I became a backer for this project because I am a huge fan of art obviously, but I especially love street art or pop art. This piece below caught my eye and the more I read up on this project, I wanted to get more involved. I love this because a high resolution piece of art can be printed in a durable material that you can slap on your wall and it wont damage your walls or the artwork. Check it out! You can find his project here on Kickstarter!

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I can totally picture some of these images posted inside of a salon, a boutique, an art studio, a tattoo studio, I mean anywhere really. It’s like having a mural on your wall that you can have anywhere! Creative Rebellion is trying to fund the production of this project, as you can see the equipment is HUGE! SO every little bit helps!

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I love this! There’s only 20 something days left, so just go look it up! Support our small business owners and help make a dream come true!

The next two projects are ones I have backed as well. The Sugar Skull Spoon is so awesome because not only do I love sugar skulls, but I love coffee and tea, and this is perfect for the avid coffee/tea drinker and just want to add some sass to your everyday routine! When this project is over, I pledged enough to get my own spoon! I wanted to get the mug but I didn’t want to go overboard! hahaha

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I also backed this computer game project (and it was my first Kickstarter I backed) called “Obduction”. If you ever played mystery computer games as a kid like I did, and especially if you played MYST, then you are gonna LOVE this game! Because the same makers of Myst is now developing Obduction.

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“Obduction's experience supplies what every good storyteller does: a very personal window into a much larger world. Obduction begins with... well… an abduction - your abduction. On a crystal clear, moon-lit night, a curious, organic artifact drops from the sky and inexplicably whisks you away across the universes to who-knows-where (or when, or why).

And, as anyone who ever played Myst or Riven knows, exploring everything around you allows you to read between the lines and to begin to answer your questions. Why is there an old, abandoned farmhouse - complete with white picket fence - in the middle of an alien landscape? You'll find out. From this point on the story becomes your story.”

I pledged enough to get a digital copy of the game and some artwork from the game as well! This project still has some time as well! So, if you are into it, hurry up and get in on this!

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These are all the projects I have become involved with and there are a few more I have favorited, but check some of these out, or go explore Kickstarter for yourself! Maybe you can launch a project too and make your dreams a reality!

The Think Light 

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The John Picacio Calendar

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Masters of Anatomy

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There are endless possibilities to this Kickstarter and it’s becoming more popular with time!

I hope I brought enough inspiration and motivation for you to either get up off your butt and create something or if you are not the creative type, then help us who are creative and reap some of the benefits!

Thanks for stopping by today!

See ya soon! Xoxo Cecilia

Non Stop Work Week

I finally got a chance to take a break. Sort of. I have been painting for what seems like forever, but I am not complaining! I have been working on some carnival games designs for a Halloween Bootacular Fair that is taking place this weekend! I have done a total of 3 projects and I have had so much fun painting these because they were specifically for Blacklight!

First, I had the Clown Face Mini Golf Design, then the Dead Man’s Skee Ball Design and then, at last minute I was asked to add a few more spooky details to a Haunted House Seeking Game.

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When I delivered the House prop, I was able to see the Skee ball game put together in one piece and it came out amazing! I cant wait to see it at night!

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When I haven’t been painting, I have been trying to squeeze in some sleep, its been hard to get solid sleep thanks to my puppy, who is just like having a newborn sometimes, waking up in the middle of the night to go outside. I have had a few other freelance jobs here and there. I finally received all my tools I ordered to do microlink extensions and I did my first client with them yesterday!

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It took me a few minutes to get into the groove of applying the hair extensions, but once I got the hang of it, I was on a roll! I will be ordering more hair and will start to offer custom hair extensions. This is probably going to happen after the new year. I have ordered some fusion hair extensions so I can play around with those too. I cant wait to become so good with them, that it is second nature. If any of my clients are interested in this hair service, I will be offering this for 50% off until the new year. For inquiries, please email me at: cecilia@sweetsurrenderart.com

01e8874c7fe865a61efcf474bc68faf94ba6323f05I made a few shopping trips to the craft and fabric stores and I had some really good deals! I know, I am such a geek, but I get excited about stuff like this. I have been keeping an eye out for a good desk lamp, a sturdy one that wont fall apart or something that isn’t cheaply made. I came across this lamp at Jo-Ann Fabrics, and I knew I had to jump on the sale. This lamp, by Ottlite was originally $69, and went on sale for $20! I checked Jo-Ann Fabrics website, and it is no longer even on there, but I did see one on sale on ebay. The main thing I wanted this for was also for filming my youtube videos, because I am always complaining about my lighting! hahaha

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At Michaels, I scored this plaster skull that was on sale for $8. I have been wanting to get one of these so I can paint it sugar skull style! I LOVE CANDLES!!! I go through candles all the time because I always have one lit when I am awake and at home. I usually go for Hazelnut smells, but I wanted to try some new ones! These were on sale 3 for $10!

Before I make this blog post longer than it should be, I am going to go, because I have a new project I need to work on.

As always, thanks for stopping by and see you in the next post!

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late nights

It is 230am and I am still awake!!! Lately, I have been staying up all night due to painting and my mind going just all over the place. I am not even sure my brain is functional this late to even blog, but when I have the urge to start typing…I have to just do it. I just got done with a painting session to finish up a skee ball project. I had to finish up the details. I have been delayed a bit here and there, but I am getting things done as best as possible. I took a small break in between painting to snap this. Do you like my painting apron???

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I had a facepaint gig for a halloween project for Motiontography Studios, whom I have worked with before. I really enjoy doing facepaint and bodypainting for photoshoots, shows and videos. I have kind of stepped back from doing beauty makeup and been more into the abstract and crazy makeup. I say this all the time, but I would love to get into special fx makeup…one day. Here I am with my lovely model below who I got to paint a very childlike-abstract look, which I cant wait to show the video to you guys when its complete! Its gonna freak you out!

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This week has been long, and I know its only Monday, so I guess I should say last week has been long. I have been on the apartment/house hunt for the past few weeks, because my lease will be up next month and I am panicking a bit on where I am gonna go. I know everything is going to be ok, I will find something soon.

I just got a new printer, actually from craigslist, for only $25! I needed to get an inkjet printer so that I am able to get started on my tshirts… and I lucked out on finding one. I ordered more ink and transparencies sheets and then I can start which I am excited to do once Halloween is over.

My brain is not working and I feel myself getting drowsy. I just wanted to show you the top part of the skeeball, that I actually had to repaint because the client wanted more of the skeleton showing and just part of the trunk, but it turned out even better than I had hoped. So, check it out! and I am off to bed so I can finish up more stuff in the morning.

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Goodnight, my loves! see you in the next post!

Painting Sessions

Wednesday is here and pretty much gone seeing as it is already 7pm as I am sitting down to blog. I spent most of my day today with my brother Jeff and his girlfriend, looking for a new place to call home. Looking for a new place can be exhausting, but it will be nice when we find something and get settled. I cannot wait until I am able to purchase a house. A house to call my own. One day, I will.

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I received an awesome package from my sis, Nique from Denver. We take turns sending little care packages whenever one of us are thinking of the other or when were going through a hard time. She is so thoughtful, I got this cute scarf above in the photo, along with relaxing bath salts, a white candle, 2 mini paintings, a journal, and a photo box. Of course, I had “You’ve Got Mail” playing in the background. hahaha (Don’t judge me)

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I crammed in a painting session last night, I think I stayed up until 2am. The awesome thing about these projects I have been painting, is that I have to paint with my black light. Its really fun. I almost feel like I am in a bowling alley during midnight bowling. I felt like such the geeky artist last night painting, (not that I mind) I was reminded of She’s All That and Not Another Teen Movie…of Janie Briggs in the paint covered overalls/apron just imagine me….painting hahahaha That is soooo me right now! All I need is a hot guy to sweep me off my feet. hahaha

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My workspace last night. I have brought my art space out to the living room and out of my cave, so that I can watch movies on my big tv.

 

This is what I have so far! Keep in mind, that this is just the first layer and details are yet to come! The first picture is with the lights on, and the second, with the black light. I am loving how it is coming together!

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I finally arranged to pick up my screenprinting equipment today and I am picking up an inkjet printer tomorrow, and I cant wait!!!

As for our newest puppy, Jacob, he is just sooooo cute and has such a big personality. I just cant get enough of him!

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He likes to nibble on my hair and ears. I cant wait to see how big he is gonna get, but for now, I am enjoying able to pick him up and hold him with one arm. hahahaha

I have more to get done, and I only stopped to take a break, which usually means stopping to work on something else. hahaha

I will leave with these thoughts tonight! Good night and see you in the next post!

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Paintings, Puppy and Tattoos

 

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It is mid-October just about and I have been keeping myself busy with art projects and focusing on my business. I have been in love with the weather because it has been cool and I can finally get my fall and winter clothes out of storage! It has been raining here pretty much the whole week, which I have been loving-even though sometimes it makes me not want to do anything but lay in bed and watch movies. I couldn’t do any of that this week, as I finished up a commissioned project to recreate a clown for a festival coming up. This was a fun project. I have never used UV paint (only for facepainting) so I had a little difficulty with glow in the dark paint and fluorescent paint, until a fellow artist mentioned for me to go to Stage Right Lighting here in Virginia Beach and of course, I found what I was looking for.

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When I tell you what a difference this other paint made, you will be so impressed! This paint, Wildfire is amazing! It is more expensive but honestly so worth it because it has such great coverage and it is soooo bright. I picked up white, purple, magenta, and blue, each priced at $12.95 each for 6 oz. The best thing about the white is that I was able to mix the fluorescent paint I purchased from Michaels and make it just as bright. Check out the difference below!

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Here is the final after I added all the finishing touches. And I think it came out great!

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Just to clarify, this is NOT my original design, this was inspired by the following design found online from a miniature golf course.

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I am now working on a new project inspired by pirates. I am excited to finish it up.

I have done a few other little things here and there to keep myself busy in between projects.

 

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I am still working on my skills everyday in any realm of art I can get my hands into. I recently invested in some screen-printing equipment so I can finally launch a few tshirt designs that I have been wanting to do for a long time now. I have always been interested in screenprinting, and not to reproduce for other people, but mainly for myself. I just enjoy creating things. I was able to get an awesome deal from someone on Craigslist whom I actually knew as a local artist in the hampton roads area. He even threw in a sweet painting for me as well! He hand crafted this screen printing station, like, how amazing is that???

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In other news, I finally got my head tattooed!!! I cant believe I actually did it, but this is something I have wanted for quite a long time, which if you have read my previous posts about it, you will know that this piece holds a special place in my heart as this is a tribute to my grandmother, Carol who passed away from cancer almost 4 years ago. It turned out amazing. I will share more about my experience on it in the next blog post, as I feel that it deserves its own post, rather than casually mentioned on this one.

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And, we finally have our new addition to our family, Jacob, who is half husky and half pit and is only 8 weeks old! We picked him up today and it has been great to have a dog around the house again, although we miss Mystique terribly, at least we have a puppy to love on.

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Well, it is nearing 1130pm and it has felt like a long and exhausting day due to a lot of driving, a lot of rain and chasing a new puppy around. So, I bid you goodnight and I pray that you all have a safe and sound night with sweet dreams.

Xoxox, Cecilia

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