One of my favorite thing in the world is to teach kids how to draw. Or teenagers. Or adults.
But kids will always have a special place in my heart. Probably because the world in my head is so close to theirs and they are the best public ever. They always laughs at my silly jokes. (Even when they’re not that funny. :p )

Living in a big city, not knowing much of the people, it can be hard to find a good place that will accept you as a teacher. People don’t trust you as much and there are always more regulations going on.

But, this year, I was lucky enough to find the Union des Familles de Ahuntsic.
I take my Yoga and Cardio classes there and, somehow, I found out they were looking for a new teacher for kids drawing and painting.
Oh, Oh, oh, pick me! Pick me!

The class is very small, I only have 5 kids, this session. But I do enjoy smaller classes because I get more time with each children. So they really get the most out of the class.

I also give them some of the drawing sheets I sell in my Etsy store.
Since the place I work for is a Non Profit Organisation and are funded by the district, the price of the classes are really cheap, too. For 45$, they get 10 classes with me.
Awesome, isn’t?

I love it because it gives a chance to everyone to be creative and learn something. Social justice is a very important value to me and, working in art, I sometime feel like the services I am offering is “luxery”.
Which I don’t really like because art should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background or place they live.

I don’t come from a family where art was everywhere and a part of our life. My parents were hardworking entrepreneurs and creative in their own ways. Either with cooking or by making things. But our parents encouraged us, and that made the difference. We, me and my brother, also got support from our local community and friends. Which is always so very important.

I’m happy that I can now be part of their small world and encourage them in being creative, draw and explore.

***

Do you remember the art or hobby classes you took when you were a kid? How much impact did it have on you? Do you still remember who your teacher was? Let me know in the comment, if you’d like to.

Working out with mom in the 90′s!

Since I am now working as a full-time illustrator/entrepreneur, I decided I had -no- excuses for not working out as much as, last year, when I had a full-time job AND still did freelance work.
I also thought this might interest some of you, since we’re still in the beginning of the year and our resolutions are quite fresh to our mind.

***

Quick rewind… last year, I started working out at the gym next to my workplace. I wanted to loose some weight because I felt like I was getting a little too “comfy”. Well, it was a good thing because I had took a little more weight on than I anticipated. I’m about 5’5 and, at the time, I was 145 pounds.
For some people, it may not be that much, but for me, it was a little too heavy to my taste. To give you an idea, I’m usually around 130 to 135 pounds. So some pounds had to go. :p

I started working out 3 times a week at the gym and/or with the help of my trusty Jillian Michaels DVD’s.
I reduced eating deserts and stopped eating after 9pm. I watched a little what I was eating, as well, without going over the top.

I think it took about 3-4 months before I got to 135 pounds again.

Then, I lost my job. And I stopped going to the gym because it is not located near my home. It’s too bad because I really liked that gym. :-/

So, I started working out more by myself, with the DVD’s, as well as taking a Yoga class and a Cardio Boxing class.
I’ve kept my 135 pounds, but I’m not loosing any weight. It looks like I’m on some sort of plateau so I decided to take it up a notch.

***
So, for thoses that this subject interest, I’m going to share this journey on my blog, as well, once in awhile. Just to keep you updated and keep my motiviation.

I don’t know if you’ve heard of Daily Mile, It’s a great tool to share your progress with friends and post your workouts. I find it a great way to keep your motivation. Feel free to add me!

Sketches & Drawings! Yay!

Many exciting things are going on at Fanie’s Headquarters.

First off, I finished my Business Plan and the first part of the classes at the SAJE.
In about two weeks, I’m going to start the second part of the classes which are all about sales.
I’m a good seller but I can always use some more tips. Especially when it concerns selling my art.

While working on my business plan, I learned so many things. One of them was that it takes time to make a good business plan.

We had 3 months to make our business plan. You might think this was enough. But theses same 3 months coincided with an increase in my facepainting contracts and craft fairs. (October-December) Not to mention it was the holidays. Oh, the crazyness!
I still managed to finish it within the time framed that was given to us, but I was really exhausted, after.

***

Right now, I’m in “Production and Sales” mode. Which mean I’m making new art & new products while looking for new customers as a freelance illustrator.
The new customer part sure isn’t the easiest one and I can’t wait to start that new class. I think this is going to help me a lot.

Speaking of new products, I just received thoses new stickers! Aren’t they beautiful? I’m probably going to use some of them when I send letters & packages. Eeeh!

If you wish to buy them, you can get them over at my Etsy shop. (Shameless promotion!)

I also added a new “How to Draw Characters” Printable PDF. (There’s also a Fantasy Characters one!)
Theses are PDF that you can print at the comfort of your home. Theses ones are especially nice for kids who likes to draw!

And speaking of promotion & Etsy… I am now a Captain over at the Montreal Etsy Team.

Montreal Etsy Team Members! Yay!

We recently had a casual meeting, last monday, which was organized by Michelle & Stephani.
They did a wonderful job and we’re going to work on some new things for the Montreal Etsy Team. There are over 500 members in the team… can you believe it? Can’t let that team, go down. We need to work things out for all theses wonderful sellers.
More information to come sooner than later.

Oh, and my good friend Isa is kicking my butt so that I can -finally- start working more seriously on my webcomic!
I’m hoping to get it out there by the end of february-march. With that new Wacom tablet, I have no excuses! :p

***
Wow… I really had a lot to write about. But I’m going to save some for another post. 2013 is going to be a very exciting year!

See you around!

A quick test I did with my new Wacom Intuos 5… O.M.G.

If you’ve been following me on Twitter, you may know (or not!) that I just got myself a new Wacom Intuos 5! Oh, lala!

Thank you to the sweet guy on Kijiji ads that decided to resell it because he didn’t use it. It made me a very, very happy illustrator!
I got a good discount on it and I’m planning on using it for quite some time! (I’m even starting to think I should do the inking with it for my upcoming comic! It’s -that- good!)

You see, I’ve had this old Wacom Graphire 4 for quite some time now. (Since 2007, actually)
It wasn’t the most ergonomic tablet for someone who does hours of drawings and I’ve been wanting something more sensitive for doing my clean drawing lines.

So I decided to resell it, as well. So, if you’re interested, contact me and we’ll make arrangement. I can ship it to you, whenever you are.

I am selling it at 65$, including shipping. Whenever you are in the world.

You may need to buy a new pen if you want something a little better for drawing lines. But you don’t have to, it’s up to you.
The mouse doesn’t work that well but it’s there for you, in case you need it.
The tablet itself is very good and I’m pretty sure it’s better than thoses Bamboos ones .

Contact-me if you’re interested! faniegregoire AT gmail DOT com

I finally decided to write a blog post before it takes even more time!

Not writing a blog post, knowing you “have to” and not doing it…  it’s kind of like when you have overdues books for the library.
You -know- you have to give back the books… but you feel bad about it. But the more you wait,the more your overdues fees get up… and it just gets even more awkward. It’s the neverending cycle!

So the moral is, bring back your book to the library… and write a blog post!

***

On a more serious note, my business plan is due in about 10 days and I’m working every day on it. I don’t think it will be as good as I want it to but it’s going to be the best I can do at this moment with the ressources I have.

***

What I did during the holiday season:

As some of you already know, I had lots of craft fairs planned. See some pictures here:

I love this quick picture I took of Olivier with my Phone. Thoses are his paintings, by the way! I think it was his second craft fair to date… *clap hands*

Here’s the other part of the table. We shared it!

And I also did some facepainting for the Craft Fair. Here’s a picture of what I wanted to do on the little girl…

… and here’s what -she- wanted. :p Awesome, isn’t?

I think I broke my personnal world-record for the most facepainting contracts during the holiday.
Almost all of my weekends were taken during November-December! Phew!

I also helped the artisans I know at “Le Salon des Métiers d’arts” of Montreal.
Theses mohair socks are amazing, I tell you!

***
I’m going to write another post about this year’s resolutions and plans!
Thanks for hanging around even if it’s been a little quieter than usual.

“Can I eat thoses?”

Hey, there!

I’m having a little contest via my Facebook Page.
It took me some time because you have to use an application to do contest with Facebook, but I think it’s going to be an interesting experience.

So, if you would like to win 4 of my 2012 Greeting Cards Collection, head over at my Facebook Contest Page and just follow the steps!

“It’s that wonderful time, of the yeeeear….”

A table I had at a craft fair, this year.

Following my first part of Craft Fairs 101, here is the part 2.

I asked the Montreal Etsy Team to ask me some questions they wanted the answer to.
Here are some of them:

When’s the best time for Craft fairs?

From my experience, the holidays are always a great time for arts & crafts fairs. Especially during the month of December. Stop and take a look at what is surrounding you, in the medias, during this time of the year. Why do you think there are just so many ads on television, radio and… well, everywhere! There is a good reason companies are putting all their marketing bugdet during one month. Because it works.

And, obviously, the beginning of the year is always an awful time for craft fair. From January to March, it’s a very quiet time for purchases. But it’s a perfect time to work on new work and your portfolio.

This also brings me to another very important thing….

Expozine 2012 Zine Fair

Know who your market is!

I would also like to let you know that, whatever the time you are getting into a fair, there is one important thing you should know: Your market. Once you know this information, it’s very important to ask you, before investing in a fair:  “Does my market goes there?”
For example, if you sell knitted items for womens, maybe that Tractor Fair during summertime isn’t the best place to sell your wares.
My example is a little overrated, but you get what I mean, right?

Bring your lunch!

And be prepared to eat at your table. It will save you time and money to bring your lunch over. I also bring some easy-to-eat-on-the-go snacks.  This way, if I don’t have time to eat properly, I will still be able to get something in my empty stomach.
Another good tip is to bring a thermos with hot water so you can drink some tea or hot chocolate. It will give you that boost that you need in the afternoon.
Oh, and don’t forget that water bottle!

Before getting a table at a Fair, do your research.

Before I get in a craft fair, I always do a research on it.
I take a look at their web presence. If they have a website, facebook page, twitter… how many “fans” or “followers” they have. On Facebook, did they create a Facebook event for their craft fair? Can I find information about their craft fair elsewhere then on their social medias?
Because it’s the job of a fair’s organizers to PROMOTE the fair. Sure, it’s okay if they ask the artists/crafters to do promotion via their network. But, from experience, the best fairs are the ones who put more effort in their promotion.

Get Business savy!

It’s always a good idea to read books on the subject or take a small 101 business class. They will answer your most basic questions about business and get you going.

***

That’s it for today. Since it’s already December *Gasp*, I’m starting to get extremely busy.

I have a Business Plan to finish, many Facepainting and illustrations contracts, as well. Not to mention Holiday preparations… we haven’t even done our Christmas tree, yet!
Wish me luck and don’t worry if my blog is a little quieter than usually, this month. I’m just a busy artist! I’ll be back around January, at a more regular pace, when everything calms down and I can finally breath. Ahhh!

Since I’m a leader over at the Montreal Etsy Team, I thought it would be a good idea to share my experience with craft/zines/comics fairs.

I often get the same questions. So I thought I might answer some of them.
I am also adding some suggestions and/or comments.

Where can I find a good fair to sell my arts/crafts?
First of, if you’re on Etsy, I strongly suggest you join a local Team.
Next, of course, Google is always your friend. But so is Facebook and Twitter!
On Facebook, looks for some page or groups with this interest of yours.
Twitter is  a great place to find “last minute” events or requests for fairs.
And, of course, use your network. Ask your friends, family… you may be surprised at what they let you know.

How much stuff should I bring?
It’s always better to make a little too much. This way, you are sure not to miss a sale. And, if you don’t sell it, you’re still going to have it for that next last-minute craft fair you just signed in.

Ch… Ch… Ch… Change!
Bring some change! There’s always a person at the fair who forgets to bring some change… and you don’t want to be that person.
And, please, forget about the cents! Round your numbers. People don’t really care about cents, anymore. Welcome in 2012!

Promote yourself!
Too many times, I see people without a business card or information to join them. Big mistake. You have no excuses to not have this kind of information with you. Your business card doesn’t has to be perfect, as long as your information is there, that’s all your customers need.
There are many online stores that offer this product. Sometimes, even for free!
But, of course, if you want a nice business card, you can always contact me and I’ll give you a quote. (Shameless promotion!)

What if I don’t make any  money?
Unfortunately, this might  happen. I had my share of fairs where I made absolutely no money. Take it as an experience and try to understand why this fair didn’t do as good? Maybe it’s the first time the organizers make a craft fair? Was there enough promotion? Is it the right district? Is it your market? Ask the other crafters/artists if it worked out well for them?
But, most importantly, don’t get too sad. Learn from it and take this as an opportunity to promote your work and get direct feedback from your customers. Even if they don’t buy right now, let them know where they can find you.

***
I have many other things to add, but I will keep it for the upcoming Part 2!
If you have any questions, make sure to add them in the comments, below.
Cheers!

** By the way, I’ll be at Expozine, once again, this Saturday. If you’re around, stop by and say Hi! **

Good Shepherd School Holiday Craft Fair
Saturday, November 10th 2012
10am to 5pm
5770, Aline
Brossard
For more information: 514-892-9008
Click here for Google Map

Here is a quick look at the products I will have!
Not only will I be selling my new greeting cards, I will also be selling my new magnets & hairpins! Wee!

Hope to see you there!

This is a quick makeup I manage to make in about 15 minutes. Not bad, eh?
The idea was to look like some kind of weird dead little girl. :p
After doing everyone’s makeup, I had to do my face so I could attend a nice Halloween party with friends.
What is amazing is that it is all water-based makeup and it managed to stay all night, even thought I danced and sweat. Amazing products, isn’t?
And the best part? It only took a few minutes to take it off!

Here is a very nice man I changed as a cheetah in the early morning, on the 31st.
I even add makeup on his hair! It was an amazing transformation!

This customer wanted to go as a Beetlejuice-inspired-makeup but much prettier.

And I did a full Hulk makeup!
His back was also painted and so were part of his arms and feets. I took me about 1h30 to paint him all. Too bad I didn’t take a picture of the entire makeup.
The best thing is that he got an ovation at his job, where his party was. Eheh!

***
I didn’t take a picture of every makeup I did, mostly because at one point, I had no batteries in my camera… or I just forgot to take a picture.:p
But I think theses pictures give you a good idea of the work I do.

I’m kind of sad that Halloween is over. I love doing personnalized makeups and/or facepaintings for clients. It’s always a great challenge and it makes me work out my creativity.

Back to the drawing board! (Or perhaps, business plan? Eeeeh!)