September 26, 2008

an original lion ~ for you! :: a blog giveaway

Lion 

6 x 6 in.

More good news on a Friday! I did step out of my bubble for a moment to watch a little watered down news this morning and first I thought my usual sentiment of late "Good Lord" and then I thought ~ today might just be an especially good day to do something nice for you. In case you’ve been wanting a Creative Thursday lion, here’s your chance. I’m giving away one of my original paintings! Created for a special project, this lion has never been released for sale.

I’ve been wanting to host a giveaway since I returned from vacation back in July, and even eluded to an upcoming "surprise" for you back then ~ and after a lot of thought I am finally ready to put this post forth. As you know if you’re a regular visitor here, I’m at a special place in the evolution in Creative Thursday ~ standing at the crossroads, so to speak, and deciding which road to take ~ mostly to focus my energy and resources for the next step and also to keep myself creatively challenged and fulfilled. So I thought I’d ask you, especially my loyal customers, where would you like to see me go? Of course, I have many ideas for what I’d like to do next, but thought that getting your feedback on some of those ideas might be fun ~ especially since one of the best parts of having a blog like this is the opportunity to communicate with you directly.

So here goes ~ ideas for expanding Creative Thursday:

  • cards (postcards and/or notecards)    
  • 2009 calendar (already in the works!)
  • larger original paintings
  • original painted illustrations on paper
  • more softies
  • more clay characters
  • sketchbook (blank sketchbook with one of my designs as the cover)
  • baby’s first year book
  • a second children’s book
  • "daily painting" hard cover book (featuring all the paintings from each year)
  • holiday ornaments
  • t-shirts for babies and/or adults
  • mugs
  • more large print image choices
  • more podcasts with me and/or interviews with others
  • fabric with Creative Thursday designs

*Edit* Saturday morning ~ 37 comments in ~ this is great! It is really fun to hear from you. What I realized when I woke up is that I completely forgot to include a different direction that I have been pondering which would be more in the advising category, taking the podcasts a bit further... (If you want to add anything about these directions but have already left a comment, please feel free to comment again and I will just leave one of your comments out of the drawing) Oh and I also explained the "sketchbook" idea above. Thank you for your thoughts so far!!

  • consulting, one on one, or in a group online
  • workshops, specifically online workshops


That should be enough to get you started ~ :)

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment below (make sure you list the correct email so I can contact you if you are the winner). You can simply say hello and if you feel inspired, please share your thoughts as to where you’d like to see Creative Thursday evolve to, based upon my list of choices above and any other ideas that you might want to share with me!

This giveaway will be open until this Monday, September 29 at midnight PST. Once closed, a random winner will be selected and announced Tuesday morning. Good luck and I look forward to hearing from you!

have a great weekend!

02:41 PM in creative thursday | Permalink | Comments (96)

Comments (96)

I'm not commenting to enter your contest as I already own 3 original paintings from you!! But I am commenting to say that your podcasts are my absolute favorite thing that you do so please, please, please -- more, more, more!
xo
Holly

Posted by: decor8holly | 09/26/2008 03:25:00 PM

Wow, I think all of those sound like great ideas! I especially liked the postcards and baby's first year book.

Posted by: Nancy | 09/26/2008 03:37:36 PM

Well hello, cute little lion!

I agree -- they all sound like great ideas. I would love to see you make greeting cards!

Posted by: Leslie | 09/26/2008 04:04:32 PM

Oh gosh I love that special little lion on turquoise!

I just finished listening to your new podcast with Amber Dusick. I love that while you're having a relaxed conversation with someone, you're covering so much ground about running a creative business - complete with giggles! I love it! The whole thing flows so naturally - I'd be really excited to hear more podcasts.

I was wondering if you'd ever do cards, so I'm glad that's on the list of possibles. Also love the idea of a hard cover book with daily paintings. Softies, and even softies as ornaments. Your animals would be super adorable nestled in the branches of a Christmas tree.

Posted by: Anna | 09/26/2008 04:06:57 PM

I like several of the ideas on your list, but here are my favorites:

1) cards. This are a highly accessible, affordable way for many people to be able to enjoy your artwork. And I think your style would work especially well on baby shower invitation cards and baby shower thank you cards. Plus wedding thank you cards. But of course you must do blank cards for those of us who don't happen to be getting married or having a baby just at the moment! ;-)

2) Your list mentioned t-shirts for babies, but I think bibs and onesies would be wonderful.

Posted by: Amy Sisson | 09/26/2008 04:07:05 PM

I am so excited for the calendar! And I would love to see t-shirts.

Posted by: Diania D. | 09/26/2008 04:08:52 PM

I would like....
1"daily painting" hard cover book (featuring all the paintings from each year)
2 sketchbook
3 baby's first year book
4 mugs

Posted by: karina | 09/26/2008 04:31:02 PM

I vote for children's books, but that's because I love children's books. Is it the good thing for you to do over the other items? I certainly didn't think that through.

Calendar sounds like a good idea, though I personally don't have the habit of using calendars. (Believe me, I tried.) But it looks like it would be a nice item to have for many people.

And I love your podcasts! But that's something that's already happening. Not anything new.

Posted by: Kelvin Kao | 09/26/2008 04:47:03 PM

I have to agree with the others, all the ideas sounds great but bellow are my top most favorites!

1.fabric with Creative Thursday designs
2. larger original paintings
3. t-shirts for babies and/or adults
3. more podcasts
4. more large print image choices

Such fun and wonderful ideas to look forward to! Thanks!

Posted by: jacqueline | 09/26/2008 04:47:39 PM

I absolutely adore your podcasts and I'd really like to hear more of your terrific podcasts! And I think that your art would be so great for cards, holiday ornaments, t-shirts, mugs, fabrics... maybe on pocket mirrors

Posted by: Dragana | 09/26/2008 05:03:12 PM

I'd like to see your artwork in:
cards
calendars
softies

Posted by: Tequitia | 09/26/2008 05:29:27 PM

I love your whimsical paintings!

I would vote on:

1. cards (postcards and/or notecards)
2. 2009 calendar
3. larger original paintings
4. original painted illustrations on paper
5. more large print image choices
6. more podcasts with me and/or interviews with others

Posted by: Maggie | 09/26/2008 06:00:56 PM

Hi Marisa,

Oh a chance to win an original, who can pass that up, ha ha, please put my name in for sure. I would love to see you do more podcasts but of course I'd pick this, they are so rewarding to us, the listeners. I have my own line of greeting cards and I just adore them..they are fun to make, something affordable for people to buy and just a really nice vehicle to see your work on. In the long run...you can do all those things, they are all possible and like myself, I see many artists with multiple things in the 'works'. Good luck with the creative flow and energy...you'll need it but it'll be so worth while. Be Well, Mandy Saile of Bijou's Whimsy

Posted by: Mandy Saile | 09/26/2008 06:07:34 PM

What a great idea for a giveaway.
Your list of ideas is wonderful. Since I am going to be a grandma soon, and I have taken up quilting, I would love to have fabric with your art on it. Can you picture how cute a baby's quilt would be? I can.
The cards, and the original paintings on paper are great ideas too.
I know that whatever you choose, it will be wonderful and fun and I look forward to adding it to my collection of your work.
Hugs,
Karen

Posted by: Karen | 09/26/2008 06:43:56 PM

Definitely cards, baby onesies, small simple children's books. I also think some kind of small jewelry type pieces for us adults would be great. By the way, I love the owl lamp with the kitty watching. Oh gee, I love all your stuff.Also prints for those who maybe can't afford the beautiful originals would be great. I also like the baby's first year book.

Posted by: Tiffani | 09/26/2008 07:17:51 PM

Oh yes, fabric. Definitely yardage. I think quilters and makers of kids clothing would gobble it up. I know I would

Posted by: Tiffani | 09/26/2008 07:19:46 PM

Hi Marisa. I love visiting your blog and website. I really like the idea of fabric...a lot! I think I'd totally use post/greeting cards too. You're so great. Can't wait to see what direction this takes you.

Posted by: Natalie Clayton | 09/26/2008 07:57:44 PM

All of your ideas are great. What I would like to see most is:
+ more softies
+ t-shirts for kids and babies (those would be perfect)
+ 2nd book
+ holiday ornaments, maybe even your clay characters as ornaments. Those would be too cute on a tree.

I can't wait to hear where you'll be heading next...

Posted by: Stelie Designs | 09/26/2008 08:46:29 PM

A calender would be a wonderful idea and addition to my stale cubical! I would love to win your little lion, but ur art just makes me toooo happy sometimes, and that can be a bad thing when you are an auditor. No body wants to be audited by a happy auditor! Oh what the hell, I love being happy! Enter my name please!!!

Posted by: Bridget_Lou | 09/26/2008 09:20:04 PM

I love all your work, but the podcasts get my vote as my favorite thing about Creative Thursday. It's so nice to have something positive and uplifting to listen to while I'm painting or crafting myself.

I think t-shirts and kid stuff with your characters is also a great idea. Notecards, sketchbooks...all of those things would sell, I think.

Keep up the great work & THANK YOU for sharing your lovely life with us.

Posted by: a Cagey Bee | 09/26/2008 09:26:06 PM

More original paintings and illustrations!

Posted by: Elaine R | 09/26/2008 10:41:58 PM

As a mum of a 4, I am thinking a series; 4...mugs, illustrations etc....Yes this is a purely selfish point of view.

From a more generous point - you are amazingly creative so I am sure whatever comes next will be wonderful.

T x

Posted by: Tamara Erbacher | 09/26/2008 11:34:34 PM

How generous of you, what a great lion painting!

I'd love:

Fabric
Baby/Kids shirts
Book with all the daily paintings in it

Posted by: Amber | 09/27/2008 01:22:53 AM

hi melissa,

i stumbled about your blog a while ago and i am taken away by your creativity. so, i would like to see your adorable and cute paintings on a postcard or a mug.especially in the morning you need something to cheer you up-well, its with me that way. and, due to i'm a student, i cannot afford your pictures, so i highly appreciate a collection of postcards, cause you can frame them and it will looks nice in your home :-)

Posted by: amanda | 09/27/2008 02:12:18 AM

I love the direction you're going. Stay true to your intuition and grow, grow , grow!

Posted by: hazel | 09/27/2008 02:21:45 AM

Hi Marisa...I think your work would look good on a baby's first year, more books, even a book that features all of your work, fabric would be fun,...definitely go for something different. That lion is so cute and would love to have him. Plus, your pod casts which I love to listen to. Honestly anything.

Posted by: Marnie Vollenhals | 09/27/2008 04:34:30 AM

Hi! Great idea to share some of your ideas and also pairing it with a give away.

I think your work is so special and unique it is hard to say where it would be best to go. My first hunch is to go with adding a line of note cards (blanks and maybe some with encouraging and uplifting messages inside them) and then secondly look into producing more books.

Good luck! Liz

Posted by: E. Floyd | 09/27/2008 04:57:57 AM

I think all your ideas for expanding Creative Thursday are excellent. I think people will be interested in something that is both beautiful and useful, in something that combines art with an everyday use.

Good luck with your new Creative Thursday path!

Posted by: Rodi | 09/27/2008 05:21:00 AM

So many good ideas but I would buy:

fabric
mugs
softies
kids clothes (as another mentioned)

I can justify buying things that will be used, it is harder with a painting or print.

Posted by: sam | 09/27/2008 05:45:11 AM

Oh, I love your lions!

What I would especially love to see:

~more clay characters
~"daily painting" hard cover book (featuring all the paintings from each year)
~t-shirts for babies and/or adults
~more large print image choices
~fabric with Creative Thursday designs <---yes yes yes!!

And I'd really love to see you team up with a digital scrapbooking store to sell your designs!!!!

Posted by: [michele] | 09/27/2008 06:00:44 AM

I love your podcasts. They are always chocked full of good information and inspiration. But I also like the idea of being able to get your little characters on postcards or notecards.

Posted by: Pearl | 09/27/2008 08:02:58 AM

Wow, I think all these ideas are great. The calendar and cards are a great way for everyone to be able to have a piece of you (so to speak). But I think the larger original paintings might be worth exploring, as would a baby's first year book (not as many as those on the market as children's books). I think your aesthetic lends itself very well to baby or small child tees and, like one commenter said, onesies and bibs. A book of your daily paintings would be wonderful, but I think it would need some text to explain your inspirations etc. as you tend to do here (makes it more interesting for the reader). The sketchbook idea I'm a little 'sketchy' (forgive me) on...DO you mean sharing the contents of your sketchbook online, or publishing the contents of your sketchbook? And, of course, like many others, I would ALWAYS appreciate more podcasts. Sorry I couldn't narrow it down a bit--I know you can't spread yourself too thinly...All great and feasible ideas, though!

Posted by: Suzy | 09/27/2008 08:15:30 AM

Oh, absolutely another children's book! And the other stuff, too. But definitely more books.

Posted by: Tricia | 09/27/2008 08:19:08 AM

Hi Marissa

I love your work! what about pillows and baby textile?

Posted by: sonia | 09/27/2008 08:37:12 AM

I got the 2008 calendar last year and love it - I'm so looking forward to the 2009 version! As the months pass, I take them off and frame them for my little ones' rooms. They love making up stories about the characters. I would also love to see fabric , fabric and more fabric! Some more softies would be fantastic as well. The stitching was adorable on your first set. Good luck with your new adventures - I can't wait to see what's ahead for you :)

Posted by: Jenny | 09/27/2008 09:23:56 AM

All I know is that I would love to see you explore your creativity. It's exciting to me to see where people could go. So I guess I like the idea of more original paintings and drawings but all those plans sound like good plans to me. I guess I'm not discriminating.

I think you're an inspiration (maybe because I'm doing my own daily paintings, and I didn't think I could.)

Posted by: rowena | 09/27/2008 09:23:57 AM

I would love to get my hands on some cards and a calender. T-shirts would also be nice. And a daily picture as a year/day planner would be awesome for the old fashioned amongst us who don't plan everything on the computer.

Posted by: henriette | 09/27/2008 09:51:33 AM

I love this little lion. He's a cutie! Personally, I think that whatever area you choose to branch out into, you'll be successful at it. They all sound fantastic! I especially like the ornament idea. What an exciting moment in time for you, to choose a new road! Yay!

Posted by: Sarah | 09/27/2008 10:22:14 AM

I love the idea of your art on fabric, as well as baby t-shirts, and baby/children books. I'm having a baby boy in January, so I'm all for baby stuff at the moment. That lion painting would look so good in the nursery. :)

Posted by: caro | 09/27/2008 10:52:30 AM

oooh! more podcasts!! cards?

Posted by: debbie | 09/27/2008 11:51:58 AM

love, love the lion..
my dad had a special thing for lions,
so i am always on the look-out.

the daily painting book idea jumped
out at me-
would love to see them all wrapped up
in a book like that.
yes!!!

xoxo

Posted by: mccabe | 09/27/2008 12:03:30 PM

Dear Marisa..it's very nice of you to wanting us to give you such suggestion...For me, your works are so beautiful. But hope to see them in other media, love the sketchbook, fabric, and maybe scrapbooking paper or stickers or rub-ons?
Any direction you take, I am sure will be wonderful.

Posted by: ria nirwana | 09/27/2008 12:08:59 PM

Wow, how great! I am so happy for you and your wonderful ideas! Can't wait to see more of your work :)

Grow Grow Grow!

Posted by: Kelly E. | 09/27/2008 12:54:48 PM

I love all of your ideas but really love the idea of taking online classes/workshops from you! Thanks as always for the wonderful inspiration.

Posted by: Zauna | 09/27/2008 01:14:17 PM

Just saw your book on the Bloesom blog.. I heard about it before but just wanted to say congrats again on it! I will have to get a copy of it for my little baby!
I would love to see a baby's first year book, calender and posters!
Also it seems you would be great at consulting and giving talks...:)

Posted by: Jb Louie | 09/27/2008 01:38:46 PM

OHH what a wonderful idea Marisa!!! Thanks!!
I really like to see your desing in en cute fabric or patterns in multiples objects. I love the mugs idea too!!
Good luck!
(^v^)

Posted by: Zime | 09/27/2008 03:59:28 PM

I am in LOVE! My last name is Rohrer and it is pronounced like roar. We always tell people it's pronounced like a lion's roar! This would just fit perfectly in our house!

Love your paintings and the newer more everyday paintings you have been doing. Would love to see that 2009 calendar and more large print image choices.

Have a great day!

Posted by: Amber | 09/27/2008 04:44:05 PM

I love your artwork! Whenever my husband and I start a family, I would love to decorate the nursery with your work!

Posted by: Stephanie | 09/27/2008 07:16:48 PM

I've recently found your work and have favorited your etsy shop for when I'm ready to start buying art (new-to-me house, still painting rooms).

I love the fabric idea, and agree with some of the other comments that use-able items are always great (t-shirts, calendars, etc) because they make great gifts. It all sounds wonderful, though. Can't wait to see what you do next!

Posted by: Jessica | 09/27/2008 07:18:04 PM

Hi, I love your blog and nominated you for "I love your blog" award

Please check out this link:
http://asmindgoesby.blogspot.com/2008/09/i-love-your-blog-award.html


Vink:)

Posted by: Millionminds | 09/27/2008 07:29:30 PM

I've already commented earlier. But couldn't resist from leaving another comment for advising category. =)

Consulting and Online workshops are both great ideas too! I would be able to attend eventho i'm living on the other side of the world. Such a good opportunity for such interesting and fun learning experience!

Posted by: jacqueline | 09/27/2008 07:42:24 PM

Definitely softies & notecards.
:0)

Posted by: woolies | 09/27/2008 07:54:33 PM

I really think your art would do well on anything baby: onesies, jackets,shoes hats etc. Cards are also a great idea because they can also be used as miniature prints and framed. Your podcasts are so helpful and informative, you could branch off into consulting. I wish I could narrow it down for you, but I think all of these are your strong points. Good luck ,Karin

Posted by: Karin Grow | 09/27/2008 09:44:17 PM

I'm a fairly new subscriber to your blog and love the inspiration! I would love more podcasts and would definitely be interested in online workshops. I'd also like to see fabric and sketchbooks too (with good paper, of course!)

Posted by: Thien-Kim | 09/27/2008 10:23:09 PM

I am a new visitor to your blog and found you and your brimming creativity about a month ago. All your product developments sound very exciting but I would say more of your podcasts and tutorials would be fantstic!

Posted by: Laura | 09/28/2008 01:33:27 AM

Hello...
I could definitely see your work on t-shirts and other clothing items (a row of characters along the hem or a small motif in the centre of the chest or even on a sleeve), baby clothes and baby accessories, handkerchiefs, pillow cases, teatowels, a fat book of postcards, and of course greeting cards.

hmmm...what about stick pins (brooches) or sew on patches or iron-on transfers of your characters? If the sky is the limit how about crockery for kids' plates etc... and I could see your characters starring in animated cartoons, too... heheh

In the process of coming up with ideas, how about investigating sustainable paper/fabric sources so that the joy is reflected in the ethical production as well as the design?

Good luck with whatever adventure you choose.

Posted by: Sueee | 09/28/2008 02:08:07 AM

Hi Marisa - do you know of any way that your podcasts could once again be carried by iTunes? I keep trying to get "Creative Thurs." in my list of podcasts, but it only gives me like the first 10 shows.

And ANY direction you take is going to be fabulous:-)

Posted by: Nina | 09/28/2008 03:44:03 AM

You have a great etsy shop. I would love to see what softies you make. A softcover book and a softy would make some wonderful gifts for my nieces.

Postcards and cards with your sock monkeys would be great. Everyone loves a sock monkey. Just to say hello type cards are needed by everyone.

I know this might be stretching it a bit, but how about an animated flash mini cartoon with your characters. That will make them more popular with kids and get the word out about your characters.

Posted by: Queen of the Click | 09/28/2008 05:37:12 AM

i love your work and has been visiting your sites for some time now, learning much from it. it'd be pure delight to win an original work by you.

Posted by: Alpha Shanahan | 09/28/2008 09:24:25 AM

The two ideas that struck me most are the greeting cards and the books. Maybe consider a hard-cover flip book for children (the ones with the really thick pages). I always consider children's books to be for adults too. ;)

Love your work, love your blog. You add a bit of delight to my day!

Posted by: C.E.R. | 09/28/2008 11:19:41 AM

OMG, how cool would it be to have an original lion! You are so generous, and talented!
What about pj's? How cute would they be!!!
Your blog is wonderful and inspiring, thank you.

Posted by: miesmama | 09/28/2008 12:02:41 PM

stumbled across your work, and love your style. it is inspiring to find people making a living being creative!

Posted by: Emily | 09/28/2008 12:54:53 PM

I like all the ideas you listed. I'm interested in your softies.. Oh and fabric. I like making tote bags, and I would like to use your characters.. I think a lot of your stuff would go great for kid stuff. Congratulations! cards, Baby Shower.. calendars are a great idea!.. Personally, I can't wait to start a family of my own. I would love to decorate with your things.

Posted by: Angela | 09/28/2008 02:19:51 PM

I'd love to see cards and wrapping paper. I also think baby books would be wonderful. I never find a huge selection when shopping for one. Love you creativity! Very inspiring. Kelly
Kelly5oliver@gmail.com

Posted by: kelly oliver | 09/28/2008 03:07:15 PM

Hi Melissa! I would love to see greeting cards!

Posted by: Marlys | 09/28/2008 03:45:20 PM

hello!
what a list! i think larger paintings, more print options, cards, books and calendars are a great idea. i think more art and art-based merchandise rather than mugs {just a personal thought}. oh and fabric and more podcasts also. {fabric might take up heaps of your creating time in terms of overseeing production and meeting your standards?}
hmmm that's almost everything on your list, no wonder you are wondering which one to tackle first! :)

Posted by: belinda/gretchenmist | 09/28/2008 04:55:08 PM

I love your podcasts. I also think you could charge for them. I am all about free as a stay at home mama/artist on a VERY tight budget, but I also believe people deserve to get paid for their talent and expertise. I think a small supscription fee would be fair.

I am all for notecards. I know prints are wicked popular on Etsy, but personally I would much rather own original art ~ due to financial reasons that is not always possible so I really like buying note cards from my favorite artists. Notecard sets are great because then I am able to keep some and share some.

I also think Holiday ornaments are a great idea. You have a very unique style that would really compliment an ornament.


I really enjoy your blog and how you have shared your creative journey with us!

XO,
Melba
melbamcmullin@comcast.net

Posted by: Melba | 09/28/2008 05:49:55 PM

Hi Marisa—
Part of me wants to tell you to keep on doing what you're doing and never change, but now that wouldn't be fair to you and rather selfish of me! You are such an inspiration to all of us here that visit your website home.

I've been thinking of what you might do in moving forward so here goes: How about putting together a little book with your "words of wisdom" (and you really DO have wisdom) along with your insight and outlook on daily living, you know, the little things in life that make a difference, paired with various illustrations of your marvelous little characters?

Well, that's my two cents worth! At any rate, I have no doubt that you will follow your heart and gut feeling to move in the direction that's just perfect for you!
Cheers to you—
JJ~

Posted by: JJ~ | 09/28/2008 10:16:04 PM

Hi Marisa, I have a bit of a different thought not sure if it has been mentioned as I haven't read through all your comments as you have so many. I would love to see your painting on affirmation cards for kids. I know there are heaps of cards for adults like angel cards etc but nothing really for kids and with your artwork they will appeal to the younger kids as well as getting them started on positive thinking or affirmations early in life, kind of like Louise Hay style. Love your work and love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing and pouring your heart out to the world. Anna

Posted by: Anna Pontikis | 09/28/2008 10:56:29 PM

A CALENDAR AND OR CARD LINE WOULD BE WONDERFUL hAVING A FABRIC LINE SEEMS TO BE A GREAT EXPANSIVE STEP FOR DESIGNERS AND I CAN SEE YOUR UNIQUE CHARACTERS ON FABRIC.
ONLINE WORKSHOPS AND VIDEO INSTRUCTION ARE 2 OF MY FAVS!!!!
XO
MAJAMOM

Posted by: MaryBeth | 09/28/2008 11:02:56 PM

I'd love some:
* postcards
* 2009 calendars (already in the works!)
* baby's first year book
* holiday ornaments
* t-shirts for babies and/or adults
* more podcasts with me and/or interviews with others

+ jewelry - fabric broaches for example, that you could pin to whatever you wish.
+ fridge magnets? Sounds weird but it would be nice. :-).

That's kind of it for now.
I'll send you an email these days so talk to you soon!

~Serban~

Posted by: Serban | 09/29/2008 01:49:47 AM

Hello Melissa!

I began reading your Creative Thursday blog not but one week ago, and I've been enjoying the imagery and prose.

I suppose I'm not really in a position to comment on a new direction, seeing as I'm only a newbie here, but I'm looking forward to seeing which road it'll take and the results of that labour.

Thanks!

Martin.

Posted by: Martin | 09/29/2008 02:39:07 AM

Did I say Melissa? I meant Marisa!

See how new I am? Shucks.

Posted by: Martin | 09/29/2008 02:40:36 AM

Wow, wonderful lion painting, he's so cute!

Lovely ideas for expanding your range, I think the soft toys would be so cute I know they're the kind of things that would appeal to both kids and adults. Have you thought about making some small clay figures to use as charms in a bracelet or necklace? I think they'd look great :)

Posted by: Natasha Jones | 09/29/2008 04:00:04 AM

I hate to make your decision harder, but they all sound like your next step. I guess my favorite ones are, the Daily Paintings book and workshops of some sort, fabrics, and softies. The cards, large paintings, prints, etc. are more natural extensions of your product and are probably a lot easier to get started. From a business stand point, I think they are no brainers to implement now, and start working on the other things in the background. I guess my suggestion is to expand, and keep expanding. Coming from a product development background, I would get some line extensions out there. Which all of this stuff kind of is, but take care of the easier ones first.Have a good week.

Posted by: Stephanie Ryan | 09/29/2008 05:00:03 AM

Hi!
It would be great to be able to buy cards and postcards.
I also would LOVE a calendar and you know I love listening to your podcasts - I'm off now to listen to your most recent one!!

Posted by: Emma | 09/29/2008 08:38:42 AM

I love to see your characters come to life in 3D as Plush! I am also a huge fan of "art kits" --a plush kit or mini painting kit would be so fun and a super gift. Others can create art of their own with inspiration from you. I wish there were multiple Thursdays in a week ::

Follow your heart... think without boundaries

Jessica

Posted by: Jessica Sunshine Levin | 09/29/2008 08:43:43 AM

My sweet girl! I would love for you to do some illustrations on paper, some lovely holiday ornaments, and have you ever thought about doing holiday wrapping paper? Just the thought of how cute that would be gives me shivers! Have a lovely day!!

Posted by: Kathy | 09/29/2008 08:58:52 AM

Hi Marissa!

T-shirts!
Cards!
Two other ideas:
kid-size pillows
wrapping paper!!
Take it easy. Thank you for the chance to win the sweet lion.
-Anita Davis

Posted by: Anita Davis | 09/29/2008 09:11:55 AM

Wouldn't you know it I had such a busy weekend that I didn't have a chance to check in until now!!

Marisa you are a wonderful artist and I would like to see all of those things on your list but especially a baby's first year book. I wish that your adorable cute little creatures were around when my son was born 16 years ago!!

I have my fingers crossed to win that little lion!

Posted by: Rita Vindedzis | 09/29/2008 09:19:40 AM

I would love to see note cards, your calendar (can't wait for the 2009 one), onesies for babies, simple books for babies (chipboard??). I love your new paintings with your characters in more real life situations. I can't make up my mind which one(s) I want. Oh...softies would be great. I also love the wooden figures you had "woodmouse" make. Enough rambling. :)

Posted by: Jodie | 09/29/2008 09:58:31 AM

Thank you for your beautiful work... I really love the prints I have from Creative Thursdays and have had many comments on the artwork. I would love to see larger prints (11x14-ish), greeting cards, and a day planner, featuring some of your daily paintings. Fabric - also a great idea! I took print-offs from your etsy page to a fabric store to try to find similar colours for a baby quilt... with no luck. How much easier would it have been to order fabric directly from you!

Thank you so much for your blog and your positive outlook on life!

Posted by: Gillian | 09/29/2008 11:13:43 AM

I'm sure you will be successful no matter what direction you choose.
I think your little guys on fabric would be so perfect, though!

xo
Di

Posted by: Diane Duda | 09/29/2008 12:32:22 PM

Okay, definatley t-shirts for adults and kids. I want one with Olivie on it for sure! Also, how about jewelry? If you want to do your own printing like I do, contact me about the process. It's fairly inexpensive to get started, and you can control the quality because you are making it! My pendants are a great seller! Best wishes on this crossroads! I can't wait to see what's next.

Posted by: Jenni | 09/29/2008 01:48:35 PM

I vote for cards!! :)

Posted by: Andrea | 09/29/2008 01:49:37 PM

Calender! I have been actively searching for my 2009 calender and if you put on out I think my search would be over. And more softies I loved the ones you have done so far.

Posted by: Sarah | 09/29/2008 02:32:26 PM

I, too, am in love with your podcasts! I am currently listening to the whole archive and they always spur some inspiration -- so, thank you for that! More podcasts, coaching/consuting and workshops would be super fun, too.
I also have a great love for softies and your clay characters -- I would love one for my desk! Oh, AND fabric printed with your designs would also be super wonderful!

Posted by: Laurie May Coyle | 09/29/2008 02:37:18 PM

More podcasts... you always seem to say something that strikes a chord with me just when I need to hear it.

On the acquisitive side, cards and calendars (especially a spiral-bound purse journal) would be lovely! :)

Posted by: heather | 09/29/2008 03:11:45 PM

I would have to say that the baby's first year book sounds like a fabulous alternative to the boring ol' baby book. Also, images on children's t-shirts would be absolutely adorable!!

Posted by: Heather Rene | 09/29/2008 04:09:56 PM

I am so inspired by you it would be great to have a sketchbook with one of your designs on the cover! I am envisioning a child's room with the bedding in your designs...and what about a "softie" crib mobile?! You could go baby crazy and do bibs and binkies too!
Keep inspiring us Creatives! :o)

Posted by: Megan | 09/29/2008 04:12:47 PM

I so love your first book so a second would be great!!!

Posted by: elmaelsiena | 09/29/2008 06:39:01 PM

Gosh, if you do a calendar, I would be ecstatic if it had spaces to write in! So many beautiful artsy calendars have no place to write stuff down in, so I never bother with them.

Other than that, I love surprises! (But I'm particularly fond of the baby book and more children's books ideas:))

Posted by: Ky Eliza | 09/29/2008 07:40:03 PM

Oh that lion is so cute! And I'm completely biased because I'm a Leo ;)

I'd love to see a hard cover "daily paintings" book. I just love the idea of something that you can curl up in your favourite chair with, and flip through over and over again. There's just something special about that kind of collection, and of course I'd love to see your daily paintings together like that! And it would be great to be able to collect one each year!!

Posted by: Lexy | 09/29/2008 08:04:30 PM

I love your 2008 calendar and am glad to hear a there is one for 2009 in the works! I have it hanging in my very gray cubicle at work and it adds a little color into the 9-5 routine. I also like the t-shirts idea... can't wait to see what you come up with!

Posted by: Amanda | 09/29/2008 08:04:50 PM

Oh, how I love that sweet lion...
I would love to see more clay & plush characters and of course how cute would all your characters be on a set of onesies or tees. I love the idea of a baby book too! I have really enjoyed reading your blog this last year and look forward to watching your line of characters grow!

Posted by: bumblebird | 09/29/2008 08:16:56 PM

I agree with what others have said about following your heart and trusting your own intuition. I also agree about cards and baby stuff would be great too.

Oh, and the lion, too cute!!!

Posted by: Jody | 09/30/2008 06:38:04 AM