Customer Feedback and Etsy

I've been working on twenty plus digital art pet portraits for Christmas and am still getting requests. My customers come from all over the US - and even outside the US. It's been an exceptionally busy season compared to past years and I'm not sure why? Once the project is completed, Etsy asks for feedback. Yesterday I received a really nice comment from someone I just completed two projects for. They were two memorial gifts for her mom of her favorite pooches. Last night, for whatever reason, she was having difficulty uploading and sizing the images to a smaller scale. So I worked with her until we got it resolved. This had never happened before, so I was glad we could get it fixed - especially since she had no problem with one of the images! Anyway, I received a notice that there was feedback posted again for this project. I always like to think I provide great service to my customers. Several of my projects are from repeat customers - which is probably the best feedback. I spend quite a bit of time setting up the portrait with the buyer and then sharing updates throughout the process. Sometimes that is more interesting than the end result! Nevertheless, it is always heartwarming to read nice comments in black and white. Thanks so much for the feedback L! I really appreciate it! 

Library of Congress Art Show

For the last four years I have submitted my digital art work to the art show at the Library of Congress, where I work. Usually they are pet portraits - dogs and cats - but also one of my grandson shoveling snow in front of their Capitol Hill townhouse, one of my husband sleeping in his easy chair representing retirement, and a scene of women on the steps of Persepolis. The artwork is on display for about six months on the sixth floor of the Madison Building. It is great exposure, and I've even sold a print from it. Because obviously I like all of them (!) it's hard to decide the two best to submit this year. So I tried to narrow the field down from twenty to 15 and posted them on Facebook to get a general reaction. Of course, it is all over the board. There isn't any particular one that has an overwhelming majority. So I'm posting them here to see if I get any reaction. My husband likes paintings that I'm not totally thrilled with, but I usually trust his judgement. He is even surprised by the items that friends and family prefer. So, if you wouldn't mind taking a minute to browse, which two are your favorites? Thanks for your help! 

Time to Refresh the Wagtime Gallery Wall

It was time to visit Wagtime and refresh my portrait gallery. I've been adding and rearranging my custom pet portraits there for almost three years. Given the extreme heat and cold this year, the Velcro holds the foam board well, but the full sun and direct light can fade some of the pet portraits. So last week I printed out all the latest artwork, then went to Staples to pick up more heavy duty velcro. Because it was so hot outside this afternoon - 90's on the last day of May - my husband came in with me. He usually waits out in the car while I get things done. I only needed to replace four and hang two more, so it didn't take a lot of time, but all my day care furry friends were a lot louder than usual behind the walls I was working on. M street, where Wagtime is located across from the Navy Yard, is finally finished, so this was the first time we saw the shop without orange construction barrels all around it. The red brick cross walks go well with this very old neighborhood. It's such a great place to have a gallery wall. Every time I come in all my business cards are gone. So if you are ever in DC, stop by the gallery wall. It's situated in just the perfect place. 

Special Digital Art Delivery From the House Office Building

One of the advantages of creating digital portraits is that the finished image is a jpeg file. This file is then attached to an email and sent to the customer. There is no shipping cost and the image can be used over and over. However, once in awhile someone will request a hard copy. In those rare instances I print the image on photo paper in three standard sizes, place them in a protective sleeve, and enclose a business card. I do have an option to print mailing labels at home, but because I work at the Library it is just as easy at this time to walk over to the House Office Building to mail the package. And so I did mail one this week to send Willie's portrait to his owner. I also sent a copy if the receipt to the customer to let them know it was on the way and It should arrive today. What's also nice is the fact the image can be uploaded to a variety of websites to create non traditional items to display the art - like cards, coffee mugs, or even pillows. But I think I like the comments I get about the artwork the best. "I printed a copy  on regular 8 1/2 x 11 paper on my Epson Printer and took it to work today.  You garnered a lot of compliments.  I am so happy with it." The iPad came along while I was living here on Capitol Hill. I have a feeling I would have done the same in Milwaukee, except I might have created the mailing labels at home because the post office was a lot farther away and much less convenient.  

Pooches, Kitties, and Kisses

It's a dog and cat world. I've seen the mobile grooming trucks in the National Cathedral neighborhood, but have not seen one on Capitol Hill until recently. It was parked right outside of St. Peter's where a wedding was taking place. When we had our Borzoi in Wisconsin, I was responsible for her grooming and really enjoyed doing it. She had really silky fur and didn't need a lot of baths but did require a lot of brushing. Her tail fur was almost a foot long!  Doing toenails was always dicey and she didn't care for it either. I'm not sure if I would ever have used a mobile service but apparently a lot if people must. I really like dogs but for some reason this seems over the top. Folks must not have a lot of time and a lot of money. But then again, what do I know?