Travis Ivey

Travis was at the University of Wyoming for the first couple years I was there. We were in Student Art League together and I am certainly thankful that I was given the opportunity to get to know him and see his work.  He came to the Student Art League opening at the Works of Wyoming gallery this past Friday and we were able to catch up a bit.   It was encouraging that he was there to support the group as an alumni.

Travis may be one of the most talented painters that the University of Wyoming and Student Art League have produced.  But don’t take my word for it, check out his website (and Bio).

Travis Ivey

STOP (Jeffrey City, WY)

Oil on Linen
24x36 inches
2008

13 Tools for Productive Procrastination

Productive Procrastination

Alright, we all know that being a working artist is a real job.  With it comes all the responsibilities of any other job AND the responsibilities of owning your own business.  As creative people we all need time to relax our busy minds.  Some, maybe all, of us need time to process or generate ideas.  I am using the term procrastination in the sense that it is not producing work that can be sold (not because it isn't or cant be productive).

The relaxation process, in this post the procrastination processes, can help us to be more creative and productive in the long run.  The business of art is not just about creating work (though creating work is the most important part and should be done when you have the most energy).  You often times need to learn how to keep a database, how to enhance your SEO, or how to market for a show.  Once you  learn you must also do.

Keep reading for 13 ways that I step back from my work, process, relax, and be productive at the same time.

Thank you From East Asia

The photographs are from my friend's previous trips to Asia.

I just finished this card for a friend going on a church trip to East Asia. The cards will go out to his friends and family who supported him though both prayer and monetary donations. He will be in Asia for six weeks this summer.

SAL at WOW Opening

Me with my Native American Social Justice Poster Series (L) Diabetes (C) Unemployment (R) Incarceration

The Student Art League Show opening was successful.

There were many strong pieces and talented artists in the show.
It will be up through this Thursday so be sure to check it out!

Below are some of my ink and wash drawings.

I have been getting back into using ink and plan to do more ink and wash,
as well as water color over the summer.
(Summer Art Goals)
The show will be at WOW until April 29th so be sure to check it out!

UW Landscape

Java Buddha

Fetus

Summer Goals

My summer art goals.
1. Complete work for my African American Black Beauty/Social Justice/Culture show. I would like to have some extra work and then narrow it down from there. Here is what I would like to create (I am not sure what will go in the show yet and these are just ideas )
   a. 5 – 10 poster designs
   b. A black hair care line
   c. Some (5 - 10, see below) ink and wash drawings or water color paintings – for a challenge. I am not sure that they will be included in the show.
   d. A t-shirt stencil or some type of graffiti art (maybe ink and wash)
   e. C and d can be used in a poster design and will still count.
   f. zines

2. Along with having all the work for the show, create promotional materials and press releases given out to the community on time. I know little about this, so it will be a learning process.
   a. I would like to find a checklist of some sort and
   b. actually use it.

Grace is Queer Poster Series

This poster series is based on the topic of the lack of grace in the church. To learn more check out my Grace is Queer website I created, visit my religion blog, or visit my art and design website.  Click the image to see more about the concept behind the specific poster.

Productive Playtime and Profitable Passions

Over Spring Break I went to the Golden Key National Honour Society Regional Summit (This is the official terminology). One of he sessions that I attended focused on how you can do the things that you love doing and build your resume at the same time. My list from the workshop included things like arts/crafts, snowboarding, hiking/camping/backpacking, rock wall, riding my bike, working with people, blogging/journaling, yoga, and networking. Many of these interests could translate into leading art lessons with kids, graphic design projects, photography projects or volunteer work and community service.

I would now like to use the chart we were given to see where some of my more random projects (which I have posted in this blog) could fit into my grand scheme of being a an artist (photographer, illustrator, and/or graphic designer).

Click below to see my final chart and to read more about being a scanner (or to learn what the term refers to).