First things first, the gypsy dancer is done. All in all took about 10 hours over several days to color. I used Copic Markers, Copic Opaque White, Copic Multi-liners (for inking), Prisma Color Pencils & Markers, and some Prisma Color gold & silver paint markers.As to the decision that needs to be made, it's a big one (for me, at least). This image will be used on a poster for an upcoming Gypsy Faire I'm taking part in on August 16th in Riverside, MA. My belly dancing troupe the Goddess Coyle is hosting, and there will be a lot of performances to see, as well as vendors to buy shiny things from, and also henna done by the lovely heather.
Not only am I expected to do a solo (I'm terrified of this, I've only been dancing for about 9 months), but my class is delighted with my art and demands to know why I'm not doing a lovely series of drawings and things to sell at the faire. To that end, my own laziness could be my downfall, and I well know it. But the idea has been planted in my head, and now I'm thinking about doing possible stationary packets or post cards, that way I can do a minimum amount of pictures but apply them to a number of different things. Perhaps stickers, or buttons? I'd have to get a button maker, but those are relatively cheap. This would also be a lovely way for me to earn some extra money, which is a large factor in my decision. I am dead, flat-ass broke right now and extra cash would be extremely welcome.
The thing that scares me the most, I think, is failure. It makes me think of the con and all the various tables in the artist's alley and how I'll have to compete with a lot of other people just to maybe sell something. Then worries about how my art will look next to the art of others starts trickling into my awareness, and everything sort of just snowballs. On the other hand, if I do go through with this, perhaps I can recruit a couple of my non-dancer friends to help me run the booth, that way when I'm performing/etc. there'll be someone to watch the stuff. Vendors get in for free, so all money that's made is a profit for me, and dancers get in free as well so I would be doubly-unworried about having to pay admission. Whoever helps me at the booth would presumably get in free as well.
Hmm. I've had an idea. Dave, I know you've expressed interest in coming to watch me dance, so would you like to help me run the booth, if I have one? You'd get in for free, and maybe we could also sell some prints of your mermaids! If I know my girls, they love the kind of pretty ladies you draw. :) Something to think about.
As more information becomes available, I'll let all of you know. But opinions on whether or not I should even try this would be welcome!
