I have had some success in selling some of my art. One piece went to a dear friend and another to a couple with 2 children. I am inspired to continue drawing, and I need to get on finishing my alphabet and counting cards to sell on Esty.com The couple suggested it, and I have come up with a selling price for some of the work. Although I am more interested in selling prints (as they're easier for obvious reasons) then I am custom work, I still believe the custom work will pay off.

I have procrastinated a little today by starting to build a new website. I think I will use it as a reward for when my other projects (see to do list below) is completed. Once all of it has been checked off I will then continue to build the site.

I have one more item to push to the priority list though - I have been asked to design the logo for the Therapeutic Clowns International. That will not take too long, so I'm not too concerned about that.

I mailed in my portfolio yesterday. It was signed for today. Now we wait. I am really keeping my fingers crossed that Annick Press likes my work, and some Author will want my art to accompany their book.

I am nervous, as this is putting my art and my talents out on the line.

So I never met my previous deadline for submitting my portfolio, and frankly I am not at all disappointed that I didn't. My new work is really good, and I think it will show better than the old stuff.

Now to stop procrastinating and take advantage of Mia's morning nap! Time to paint!

So my plan was to send away my portfolio today - the 6th of August. I did not take into account for my procrastination and being a Mommy!! (Silly me) But I am rather proud of the fact that all my new illustrations are complete, I have written the cover letter, and updated my Illustration On-Line portfolio: http://angelasimioni.carbonmade.com/

All I have to do now is take the illustrations to Staples for some more professional printing, mount them on lovely card stock, and paint up the envelope with Sanford ... I want it to stand out so I am making the envelope fancy!

Once those three small things are complete I will be sending it away!!

I am very nervous and all excited all at the same time!

But for now ... I am off to be a mommy and spend some quality girly time with my Mia, cousin, aunt and Goddaughter.

WHAT: What is Cat & Mouse Creations?

Cat & Mouse Creations is a small business endeavour providing Child Friendly Art to people's homes and throughout the community through murals, illustrations, prints, and "Fun-iture" (painted furniture for children)

WHAT? What type of product or services will Cat & Mouse be providing?

Cat & Mouse will be providing Illustrations, under my legal name, Paintings for children's rooms, decor items (such as knobs) and hand painted murals for furniture and walls

WHY? Why does Cat & Mouse Creations need to exist?

Although there are plenty of great Artists in the world, very few work exclusively for children, making child friendly designs - fun and lively, thought provoking to children, and inspiring to them.

WHY? Why are you the right Artist for this job?

As a new mommy, previous teacher and camp counselor, Therapeutic Clown and Clown Doctor I have had many great experiences with children. I find them inspiring how they're so free to just be, learn and love in the world. I feel as an Artist I can easily tap into my inner child, and bring their stories and imaginations to life.

WHO? Who will be buying your Art?

The parents would be the primary purchasers, as well as publication houses, schools, day care centres, and any other community based program in need of art for children.

WHERE? Where would you work from?

I would work mostly from home, but would have out of home time when painting murals. I may need to travel to help sell a book here or there, but most of my work would come from home.

WHEN? When are you going to start selling this work?

I plan on sending out portfolios in the next week. My goal is August 6th, 2010 to have them in the mail.

As for the knobs and prints, I will be continuing to work on them, and will aim for a gala event, maybe in support of the TCP, to advertise my work. I am thinking late Fall, just before the Holiday Season 2010.

HOW? How will you sell your work?

The small prints and knobs I will sell on Etsy.com

I will have to advertise myself in order to start doing mural work. This is something I need to look into.

Illustrations I will send portfolios to a variety of publication houses throughout Canada and the US.