Cut It Out – A Visual StoryTelling Project

I am working with a local photographer – Cheryl Gorski to produce a visual storytelling project. The Visual Storytelling series is called “Cut It Out” and is about Domestic Violence. Visual Storytelling is a phase that has been making its’ rounds a lot more in the recent years.  In simple terms visual storytelling is a technique that uses photos, photo manipulation, videos, illustrations, presentations, paintings, and other visual means, to convey a message. The message can evoke almost any emotional response in a viewer, from humor, shock, informing, inspiring, etc.

About one quarter of the human brain is involved in visual processing more than any other sense.

The human species makes sense of the world around them by using all their 5 senses, will some people say by using all their 6 senses.  However, scientist have found that about one quarter of the human brain is involved in visual processing, more then any other sense.  Visual processing has been the way humans have made sense of the world since the stone age. Visual storytelling has its’ history in the prehistoric cave paintings and the impact from them still effect us today during the internet era.

TrinityHawk Photography & Multimedia uses this knowledge and the knowledge found by the 3M Corporation earlier this year that our brains process images 60,000 times faster than it does text[1], and MIT scientist discovered that we are capable of processing entire images in just 13 milliseconds [2] to the process of creating their artwork.  Viewers look at a piece of work for a split second and decide what reaction it causes within them, if it is a good reaction, one of awe, even if it is shocking. This reaction will draw the viewer back to view the work again, more often then not.  That is the name of the game, if an art lover or collector is drawn back to a piece they are more apt to buy, because they are more apt to want that piece in their collection or on their own wall.

The photos posted in this projects are a collaboration between both her photography, my photography manipulation and my computer art to create fine art ready for printing and show casing at art shows.   We are hoping to also put it all together in a photo book combined with statics on Domestic Violence.

Please, enjoy this sneak peek and leave comments on your thoughts of the art and project itself.

[1] Tim Elmore |Growing Leaders | page6

[2] January 16, 2014 | Anne Trafton | Medical Press | “Neuroscientist Find the Brain Can Identify Images Seen For As Little As 13 Milliseconds”

 

New Creations

 

 

 

 

 

“Casting A Spell” is one of a series of photo manipulations I did for a new client.  I wanted to share them with you because I felt they are some of my best pieces.  My client is a musician who goes by, Greg Sorcery, he has an infinity with hawks, just like I do.

I received his photos, which his lovely wife took per my requirements and his few instructions as to what he was looking for in these photos, which he was going to use both as wall art and as flyers.  With these requirements I created him four different flyers. to choose from.   The first being the photo below: “Casting A Dragon Spell”, the flyer I created was the photo to the left: “Casting A Spell” giving my client a magical look along with morphing him into half man, half  hawk.

 

The third photo I created for my client “Visiting A Dragon” was more vibrant and colorful, which he had stated he didn’t mind chaos and symbolism in his flyers. I like to build up to the more vibrant and more chaotic works because it is like a virtual drum roll. This  third photo was different from the first two not only because of its’ vibrancy but because I had changed my client’s outfit and the background, plus turned the whole photo into more of an illustration, which my client had stated he would be happy with if I felt so inclined to do. The fourth photo “Magic Man” I created was my favorite it isn’t as vibrant as the third photo but, has more symbolism in it than all three of the previous photos put together. Since my client had stated he liked symbolism, I choose to include symbols from his life professionally and personally.  Such as the hawk, a dragon, and the stars, which not only represents music to him cause it reaches out and touches so many people in this world but also represented the peace in which music brings to him.  I also included two crabs for they represented both him and his wife.

Finally I will leave you with one of the Photo manipulations I did of myself.  I created this creation out of three different photos I took myself and brought together within Photoshop to create how my passion for art and graphic design burns through me fast and furious.

Burning Passion Self Portrait

 

You can link with me for more information at:

Linkedin:

www.linkedin.com/pub/trinton-garrett/31/606/8a0/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Trinton.TrinityHawk?ref=hl

Taskarmy:

http://taskarmy.com/users/13652-trinityhawk/

Astrology Throw Pillows Coming Your Way!!!

As I stated in one of the previous posts I have a lot of new things in the works.  One of them is an online store where I can sell my art work as everyday products, such as: Throw Pillows, Clocks, Shower Curtains, Etc.

Some of the designs are Astrology Pillows – Prints – Shower Curtains – Phone Cases/skins – Lap top skins – Ipad cases/skins – Clocks and more at my store: http://society6.com/TrintonGarrett Aries, Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, and Gemini at this time more to come.

I am working on Leo now, so Leo will be posted sometime today or tomorrow.  If you would like to have another astrology sign posted soon send me a message and let me know and I get to it as quickly as I can.  First come first serve.  But all of them WILL be posted eventually.

Below are just a couple more examples of what is available:  “Fuzzy Wuzzy Vamp Hoddie (all products here in this blog are also available as other products), and a Tardis starry night clock.

Been Working Hard

Been working hard and planning for a new grand-baby who will be arriving in July.

I am looking into trying to figure out how to get some of my designs excepted and promoted by a fabric company but so far haven’t had any luck. If any of my readers know how to go about this please send me an email – trinton@trinityhawkphotography.com

I am also now selling some of my designs on Society6.com:  http://society6.com/TrintonGarrett  – You can get my designs as cell phone cases, throw pillows, shower curtains and more!!!! Come on over and check it all out!

I am a new member and partner with an art origination here in Buffalo, The University Heights Arts Association: UHHA – they are an arts origination that help connect business, community and local artist together.  If you are a local artist in Buffalo, NY area or surrounding area – please feel free to contact me and I give you details on how you can get involved!

Please, free to check out my Society6.com:  http://society6.com/TrintonGarrett site or any of the updates on my main site: www.trinityhawkphotography.com  Or even come on over to our FB page and check us out and like us:  https://www.facebook.com/Trinton.TrinityHawk?ref=hl

Lots of changes:

Lots of changes have been taking place already this new year, 2014: Biggest change is I am moving out of the studio space I have occupied for more then two years. Main (ST)udios is changing as well and renovating into a space I feel won’t fit my needs, so I am moving out. Right now I will be working mainly out of my home while much of my finished art will be stored in a storage unit and sold on a website I am working on and Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrinityHawksMinishop.

I have a new Assistant – she is young and a very intelligent lady who is very much a go getter. We both are looking forward to once this move is finished, getting down to the business of creating art. I am going to teach her how to create art on the computer, my families traditional bead work, and I have already said I am going to put her to work on organizing my receipts and paperwork – to which she actually was excited about. – go figure – LOL

My Heart daughter has gone into the hospital today, 1/8/2014 to have her daughter. We are all very excited about this addition! Plus, my biological daughter found out she was expecting at Thanksgiving, gave us yet one more thing to count as a blessing. She is due in July, would be wonderful if she had my grandbug on our wedding anniversary (which happens to be my mother’s birthday) July 11th.

Our family has several birthdays in July, so if this little one wants its’ own birthday, s/he has some work to do to miss hitting a birthday *chuckle*.

Back to the fact that I am leaving my studio behind, part of what made this decision for me is the fact that I have been reinstated for SSI (supplementary Social Security). The government acknowledged once again that I am disabled due to my Fibro, RA, debilitating Cupual Tunnel, and back issues. However, I only get SSI not full disability because I am self employed have been for numbers of years and do not have enough “credits”. These are credits they mark down on your record for how long you have worked apparently, and according to their “records” I haven’t worked enough hours in my life to qualify for full disability.

However, I have worked in some fashion or another since I was 11/12 years old. The thing is to prove this fact is not one that is easy to do, and in my case at 46 years of age, is nearly impossible. As my wife and I have learned the Government does not keep very good records, they lose records regularly, and one MUST read what is sent you not just take for granted they will know what is going on. We received paperwork recently that said I was addicted to Vicodin, she hadn’t worked at all in June of 2013, and that I reside in a subsidized housing (um no I don’t).

So, with all this going on and needing to constantly be on the alert and keep the paperwork trail correct for the government we have decided it would be best if I go part time and retire part time. We will see how this plan works out..as we all know I am a work freak and do not sit still very well.

In the center of all this I am continuing my meditation and trying to find my peaceful center. For I know to find the peace is to find that place where everything will fall into place. I also know that the perfect diamond in all its’ beauty and uniqueness is created from Charcoal under stress and pressure other wise it only remains dark, black charcoal.

I will keep you updated on how the changes are coming along – until that time here is one of my new pieces:

“Flight of The Butterflies”

I hope you like it. Feel free to lave comments and thoughts.

Peace and Happiness to one and all – blessings to you and yours in the New Year!

Please come check it out!

I have been busy with a back injury but also with two sites that will hopefully make some money in around about way of getting my art noticed.  AS my blog is not getting even a single donation (there is a donation button to the right).  I also sell ad space for $5 a spot that includes the ad being created for you.

But, until then =  Please feel free to click the link (s) and cruise my art sites I am working on to show of my variety of art work.  Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or two.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/trinitysdesignsphotos/sets

http://www.artwanted.com/trinityhawk

http://trinityhawkphotography.crevado.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – INFRINGEMENT 2013 FESTIVAL OPENING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Main (ST)udios To Host Infringement 2013 Festival Opening Reception

July 26, 2013 6 -9pm!

Buffalo, NY 14203 – July 26, 2013 –   Buffalo Infringement Festival Annual art show is once again being kicked off from July 25 through August 4, and Main (ST)udios will be hosting the exhibit from July 18, for any who would like a sneak peek, through August 4th.  There will be an opening reception on July 26th from 6-9 pm open free to all the public!

Buffalo Infringement Festival 2013 and Main (ST)udios opening reception will be open to the public free of charge.  There will be everything from 2d art to Infringing on Fashion show which will show the different aspect of fashion art. There will also be refreshments and the local artist will be on hand to greet visitors and answer any questions.

For more information please feel to contact Main (ST)udios Gallery/Artists’ manager Erica Eichelkraut at:  (716) 866-6603 or info@mainstudiosbuffalo.com  You can also find more information here: http://mainstudiosbuffalo.com/ or http://infringebuffalo.org/

Reblogging Marketing Artist Marketing Tips Dot Com

I belong to several newsletters and blog sites and this week I am going through http://www.artistmarketingtips.com/ and re-reading their series of newsletters about artist profiles and how to market your artwork online.  I will re-blog their work and make sure to credit their site through out the blog. That way those who would like to check out their website and newsletter may.

 

Week 1: Building An Online Portfolio

The best place to start with this series is to talk about

building an online portfolio

. Every artist/photographer that wants to market their artwork, needs to start with a good online presence – and why not? Portfolio websites are easy to setup and so inexpensive, there is no excuse for not having one!

Your online portfolio displays your artwork to the world. It also allows others to contact you and gives buyers the chance to purchase your artwork.

What Is Your Purpose for Being Online?

The first question you must ask yourself is, why do you want to be online? The answer to this question will help you determine what type of online portfolio you look for. There are typically three responses to this question: Sell my artwork, display my artwork or participate in an artist community. Some artists want to have all three. Once you have defined your online purpose, you should look to create an online portfolio that will accomplish your goals.

Two Types of Online Portfolios

All artist websites basically boil down to two types…1) Artist Community Websites and 2) Custom Artist Websites. Here is a brief description of each:

1) Artist Community Websites

allow the artist to upload his/her artwork into a online portfolio at little or no cost. Normally these community websites have hundreds (or thousands) of artist members, who display their artwork together and interact with each other. Art community advantages include: Low/No setup cost, high amount of traffic, rich set of features, built in e-commerce shopping cart, artwork feedback, the ability to interact with other artists and much more. Each website has it’s own list of features/benefits. Pick the website that aligns with your goals and has the features you are looking for.

ArtWanted.com

is an example of an art community website.

2) Custom Artist Websites

are unique and custom built for the artist. Normally these websites have their own ‘dot-com’ web address (ie http://www.ArtistName.com) to make them more personal and easier to remember. Custom websites are good for artists, because you have full control over the exact look and feel of the site and they will only contain YOUR artwork. However, custom websites are normally more expensive to build/maintain, web programming knowledge is required to keep the site updated and they usually get far less traffic than a community portfolio. Some artists drop their art community website, once they have a personal site. This is a big mistake! You should still upload some of your artwork to one or more art community websites. Then use your community website to gain exposure and point visitors back to your official website.

TIP:

Get the best of both worlds. Register your own dot-com website address (for under $10/year) and then point it to your community portfolio website.

How Many Websites Should You Have?

This is a common question we get asked by artists.

The answer is…

you should have as many portfolio websites as you have the time to maintain. For some artists, this may only be one website. For other artists with more time on their hands, posting your artwork on multiple websites will always increase your exposure and potential buyers.

For example, if you wanted to advertise a new product on TV, wouldn’t you rather advertise on three TV stations, instead of just one? Marketing your artwork is no different. The more places you can post your artwork, the better!

What Should Your Online Website Contain?

Every portfolio website is different, but there are several things that all artist websites should have. Here is a quick list..
• Your Artwork – This is a no brainer. You are an artist, so you better show off your art (or photography) on your website. Your website should showcase your BEST artwork. Remember, your online portfolio is not a collection of everything you have ever doodled which dates back to elementary school. It’s a place to show off how talented you are, so make your pieces count! If you have a lot of art on your site, break your artwork into categories, so your website visitors can see the many styles/subjects you have made.
• Artist Bio – If people are interested in your artwork, then they will want to know a bit more about you. You need a spot on your website to toot your horn. Talk about your schooling, your experience, past clients you have worked with, your philosophy, hobbies/interests and anything else that will help someone get to know your better. You should also use this area to promote any galleries or exhibits you may be featured in.
• Contact Information – What’s the point in having a website, if people can’t contact you? At the bare minimum you should allow people to e-mail you from your site, but if you are interested in selling your artwork, you should include additional contact information, such as your phone number or mailing address.
• Fresh Content – If you went to a clothing store every month for 4 months, and it never had anything new, would you come back on the 5th month? Probably not. The same concept applies to websites. You need to continue to post new artwork and new content on your website to keep your visitors coming back for more. Even if you don’t have any new artwork, at least have a blog/journal that your fans can read and see what you are up to. If your website gets stale, you can kiss your fans good-bye.
• Other Ideas – Here are just a few additional ideas to get your brain going. Let your visitors sign-up for your newsletter. Post tutorials or step-by-step photos on how you have created a recent piece. Offer advise to new artists. Create a blog, so people can see what you are up to. Encourage visitors to bookmark or share your website with others. Post links to other websites that contain your work. Feature specific artwork or products that are new or on sale. Over the next few weeks, we will be talking about some of these ideas more in-depth, so you can see the power of marketing.

Promote Your Website Everywhere!

We will be talking about this topic multiple times throughout this course. What’s the point of a great website, it no one knows about it? You should advertise your portfolio website anywhere and everywhere. Make sure it’s listed in your e-mail signature. Tell your friends and family about it. Print your website address on your business cards and all other marketing materials. Talk about your website on your social media website (ie Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc.) Print personalized products (t-shirt/hats/mugs) that advertise your website address. Mention your website on your voice mail message. Bottom line, you want to drive everyone to your website, because this is where they can see and purchase your artwork.

Track Your Website Statistics

Once you have a website, it’s important to make sure you have some kind of statistics tracking enabled. How many people are visiting your site. What artwork did they like? How long did they stay on your site? Did your gallery showing increase visitors to your website? Did your last e-mail newsletter bring in new traffic? Are people browsing and not buying? All these questions and more can be answered by having the proper statistics tracking for your website. You can then use this information to give your art fans what they want.

Most community websites have basic statistics tracking enabled for your online portfolio. Some websites offer very detailed reports of your website traffic. If you own your own website, then you will need to install some type of web analytics program to track your website activity. You could spend thousands of dollars a month for an excellent statistics engine, but lets not go there now. Google offers a free statistics engine for your site called

Google Analytics

that is actually quite powerful. For more information, visit:

http://www.google.com/analytics/

Homework

Yep, that’s right, you WILL have homework in this course. What’s the point in learning how to market your artwork, if you don’t put any plans into action? Don’t worry, your homework will be light and will leave you plenty of time to use your right-side of your brain to create new artwork. This week’s homework is:

1. Write down your purpose for being online and the goals you would like to accomplish.
2. If you don’t already have an online website, get one! If you already have one, review what you have and see what you can do to improve it.
3. Update your website this week with at least one new image or one new blog post.
4. Add your website URL (link) to your e-mail signature.
5. Review your website statistics (if you have them) and see what images/sections are the most popular.

I Have Been WonderGhosted!

I hung out with a friend, another artist, for awhile this afternoon.  We ran a few errands, I showed him my studio and he tried on my black feathered wings (that I have at my studio).  That is when the real fun began.  What do you think is going to happen when two deep thinking artist get together?  LOL Light hearted art of course!!

Video Portfolio

http://animoto.com/play/cw3O6scIYa9V1fgHHeF7Ng

I have created a video portfolio and wanted to post it here for your viewing pleasure and asking my blogging readers how they felt about an art newsletter. Would you be interested in me putting out a newsletter? Monthly or quarterly? In the newsletter I would post links to interesting sites about art world wide, art blogs, marketing information for artist and other helpful information for artist and art community. If you would be interested in such a newsletter please send me your email to trinityhawkphoto@hotmail.com or reply to this post with your email and the subject ” Art Newsletter”.

I await your response