READ THIS BLOG

http://thebloggess.com/

I don't know this woman, but I want to. I think I might have a girl crush on her. This afternoon I came across a post on Facebook where one of my awesome friends (and you are ALL awesome) posted a link to this woman's blog. Being the curious individual I am, I clicked, I read, I laughed out loud ("LOL-ed" for you younger folk if you forgot what that really means) and I kept reading.

I was ravenous to read more. It was like reading all the thoughts I think but either rarely have the courage to do so, or when I do, I'm surrounded by people who judge me rather harshly. So, as a kindness and an act of sharing, I'm suggesting all of my two regular readers to go to her site and read up. You will be begging for more.

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On another note, I have not forgotten about the Joplin Poster donation process. The sales have slowed, and I'm setting up my Paypal account to directly donate to authorized charities. Expect a follow up soon.

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....aaaaaand another note; I am a recently engaged woman. This is not a lame attempt to get congrats or be fawned over.... I hate that. In fact, I've already told a young woman helping try a dress on to stop calling me a princess or we would have issues. So, why am I telling you this? It's more of a warning. I'm in full planning mode, and because I have no clue what I am doing and I'm not your average bride to be, I might be posting wedding crap I've designed on here for feedback and suggestions. Forgive me. Please.

Get your Bigfoot Poster

I've had an etsy account for a while now, but I finally decided to put it to some good use! If you're interested, I'm currently selling limited versions of my designs/illustrations as posters. I'm going to hopefully posting one a week (if life permits). Some more should be going up soon, just be patient and keep checking!

If you're interested in commissions please hit me up on the contact page.

The Woman Behind the Camera - What I learned from my Photographic Odyssey

The woman behind the camera - Still behind the camera.

As some of you might recall (well some of you constant followers, whomever you are), I did a 365 photo project last year. One photo a day for an entire year. I knew it wasn't anything new. I knew going into it that there might be some hard days to get into snapping away. I'll be the first to admit that I missed a few days here and there. There were only a few that I can count on one hand, and only missed them because of a hectic life. I also still have about five rolls of 120 film from a few days of the project that I have yet to develop and post to my photo-stream online.

This year I decided to forego the project. I didn't want to feel like I was stressed about taking my daily photo. I'll definitely own up to the truth; some days I just didn't even want to pick up a camera. I was afraid that I would overdo it. I was afraid that I might not make it the full year again. I was afraid that I might get burnt out on taking photos. I was afraid I was forcing it.

Over the last few weeks I've learned something about myself and the 365 project. I learned something from it. I learned a lot about photography, how to use multiple cameras, lighting, lenses and film. I believe that I improved my amateur hobby. That wasn't the most important thing I took from this experience. I've compiled a list of the things that I feel truly grateful for getting out of it, and I'm writing them down so I don't forget.

I learned...,

... even if I don't force myself to pick up the camera every day, I now want to pick up a camera...

...I get angry with myself if I go anywhere without a camera by my side. The opportunity always seems to present a photo when I am ill equipped...

...I appreciate the little things in life more, and I'm more apt to take photos of the little things to remember that blissful, happy moment in time...

...I really got around this last year. I saw some old friends from childhood, got to go home(town) more than I thought, had a lot of adventures and see some amazing things...

...I am more in love than words can explain. Looking back at special moments I caught on film and managed to snap make me smile and I'm glad to know I will always have those moments to look back on...

...I have an unhealthy obsession with my cats and dog...

and, last but not least...

...I am by no means a professional photographer. I wouldn't even say that to save my life, but I did learn that I am an amateur. A lover of photography.

Dance in his pants

Okay, I normally don't post things like this, but I think it might make your day. Who knew some guy dancing in his basement with a tripod and a camera could be so cool?! Seriously, this guy is my personal hero today. Plus I often like to use the term, "I have dance in my pants" when I get the urge to jive.

Please enjoy, and be sure to check out some of his other videos on his YouTube channel. It's pretty sweet. Oh, and if you get the urge to stand up and dance like I did, please do. The world could use a little more spontaneous dancing* once in a while.

*NOTE: Not spontaneous as in street side story where twelve guys just start snapping in unison on the street and break out into dance. That's just creepy. I'm talking about free form dance for all.

Sea Lions For Shore - Again

I've been really excited to be playing again with my doodles. I've been having such a blast with this lil' Sea Lion guy that I'm tempted to do some more. I've been thinking of doing a whole zoo animal series. If you have a request for any specific animal I'm open to making a list. I have been really yearning for some playful creatures to do some prints of.

More Photography News...

I'm what most people would call an amateur photographer. I'm proud of it too. You see, I recently discovered that the word amateur really doesn't mean one lacking professional status or skill. I learned that it comes from Old French and ultimately from Latin and amateur really means "a lover of". I find that quite fitting. I am a lover of photography. Whether it be one of my antique cameras, my trusty DSLR, or a homemade pinhole camera, I'm always taking pictures. I LOVE being able to capture life in a snap and be able to recall on that moment and how I felt when I look at those pictures later.

Being the amateur that I am, I'm sure you can guess how excited I get when I receive any type of feedback on my photos. It humbles me as well as excites me to say, I am incredibly honored to have been featured on the Daily Click on the Shutter Sister's website for the second time.

(On the thumbnail, second photo down.)

Thank you Shutter Sisters. You inspire me every day, and I thank you for letting me be a part of it.

Am I killing you guys with the photos already?

2.28.11 2

2.28.11 2

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

I'm going to give you a glimpse into my world. This is my workspace at home. It's where I keep all my supplies and mostly doodling doodads all over the desk. Behind the chair is a huge storage shelf FULL of supplies, drawing tools, paper, photo supplies, a few board games and tons more. I feel it looks like an unorganized mess, but believe it or not, this is after I cleaned it up and threw out half of the stuff I haven't touched in years.

Note the dog kong by the bottom of my desk. Sometimes I can't even put my feet all the way under because of Malcolm hiding underneath.

2.25.11 4

2.25.11 4
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

2.21.11 7

2.21.11 7

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Who can work on art when you have a sweet face like this looking at you all day!? Malcolm is one of my furry children, and I must say, the best momma's boy ever.

Polaroid love...

Polaroid
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

a little polaroid doodle I whipped up in a few minutes for my valentine's card.

Almost ONE YEAR AGO!

2.17.10
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

This was taken on February 17, 2010. I was going through my "I want to have DARK hair like the rest of my family" phase. I was thinking of revisiting this. Maybe do another version of it? Thoughts? Ideas?

Not trying to sound totally narcissistic, but It might be kind of nice to have a year by year recap of myself.

Knitting

Knitting
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Rawr via Photojojo - the story of happiness...

Rawr via Photojojo - the story of happiness...
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

I love awesome people...

A little over a year ago, some GREAT friends of mine hired me to do some quick sketches of them for their business cards. These awesome friends are from REACTOR design studio. These guys, Chase and Clifton, are awesome. No, scratch that, they are EPIC. To my surprise, the business cards received some mention on the AIGA site for their A6 awards. What pleased me was that they included me in the mention, and it totally made my day. I have to say that being a part (even if it was an incredibly small part) of their project was great.

So, I proceeded to parade around for five minutes cheering for myself, and I shall spend much longer continuously cheering for the guys over at REACTOR. Congrats to them for being so mind-blowingly awesome at making sure print is indeed not dead, and for being such awesome people to work with.

Illustratin'

Having Technical Difficulties...

i{art}u! No really I do....

Please check out the link below! I know I've been aloof, but I am thinking this might make up for my MIA shenanigans by pointing you to this super cool photographer's dream giveaway below.

i art u: tuesday feature :: four corner store (GIVEAWAY)

i art u blog is pretty sweet. I've been checking it out for a few weeks now, and it's nice to see someone who is as hooked on taking pictures as I am right now. At least I know if I went to lomography rehab, I'd know someone there. That is if I ever went, but why on earth would I!?!?!?

As for me being a bit out of sorts, I'd like to leave you with some parting words of wisdom from a sweet friend of mine, "I miss you like a fat kid misses cake."

Not quite the correct phrase, but the message is clear. My response? I miss you (Jayna) too, like a sixth grade science class. Why? because there is sooooo much chemistry!