There’s a fabulous new cook book available for purchase and I created the cover. This is my first published book project and I’m so excited – It was a super fun project! It’s All About the Cookies, and pies and cakes… is full of recipes and words of wisdom contributed by people from all over the Affiliate Marketing industry. Most of the tid bits of advice apply to not just affiliate marketing, but life itself.

Book cover illustration by Jen Goode

Missy Ward is the brains behind the project idea and Mary Polly is the editor. This book is available for purchase through Amazon. For more information about this book, the charity it supports and to purchase the ebook version, visit AllAbouttheCookies.com

Cookie illustrations by Jen Goode

My first published book illustration project is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

If you are a creative person, often times the marketing and selling of your art can be overwhelming even intimidating. It’s one thing to create art that you love, but it’s an entirely different skill to be able to promote your art and sell it. You can’t make a living as an artist if buyers don’t know where to find your work or you aren’t sure how to sell it.

Laura Bray is offering a fantastic ecourse this month to help teach you how to get going selling your art. Multiple Streams of Income for Artists and Designers is a 10 day online interactive course hosted by Laura Bray. She has lined up a series of guests, me included, to discuss various ways to promote your art for maximum income potential.

• Are you struggling to make a living doing what you love?
• Do you feel like you are working all the time and getting nowhere?
• Do you feel overwhelmed and confused about all the ways artists and crafters can make money?
• Are you always jumping from one idea to the next without following through on anything?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to check out this program. It’s a small investment toward your successful future as an Unstarving Artist. I’m telling you right now, it’s worth your time and I’ll be there too to answer questions in areas I’ve been working.

Laura Bray, an artist with an M.B.A., will teach you how to create income by doing what you love. She has an amazing talent for teaching in a way that is clear and understandable for those of us with the creative brain that just doesn’t quite “get” marketing as well as we’d like. Her online course is specifically designed for the creative personality, she will teach you how to develop a successful business and how to have fun while you do it!

What you’ll learn from Multiple Streams of Income for Artists and Designers

• Learn that creating multiple streams of income is the fastest way to reach your financial goals while making a living a doing what you love.
• Learn how to leverage your artwork and projects to make money for you over and over.
• Learn how to create passive income. You can be independently employed, go on vacation, and still make money!
• Find out the many ways an artist or crafter can make money from their art. You probably haven’t even thought of some of them!
• Learn from experts in creative income areas such as, getting published in magazines and books, working as a professional craft designer, using print-on-demand websites like Café Press and licensing your artwork.
• Create a personalized work plan, outlining your income choices and the steps you need to take to make your plan a reality.

I’m going to stop telling you about this fantastic opportunity now so you can get going and sign up right now! The class begins on July 10th, so hurry… I look forward to seeing you there.

Sign up for
Multiple Streams of Income – an online course
Today!

Learn how to earn with your art is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

That’s right, March is National Craft Month! So get your creative hat out, or make one you can wear for the next 4 weeks. It’s time to get those craft happy juices flowing to make something fabulous! You don’t have to be a creative genius, nor do you have to be able to draw a straight line. Crafting, at least from my view, is all about making something yourself.

I’ll be sharing ideas throughout the month both here and on my preschool crafts site, Project for Preschoolers.

I challenge you

Don’t fret over how fabulous or not your creations are and just dig in and make something special for yourself! Share your creations with others, or stop by here and tell me about it!

Here are some craft project thoughts to get the ideas flowing:

• Make a greeting card
• Knit a scarf
• Make something from an old tin can
• Add a fresh coat of paint and embellish something
• Make a scrapbook page
• Buy a new stamp
• Make a craft foam stamp
• Get out the beads and string them
• Try a new technique
• Buy a new tool
• Have friends over and make something together
• Spend an hour in a craft store and discover something new

I’d love to hear what you’re going to do this month!

Some places to see and things to check out for Craft Month around the web:

• 365 Days of Crafts
• One Pretty Thing
• Favecrafts
• Craft and Hobby Association

If you are loving the crafting peanut, you can purchase it on a whole slew of schwag.

March is National Craft Month is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

I want to let you know how important you are to me…

• To all of you who have stopped to explain something or answer one of my many questions, you’re fantastic!
• To everyone who has offered words of encouragement, you’re wonderful!
• To all the folks that have supported me and shared your happiness for what I’m doing, I can’t thank you enough.
• To each of you who has taking time to show me how or to learn me somethin’ new, thanks so very much, I appreciate you!
• To everyone that cheers along side, whether you’ve said something to me directly or not… I am so thankful for your rallying and kudos.

Without all the help, support and unending kindness of so many people, I wouldn’t be where I am today and for that, I am so grateful.

Happy Valentines Day from Jen Goode

I love what I do and that couldn’t happen without you!

HAPPY VALENTINEs DAY!

Shout out of love to you is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

Last year I attended the CHA winter show as a non-exhibiting designer. I met great people and learned a lot simply walking the show. So, this year I decided I needed to exhibit and experience first hand what the whole thing was about. I made a great choice! It’s one thing to go and see the sites, it’s entirely different to be emersed in the event. I met more new faces, gained a variety of feedback about my art and most importantly was able to go home feeling like I’m moving in the right direction with my art.

Jen Goode at CHA 2011

Here is this year’s list of things learned while exhibiting at the CHA winter show:

1. Always be prepared to tell what you do
   Just because you aren’t in your booth, doesn’t mean you won’t have the opportunity to share what you do.  Be not only prepared but willing to start conversations about who you are and what you do.
2. Share your expertise
   Volunteering to teach or share information you are familiar with can help you connect to others that are looking for your knowledge but might have something to share in return. I participated in a handful of events sharing my insight on various subjects. Through these events I made some fantastic new contacts.
3. Triple check your list of must haves
   No matter how many times you check your list of things to pack, do it again. The last thing you need is to show up at the event without your scissors or tape or whatever else you forgot you might need. Then remember to bring it to the booth and not leave it in the hotel room. I ended up leaving a small portion of my Designer Showcase display at home. I had missed it when I was hurrying to pack the night before I left town. In the end I was the only one that knew I had left things out, but next time I’d rather triple check.
4. There’s no such thing as too much tape
   We had a number of packages of poster strips and Velcro to hang things up for our booth display and we used it all.  It’s much better to come with more than you think you need… rather than run out and wish you had more.
5. When it comes to image options, more is better
   Keep the booth display clean and organized, but be prepared to open your portfolio with more options.  I found myself wishing I had put together more pages for my portfolio showing art I didn’t think I should bring. This doesn’t mean bring a hodge podge of images from all directions, it just means, make sure you bring your best and a little more.
6. If you’ve got it, flaunt it – Doubt only hinders your success
   Brag, if you don’t, who else will? You are your biggest fan and your biggest advocate, remember that when you are exhibiting. When you aren’t sure if someone is interested or seems to want to just walk buy, strike up a conversation and see if you can offer something they might value. If you doubt your ability others will sense it. Be confident and remember why you are at the trade show (not to mention how much money you spent to be there). Stand tall and proud and shout out to the masses that you are ready to share your talents… here they are!
7. No one looks at your shoes
   For years I’ve always taken nice dress shoes and by the end of day one my feet are killing me. This time, knowing I’d be in a booth and on my feet a good portion of the day I decided to stop caring about my footwear and brought comfy shoes. I’m happy to day my feet are happy and not once did I get a funny glance from anyone about my feet. That’s happiness all around.
8. Listen
   When someone does stop to look at your art and then begins to talk with you about it, listen to what they have to say. They may like what you have exactly as it is or they may be looking for something different. If you’re open to their comments you are more likely to find the connecting they are reaching for.
9. Take notes
   Time moves by much faster than you realize when exhibiting your art, carry a notebook with you always. Write down what you hear, ideas and most importantly, things others tell you. When all is said and done, you can sit quietly in your studio and revisit all that you learned without struggling to remember where to start.
10. Be yourself and don’t change for the sake of fitting in
    I found myself constantly thinking “they said they wanted …… so I can do that” when really I need to stay true to myself. Many artists can be many things and create many styles but what really makes each of us unique is our own individual approach. We need to stick with our style and approach and not try to conform just for the sake of a check.

Exhibiting at the CHA winter show in Los Angeles was a fantastic experience. I came home with more confidence about my art and where I am trying to go with it. I met some wonderful new people and enjoy every minute of the trip. Bonus tip, don’t shortcut your own expertise for time, make sure to give yourself the time and preparation you know you are capable of, it’s well worth the effort!

What ever you do, don’t be your own worst obstacle. Get out of your way and jump in head first, you’ll be glad you took that step!

10 tips for exhibiting at CHA is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

2010 flew by and I hardly had time to notice. Along with my usual illustration and internet marketing adventures, I’ve been working really hard to expand into some new directions with my art. I’m opening the doors for art licensing and working on digital art products for consumers, especially the crafters out there. Watch for it… I’m working on opening an affiliate program to accompany the sales of these products. for the past 6 years I’ve been selling products direct to consumers through Cafepress, Zazzle and a variety of other online outlets, now I’m looking to grow beyond the print on-demand. How cool would it be too see the Penguinality Penguin in a local store near you? I keep dreaming that it would be so fun if I could go to do my shopping at Target and voila, there’s the penguin!

With all this work I’ll be involved in a variety of events throughout the up-coming year. Here’s a few…

January 8-12 – Affiliate Marketing
I will be attending Affiliate Summit in Las Vegas. Sunday, the 9th is my busy day.

• 11am – I will speaking on the Affiliate Improve panel with Daniel M. Clark, Michael Buechelle, Drew Bennett and Wade Tonkin at 11am.
• 6:30 pm – I will be hosting the Newcomer Program meetup.
• All Day – I’ll also be donating some art for a silent auction at the conference to help raise money for breast cancer awareness. The auction will be Sunday during the meet market.

The rest of the conference I am attending various sessions, networking, walking the show and am free for meetings.

January 27-February 1 – Art Licensing
I will exhibiting my art for the first time ever at the Craft and Hobby Association winter trade show in Los Angeles. You can find me:

• License & Design section booth #5043
• Designer Showcase table #1
• January 28th 2-4 pm – I’m also moderating a table during the Building Bridges Designer Round Tables. I’ll be sharing insight about affiliate marketing – stop by and say hi if you’re at the show!

If you’d like to meet during this show, please contact me to set up an appointment.

May 25-28 – ShareASale Think Tank
A fantastic networking and learning conference hosted by ShareASale.com, an Affiliate Marketing Network.

June 25-26 – Charity
I am walking in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, right here in Colorado along with the AMGB team, and of course the Pink Ribbon Penguin will be joining me. I’d love your support! Every bit helps please  Make a donation.

July 16-21 – CHA Summer Show
Hoping to do a lot more networking and some great design exhibiting in Chicago. Craft design and Art Licensing is the goal for me here.

More fun for 2011:

I’m hoping to walk a few more art licensing conferences as well as attend some more affiliate marketing and blogging events. Here’s the goal short list:

• ASE11
• SAS Think Tank
• Atlanta Gift Show
• Licensing Expo

Do you have a suggestion of another event I should check out? Let me know!

And some of the projects I’m planning

• I’m working on a few special requests, including a book cover.
• Projects for Preschoolers
• Various craft projects and tutorials
• Re-organizing and cleaning the studio so I can get some serious creativity going

Here’s to a fantastic upcoming year!

2011 is going to be fabulous, and I hope you’ll join me for all the fun!!

Here I come! Where to find Jen Goode in 2011 is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

Mark your calendar and bookmark the shop because this holiday season you can save on all JGoode Designs products at Cafepress with the following offers:

11/25: Thanksgiving 1 day sale! One day only, $10 off* orders of $50+ (code: THANKSTEN)

Disclaimer: *$10 USD off for orders of $50 USD or more from CafePress shops, excluding shipping charges, gift wrap charges, applicable taxes and custom duties. Coupon code THANKS10 must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on November 25, 2010 at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on November 25, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). All orders must be added to cart from CafePress shops only. Excludes CafePress marketplace purchases (e.g. all products added to cart from URLs beginning with the following (i) http://shop.cafepress, (ii) http://t-shirts.cafepress and/or (iii) http://www.cafepress.com/sk/),  Gift Certificates, Flip products, SIGG bottles, Thermos products, yoga mats, CafePress Make, Groups, and bulk orders. Offer valid online only, cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions and may change, be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice.

11/29: Cyber Monday 1 Day Sale! One day only, $10 off* orders of $45+ (code: CYBERM45)

Disclaimer:

*Disclaimer: $10 USD off for orders of $45 USD or more from CafePress shops, excluding shipping charges, gift wrap charges, applicable taxes and custom duties. Coupon code 45CYBERM must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on November 29, 2010 at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on November 29, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). All orders must be added to cart from CafePress shops only. Excludes CafePress marketplace purchases (e.g. all products added to cart from URLs beginning with the following (i) http://shop.cafepress, (ii) http://t-shirts.cafepress and/or (iii) http://www.cafepress.com/sk/),  Gift Certificates, Flip products, SIGG bottles, Thermos products, yoga mats, CafePress Make, Groups, and bulk orders. Offer valid online only, cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions and may change, be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice.

Start Shoppin’! Buy more penguins

Holiday savings on JGoode Designs products is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

Halloween has so many different faces for different folks. Here in the world of JGoode, Halloween is happy and cute and of course full of sugar! Whether you like witches, ghouls, goblins or, of course, penguins… Halloween is a time to get out there and play a bit.

Check out some of the too cute to be spooky swag you can get featuring fun Halloween designs by Jen Goode:

Witchie	Candy corn	Lil ghost
Nutty witch	Frankenstien penguin	Kitty witch
Happy Halloween Candy	Dracula penguin	3 pumpkins boo

Get your spooky gear here is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

I went to my first trade show to learn what I could about art licensing. I chose to attend the CHA Winter show because it was relatively inexpensive to attend and crafting is half of who I am, so the concept of the show was exciting in itself. Not to mention, another artist going to the show is also from Colorado and I knew her, so I knew I wasn’t going to be there completely alone.

I went to the show having no idea what to expect nor much of an idea of how to prepare or what I should be doing while there. I spoke to a few people ahead of time to get a rough idea of what would happen, but really, nothing beats the experience of being there first hand. Here are a few of the things I learned from the show that I think I can carry with me regardless of which show I might attend in the future. Also, I picked up on information and insight that I think will carry me through working in this industry in general.

Put together a press kit
You do not need to be an exhibiting artist to submit a press kit. You only need to be attending the show as a designer. I didn’t know this ahead of time. So the night before the show opened I made an quick display to hold some postcards I brought. There’s also a press kit contest, yet another opportunity to show off your creative genius.

Participate in the Designer’s Showcase
For about $100 I could have had a table display for a few hours one night of the trade show. Although I didn’t see a ton of foot traffic to this event, I think it’s a great experience for a first timer to meet other designers and begin showing off some of your work. I did not know about this ahead of time either, but I did have a press pass so was able to check it out.

Sessions are good
I purchased the “all sessions” pass so I could attend any of the extra learning sessions. I ended up only attending about 4 of them, however all were wonderful. Over the years I have found conference sessions to be a great opportunity to meet people. You never know who you might be sitting next to. Additionally, after the session is over, you can always go up and introduce yourself to the speaker/s and thank them for their time and sharing… another great opportunity to get to know people in the industry.

Be prepared to talk with people
Everyone I met at CHA was very friendly. I didn’t expect the warm welcome and crowd of smiling faces that I encountered. I should have anticipated it a bit more… how can people not be happy around all that crafty-ness? Everyone that is there is there to do business and talk with potential clients. However, there are moments of calm when I was able to chat with other artists and designers.  I also did a few walk thrus of the show floor to see what was what and meet more people. You should definitely come prepared with your elevator pitch.

Plan ahead, do some research and make appointments
Being as new to the industry as I am, I had no idea where to begin with doing research on who to meet. If you can plan far enough ahead, you can use the tools and resources that the CHA offers to do your homework ahead of time. Find out which companies will be attending that you’d like to chat with and start communicating before the show. Try to set appointments during the show. I didn’t have this opportunity so I did a lot of impromptu chatting… not nearly as effective as designated sit down talk time, but better than zero talk time.

Leave time to mingle
There are a number of opportunities to mingle and socialize with the other designers, but you have to be prepared to make friends. If you go to the event not knowing a soul and you keep to yourself, you’ll lose valuable “make new friends” time. Make a point to say hello and get to know people while you’re there. If you’re in a booth the whole time, there’s always end of day mingling, dinner, etc. Making friends is the key to successful networking.

Exhibit setup and prep requires some patience and love and tape
I talked with a number of people as they were setting up their booth who had extra unexpected fixtures or only partial information about their booth. This makes it really difficult to come prepared. If you aren’t going to walk the show before you exhibit (it’s always smarter to walk a show without exhibiting the first time you attend), I highly recommend you do all you can to plan your exhibit and materials with flexibility. The displays I saw that seemed to work the best were long thin panels of art. Big images also work nicely. You can pick your favorites or a theme of art for the booth display – catch their eye and draw them in – and then have multiple books to allow browsing of images when people stop to chat. If you can, talk to others that have exhibited previously and ask for their advice with booth setup as well.

Use the CHA Resources
The CHA has a number of resources to help you research and connect with other CHA members including the CHA networking site. If you attend any of the CHA shows and they offer an orientation, definitely go so you can hear about the benefits the organization has to offer. There are many!

And finally, for any show you attend as your fabulous designer/artist self…

Bring business cards! And have them with you always…
When I say business cards, I’m a big fan of making your cards part of you. Cards for artists, in my opinion, shouldn’t just be a nice card with contact information. Artist business cards should represent the artist with style and personality. Create your cards to be something that people will remember if they see it again. Everyone hands out so many cards in so many directions… make yours stand out, but remember to be practical. Standard sized cards are best so people can store them easily, but don’t hold back on the art… you’re not paying an artist to draw it up!

Be confident, you’re here for a reason
Someone has to toot your horn, and if it’s not you, who else will it be? For me it’s very intimidating being surrounded by so many talented people. I always end up doubting my abilities and my skill. Don’t let this stop you! You need to remember that you have a talent and you’re doing what you’re doing for a reason. When it comes to selling yourself and your work, this is no time to let shy take over. Just jump in, and be proud of what you’ve accomplished and confident of where you’re going!

For me, this was definitely money and time well spent. I am more confident in my interest to work in this industry and I met some amazing people… even a few new friends. I highly recommend taking the opportunity to walk a show if you can… the networking alone is worth the investment. Besides, nothing beats the opportunity mingle with like minded people when it comes to motivation and inspiration for success.

More photos from CHA Winter Show 2010

More reading about A first timer’s experience at the CHA Winter Show | guest post by Jen Goode on the Arti Licensing Blog of Tara Reed

10 Things I learned at the CHA Winter Show is a post from: The art of Jen Goode

Over the last month it feels like I’ve been living in various little bubbles, hopping from one reality to the next as if controlled by some kind of cosmic TV remote. Things have been moving so fast that I until today I have yet had a moment to catch my breath, let alone stop to connect with all the people along the way.

January 16-20 I was in Las Vegas for Affiliate Summit. Once again the show was fantastic! Along with all the fabulous parties, sessions full of tips, tricks, advice and information, I once again organized the AS Mentor program, I think it was a great success. The events started within hours of my landing in Las Vegas – there were more people, more activities and more opportunities to learn than ever before! I was moving non-stop until it was time to hop a plane back home.

More photos from ASW10

I came home just long enough to wash my clothes and find my artsy mindset to head back out of town, this time to Anaheim for the Craft and Hobby Association Winter Trade Show. This was my first experience (in my entire life) of hanging out with such an enormous group of creative people – I was in heaven! I went to this event to check out the scene for art licensing, a new direction I hope to take my art. The experience was amazing yet I had a serious learning curve as far as the tone of the show compared to my past experience with the crazy socializing atmosphere of the internet socialites at . You can read more about my experience on tara Reed’s Blog, A first timer’s experience at the CHA Winter Show.

More photos from CHA 2010

While I was away, the Colorado government began the process of trying to push through a bill that would kill the Performance Marketing industry in Colorado. AKA the Advertising Tax, HB 1193 threatened to hurt mine and thousands of other affiliate businesses with one big swoop. When I arrived home from CHA on the 27th, I jumped in head first to fight for my business and the continuation of the industry in the state. The battle isn’t quite, over, as the bill still has to pass a 3rd reading in the Senate along with a final vote by both the Senate and House, however, affiliates have been removed from HB 1193 entirely from the bill. Weeeee Ha! It’s amazing what can happen when you combine the power of the people with team effort.

All the traveling, networking, learning, socializing, planning, coordinating and everything else that goes along with event hopping I’ve been doing, ended with a not to fabulous flu day yesterday. My tired body stayed on the couch all day while I finally rested my mind.

It’s been a sureal experience jumping from one reality to the next – each with a whole new set of faces. I’m so thankful for notes and social networking so I can keep in touch with all those that I came across.

Most of all I’m thankful for my family – my husband especially who played single parent while I was away.

Now on to being productive – or at least sorting my thoughts for another adventure – what next?

Living in a bubble is a post from: The art of Jen Goode