Vote NOW for the Woman Who Should Win Soul Sista

Four weeks of contests and blogging, and FREEBIES and oh yes, by the way, running the company, managing people, creating new art, producing products, negotiating deals, meeting the needs of retailers, the demands of my publisher, doing more interviews, delivering new projects and getting ready to go to DC next week to speak in front of Congress (ooh – that’s a long, totally separate story) has me ready to explode into a million little pieces.

But then you stopped by here for a solid month…sending love, encouragement and the most excellent feedback an artist could ever want to hear. During the long hours and facing my endless list of to dos – it was such a pleasure to read the amazing comments over the past few weeks – they really kept me going.

I know without a doubt, that even though we had 10 LUCKY WINNERS last month…there are still people who will not be happy (with me) about not winning a prize.  That was the hardest thing about holding these great giveaways.  I want to reward everyone.  But I trust that you understand that isn’t feasible.  I guess what I mean…is that I hope that the generosity is contagious even if you didn’t win – this time.

You see…I believe in the Golden Rule, the Law of Reciprocity, Karma or any other cosmic, universal meme that suggests you get what you give.  Point is, you proved it to me ALL month long.  Did I seriously have time for the giveways? Not really. But what I received in return from offering these prizes is a tremendous amount of support which is very valuable to me! And so it seems – it always comes full circle.

I feel very fortunate that you helped to spread the word about what we are doing here at Sugarluxe.

This brand is more than just pretty pictures.  It is to me, above all else, about a personal, fundamental philosophy built on the belief that extreme determination coupled with kindness, confidence and consideration can be the key to success. And if you know me AT ALL, you see that message is “baked” into everything I create.  So what thrilled me the most was the support and kind competitive spirit you showed each other during this FIERCE competition.

And as MUCH as I greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts…there were a few LADIES who truly worked it like nobody’s business.  Through our analytics software, we were able to track all referring links into both the blog and our main website. These awesome ‘Sugarluxe Girls’ worked very hard (and very creatively, I might add) to spread the word about Sugarluxe and their tenacity was revealed in the results.

I couldn’t let this go unnoticed!  It’s not to take away from so many who put forth great effort too…please know that.  This last minute GIFT IDEA is just another way for me to extend my gratitude to someone who really went the extra mile.

Call me crazy…but this is something I just have to do.  So, for now…another bad ass prize!

One of the top girls will win this:

• 40″ x 40″ Gallery Wrapped Canvas – Soul Sista by Sugarluxe
• Signed & Numbered – AP 1/1
• Embedded with Six Genuine Swarovski Crystals
• With a Personal Note to Winner on the Back
• Also Includes a Certificate of Authenticity

You may have seen pictures on the website this summer when I was actually going to offer this version online.  But for those who pay closest attention…you might have noticed that it went away.  That’s because, just like the Ruby Moon | Cheers Darling piece…I decided to keep this one for the studio.  The version for sale online is the original Soul Sista – so again – this gift/giveaway is another One of a Kind!

For those of you following the updates on Facebook Saturday night…you knew that I gave out one more hint.  (Oh wait! – You didn’t know that I gave insider tips?) – That’s why it’s good to become friends on Facebook where I share lots of little secrets. It was announced on my Facebook Profile as a NOTE entitled:

If you’re playing to WIN at Sugarluxe, you should probably read this…

Well – as you know by now – Stean P. worked his butt off and earned the Grand Prize!  And those who were right on his tail?  (These names are in no particular order):

1. Ebony Y.
2. Jori B.
3. Jette M.

——————————————————–  VOTING STARTS NOW ——————————————————–

These women deserve a round of cyber-applause for their ingenuity and such genuine affection for Sugarluxe. With that said, I now leave it in your hands to choose who should win this awesome Soul Sista Canvas.  For another sneak peek… you can see this piece in the studio - remember this picture at the bottom of the post?  I sure am gonna have some bare walls after all this giveaway goodness!! Voting closes at 11:59 on Friday, March 6th.

P.S.  Ladies – I already know that you are FANTASTIC!  But in order for everyone else to get a good vibe – feel free to use the comments section below to convince your fellow commenters why the WINNER should be YOU!

Every vote is tracked to prevent fraudulent clicks and other artificial means of inflating the results.

Good Luck!

——————————————————–  AND ONE MORE THING ——————————————————–

To everyone else who participated all month long during the Sugarluxe 4 Year Anniversary Giveaways – THANK YOU AGAIN!

I never want anyone to walk away completely empty-handed.  So below I’ve included the code for an exclusive coupon worth 50% OFF any ONE item in the Sugarluxe Shop.  It’s only valid for a very limited time and it’s not a total FREEBIE – but hey – like my mom always says, it’s better than nothin’…

Plus, over the next few months we will definitely be coming up with additional contests.  So, be sure to stay in touch to take advantage of future opportunities.

Win Weekly Giveaway #3 – Introducing Sugarluxe Big Wall Graphics

That’s right my friends!  The Sugarluxe Big Wall Graphics have finally arrived.  And NOW I am ready to introduce them to you this week as part of our 4 Year Anniversary Celebration.  Just imagine this 4 foot long Sugarluxe Girl on one of your walls! And you actually get a whole bunch of extra goodies for FREE.

Plus, we are not just giving away this gigantic graphic – we are giving away TWO.  So, there will be two lucky winners who will have their choice of the brunette or the blonde!

I’m so excited about the giveaways this week because this particular product has been part of my secret Sugarluxe plan for some time.  It took almost two years to find the right partners.  At the onset of the vinyl wall applique craze, you could find cheap wall stickers from every sign printer on the planet.  I was asked by a handful of these big manufacturers if I would license some of my work.  But I just wasn’t compelled to jump on the bandwagon for three simple reasons:

1. I like to work with companies who appreciate art.
2. I wanted my work to be on the absolute BEST material available.
3. The color output had to be as close of a match to the original artwork as possible.

Most vinyl graphics companies gravitate toward one type of vinyl because it costs less and is easy to find.  But I wanted to work with a higher quality material so that I could be sure it was top quality like our other product lines.

Sugarluxe Big Wall Graphics are:

1. Printed on Top of the Line Premium Media – Removable Adhesive Fabric
   
2. Printed with environmentally conscious, but still totally vibrant Eco-Solvent Inks
   
3. Truly Repositional + Will Not Harm Walls  (check it out below…I just put one up in my studio)
   

This week’s BIG GIVEWAY PRIZES are brought to you by my excellent partners and producers of this super cool product – John and Tavia Doffing of START Moving Pictures and Jason Weisenthal of WallMonkeys.

But get this…

While working on the test phase, John realized that there was extra space when we did the layouts. Instead of being wasteful with the materials…the team decided to utilize that space to give customers more for their money.  That’s where the additional FREEBIES come in.

If you check around online…you will see vinyl laptop and iPhone cover art pieces often sell between $30-$40 just by themselves.  But with the purchase of Sugarluxe Big Wall Graphics (or this week – when you win) you get these extras for FREE.

I love that.

I love adding value and I love being able to create things that you might purchase for yourself…but then you also get a little extra goody you can give as a gift!

Those of you who were with me on Facebook during our final layout phase will remember our night of online design collaboration.  That was fun!

We went through a series of uploads and a few design choices for the iPhone covers specifically.  After tons of awesome feedback…we finally decided to give away three different iPhone covers (thanks to everyone who participated and gave such wonderful input to help finalize the process!)

So, here’s what you WIN on your big 50″ x 36″ sheet:

• One Superstar Sugarluxe Girl Graphic (48″ x 32″)
• One Laptop Cover Graphic (10.4″ x 8.5″)
• Three iPhone Cover Graphics (4.5″ x 2.4″)
• Small Sugarluxe Flower Graphic (3″ diameter)
• Medium Sugarluxe Flower Graphic (5″ diameter)
• Large Sugarluxe Flower Graphic (7″ diameter)
• One Sugarluxe Logo Graphic (5″ x 7″)

Plus, I added the flowers so that you can put them in her hair or maybe on your bathroom mirror.

And here’s a close up of the iPhone graphic decals so you can get an idea.  They won’t stick forever and they aren’t shiny (because I didn’t want shiny for your walls)…but I think they might be a fun, free way to dress up your iPhone.

And – I get to show off two designs that we don’t currently sell anywhere else:  Seafoam Seaweed and Mushroom Lava!  You like?

In a few weeks, these two lovely Superstar ladies will be available for purchase on the Sugarluxe Shop Website. But for now – you can win them here this week!  Or if you can’t wait to see if you win…you can head on over to visit my fabulous partners at WallMonkeys and START Moving Pictures.

If you go over to their sites, you will see that for the initial launch…they chose two additional artists  who also happen to be really amazing guys that I totally respect.

Legendary Spray Can Artist – Vulcan

and

Famous Urban Artist – Justin Bua.

So, there you have it…

I know my post is much longer this week than in the giveways for Week 1 and Week 2 – but I was just so pumped to share the story behind how these things come to be.  I hope you are pumped about the possibility of winning!

Oh yes, and this photo gives you an idea about the size:

Who wants to win?

Now look at my big, big smile…That’s because it’s so fun to hang your new wall graphic!   (Actually that’s me trying to keep it from falling on my head – you should have two people to do it right!)

If you want to win, make sure you are subscribed via email and that you leave a comment telling us what you think about the brand new Sugarluxe Wall Graphics.  Retail Value is $69.

Find out who the WINNERS were of last week’s FREEBIES.

Because I didn’t get this posted until today – entries will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, February 22nd.  And this week’s winners will be announced next Monday afternoon right before we post the final week’s grand prize giveway.

P.S. Even the top cool hunter in the country thinks these ROCK!  See what Josh Spear says about these new Big Wall Graphics.

——————————————————–  WINNER’S ANNOUNCED ——————————————————–

UPDATE February 23, 2009:

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!

This week’s winners were chosen by a computerized random number generator.  Every time you left a comment, blogged about Sugarluxe or promoted the contest to your friends, you earned extra numbered entries.  That means your name was entered once for each comment you left last week and up to ten times per any blog entry you’ve written this month highlighting the Sugarluxe Giveaways.

And with that – I’m pleased to announce this week’s lucky winners of the Sugarluxe Big Wall Graphics are:

1. Lisa M. of Tulsa, OK
2. Darby R. of Austin, TX

Please use our Contact Form to send your blonde or brunette selection and shipping information!

Your new Sugarluxe Girl will be shipped to you by our friends and manufacturers - WallMonkeys – based in Fanwood, NJ.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated. I hope you’ll check back later this evening to see our GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY.

Barbie Loves Stila Cosmetics | Mattel and the Makeup Industry

Barbie is at it again…she (or at least Mattel) seems to love makeup as much as I do.  Stila just announced that they have joined forces with the iconic brand to celebrate Barbie’s 50th Birthday. Exclusive to Sephora, the line is slated to launch in February…just in time to get all dolled up for Valentine’s Day.

Regardless of how much ’she’ is demonized by hard-core feminists – Barbie is a brilliant brand. I’m biased and pro-Barbie because I played with these ‘girls’ like crazy when I was little.  And, if you know anything about me…you can hardly say that these toys thwarted my independence, stunted my intellect, or destroyed my self-image in any way WHATSOEVA.  In fact, I would go so far as to say that Barbie Dolls enhanced my creativity and confidence in countless ways.

I used to design Barbie clothes, every one of my Barbies were GREAT gymnasts, none of my Barbies were domestic (obvious foreshadowing – yes, I’m lucky I married a fantastic guy who does all the grocery shopping and cooking!)  My Barbies were a diverse group of girlfriends; mine were even motivational speaker Barbies…inspiring a captive audience of Fisher Price People.

But I hardly need to try to sell people on Barbie.  Looks like Mattel is doing just fine without me.  But that does make me think…hmmm?  I’d love to design a Barbie.  A Sugarluxe Barbie would be so awesome!

If you want more details on the actual product line, be sure to go visit Musings of a Muse.  But the real reason that I’m talking about Barbie today is because of this new gig with Stila.  As an artist who has licensed my work to major retailers and manufacturers, here’s the most interesting part to me about this new partnership:

When Barbie did the Limited Edition MAC line last year (which was actually to die for if you like bright, poppy colors like I do) – I thought that was the last of licensed Barbie Cosmetics.  I thought a deal like that would have been like signing your life over to Coke…you’re not going to get a contract to do Pepsi after that.  There’s no way you can endorse competing brands.

Further, Estee Lauder no longer owns Stila Cosmetics…which if they did, it would make more sense because Estee Lauder owns MAC…so if they were the parent company to both I could understand that the deal would present little if any conflict of interest.  But since they sold Stila (I only recently learned the line is now available at Ulta and even Walgreens, too) to Sun Capital back in 2006 – which is fascinating considering Sun Capital also owns Hickory Farms and Souper Salad (quite the diverse portfolio) – I can only conclude that the cosmetics industry is not as particular when it comes to requiring brand loyalty licensing in perpetuity.

Which you might ask matters to me why?

Well, because one of my secret goals has always been to do a project with a cosmetics company.  I often lay awake thinking about packaging, how I might illustrate the brand, what the color palette would look like, getting to apply the new goodies on my girlfriends (years ago, I perfected my painting skills by practicing applying makeup for fun and eventually for profit) – so, Sweet Sugarluxe Dreams are made of these.

And now I’m even more excited with this recent revelation…because that opens me up to do what might be a smaller cosmetics line first….and makes it so I don’t necessarily have to wait until Estee or Sun Capital come calling.

So, what about doing something with this astoundingly successful independent line – Rae Cosmetics? This is a great company founded by a women who I would totally love to work with; her name is Rochelle Rae.

Rochelle is a Fine Artist, turned Hollywood Makeup Artist, turned amazing Cosmetics Manufacturer.  We first met in 2006 and have remained in touch ever since – supporting and cheering each other on every step of the way.

We are truly fans of one another’s work.  Which is why when she wrote me the other day after I emailed her to congratulate her on her recent onslaught of well-deserved press coverage, she wrote back something that really got me to thinking about this whole idea.  She said:

I was just in San Francisco and saw some of your work. Everything you do is always fabulous.  Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do for you.  Someday I would love to do a Sugarluxe makeup palette. I will keeping on working and make it happen I hope.

First Rochelle – right back at ya!!!  Second – that would be so cool!!!

As two artistic, entrepreneurial women, I think it would be so fun to collaborate with Rochelle.  And now that I see that Barbie can work with whomever she wants and is in no way precluded from keeping her options open…I too, will be exploring all the ways that I may one day create a Limited Edition licensed line of Sugarluxe Cosmetics.

So, thank you Barbie and by the way, Happy 50th Birthday. Who ever said you weren’t a good role model?  See ya at Sephora…

Brand Licensing & The Magical Mailbox Money Maker

Donald Trump does it, P Diddy did it, even midwestern textile designer – Amy Butler – is doing it and it all begins behind closed doors.

It’s called: THE LICENSING DEAL…

Why do BIG designers and FAMOUS celebrities put their names on manufacturers products created for major retailers?

In short — there is only one true answer — SMART MONEY!

When other people pshaw Vera Wang for creating Simply Vera for Kohls, Cindy Crawford Home for Rooms to Go, or Martha Stewart at Michaels (AND Macy’s)…I just watch and learn.

If you don’t like the mall, detest discount stores or believe boutiques are the ONLY place to buy all your heart desires…well, then, okay?!

Sugarluxe accessories are available in hundreds of boutiques around the world. We’ve hand-selected each store and truly admire the proprietors of these establishments -

A few of my all-time favorites that we’ve been with since they first opened their doors are:

• Soigne Boutique in Central Austin
• Patricia Junes Boutique on Melrose in Los Angeles
• Ginger & Koi Boutique in Kailua Kona, Hawaii
• So Absolutely Fabulous in Temecula, Californa
• Sassi Sam in New South Wales, Australia

And I typically offer exclusives, so that these small business owners can trust that I won’t go down the street to their competition. With that kind of business philosophy, it’s probably apparent that boutiques will never be my bread and butter. I just really love working with other women who also work very hard to run a business of their own.

So, yes – I shop at these places whenever I can. But I love Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target, too.

Those who have a lot of money but are wise about spending it, or for those whose financial cup does not yet runneth over…big brand names today are but a chain store away. And I for one – am so glad for that.

Starting a business really forced me to be more frugal than I had ever been in my life. I was raised to love a good bargain, but it wasn’t until I became a true bootstrap entrepreneur that I understood what it meant to really NEED to find a good deal.

From the outside looking in…it would be easy to say that I’m cheap (not in a hookerish way) just thrifty. But really, when you’re here on the inside, you understand that it’s all very strategic.

In the same way that I want my hard-earned dollars to go as far as possible, I have the same desires for my work. And…watching…as I do, the business people I want to emulate, it was clear to me from the outset that LICENSING would be a significant way to achieve that.

Here’s why:

My whole life, my dad instilled in me the MAGIC of MAILBOX MONEY. He would always talk to me about what investors call – PASSIVE INCOME. In other words, do the work, sell the rights and get royalties. Checks coming every month in the mail for the work you did – once.

He instilled in me a deep desire for this type of financial freedom.

That’s not typically how an artist thinks, yet an artist who aspires to make art their business, could learn a lot from my dad.

But that makes it sound so easy, huh? Want mailbox money? Do a licensing deal.

Sure, in theory, it’s very simple. But how do you get there? How do you create a name, brand, design or invention that someone else wants to pay you to license? That’s the very, very – did I say very? Tricky Part.

Now, let’s go back to my friends Vera, Cindy and Martha.

They are incredibly savvy business women and one of the ways they’ve amassed a fortune is, of course, first being at the top of their game. But to build an empire? They would all agree with me – licensing is the key!

I will always love, shop for, and even create one of a kind, unique items that you can’t find anywhere else…but those are splurges. And my suspicion has always been that other people feel that way, too.

Partnering with small shops, creating original paintings, designing custom surfboards (oh yes, wait until you see) and hand-made items will be the work I live for. But it takes more than that. Getting your work into Big Box Retail is like getting drafted into the NFL. It’s a major deal.

And – it’s not because I want to be famous, not because I have to be rich – but only because I want to live a life I enjoy, connect with people through my work, and run my own company because I don’t like anyone else to be the boss of me.

My desires have always been THAT crystal clear – how I was going to get there and what I would have to do to attain those goals is a story that unfolds every single day.

Sure – there are plenty of books, trade shows and websites that will teach you the tradional path by which to try to break into this business.

But I find it rather difficult to compete with Disney. And I am far from a traditionalist. Or remotely conventional. Or by the book. Ever.

Guess my point is…you can be independent, you can do this without high-priced lawyers and lots of money, even successfully promote yourself without an agent or a manager (*hint* TalentDatabase is the BEST place to start!)…but you can’t do it without being SMART, RELENTLESS and DETERMINED.

Two weeks ago (that’s why I’ve been MIA) we finally launched our fifth major licensing deal…and the biggest one to date for Sugarluxe!

Placing over 10,000 new Sugarluxe items in 1000+ new stores, I couldn’t be more excited. And my parents were so proud when they called me from the art section of the biggest home decor retailer in the nation. Moreso than if I would have sold one painting for $500 grand – they love seeing Sugarluxe on the shelves.

The BEST part is, I did this whole deal from the comfy convenience of my fabulous studio. Want to know how? Stay tuned and SUBSCRIBE NOW!

Z Gallerie Continues to Sell Out of Sugarluxe Art Giclees

Ya know what?  I never get tired of hearing stuff like this:

Your in store art signing was a huge success! Managers commented the event brought in new customers and that you were delightful.  We had a good Sugarluxe weekend in other stores across the nation…some stores just received their stock last week and it sold out over the weekend! – D.D. - Head Buyer, Z Gallerie Stores

And this recent picture of two Sugarluxe pieces in the display window at Z Gallerie?  Well, it really does bring a tear or two.  Sniff. Sniff.

The flip side of this AWESOME news is that people need more information.  We receive emails daily from customers who’ve discovered the Sugarluxe Brand in Z Gallerie stores and many are asking specific questions about the line.  

It’s here that I hope we can provide more assistance and answer some of your most Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.  What is a Giclee?

A giclee refers to both a category of collectible fine art and the process of reproduction. Utilizing the latest technology, with the guidance of meticulous printmaking standards, our artwork is reproduced to museum standards.  Although many people are throwing around the word giclee these days to represent any reproduction methodology…it doesn’t mean that every reproduction print is actually a fine art, archival giclee.  Numerous examples of true giclee prints can be found in museums throught the world including The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Art and the British Museum.

Q:  Why doesn’t Sugarluxe currently sell original works of art?

My original paintings are kept in a secret safe place – away from my studio.  Holding onto the originals and making reproduction prints available to customers is a winning combination for everyone.  Sugarluxe customers get a gorgeous, signed and numbered piece and it’s affordable too.  Plus, as an artist, it’s smart because keeping original artwork and selling Limited Editions can greatly increase the value of the artwork in the future.

Did you know that in 2002, a record was set for pop artist Roy Lichtenstein when his original work – Happy Tears (pictured above, left) sold for $7.1m at Christie’s in New York?  The 1964 work, depicting the artist’s trademark comic-book style, was bought by an anonymous bidder. It broke the record for a Lichtenstein that had been held until 2002 by his work, Kiss II (pictured above, right) – a piece purchased for $6m in 1990. Happy Tears was part of Christie’s sale of post-war and contemporary art.  BBC News

Q:  Why do the Z Gallerie stores carry such a limited selection and supply of Sugarluxe Fine Art Giclees?

Great question.  The truth is, I really don’t know why they maintain such a limited supply.  I think they should keep more in stock and they should buy a bunch at a time!  But they did purchase two main works with exclusive rights to distribute.  That means I won’t sell these pieces to any other major retailer…but we can sell Artist’s Proofs direct to you (or if your Z Gallerie location is sold out and hasn’t yet received new shipments.)

Q:  Why can’t I find the Sugarluxe pieces on the Z Gallerie website?

Recently, the head buyer at Z Gallerie informed me that they want and plan to post Sugarluxe artwork on their website, but they simply haven’t gotten to the site udpates yet.  I wasn’t given at ETA…but will come back here to post any new info. 

UPDATE:  ZGallerie now sells select Sugarluxe Giclees on their website.

 Q:  When will the Sugarluxe site begin to offer Giclees?

Very soon!  We’ve been working for about 4 months to complete a new, dedicated section on our website which features a variety of images, sizes and framing options for our customers.  We want to make sure that we make it as easy as possible to buy your art online and to allow you the most versatility in choosing your special Sugarluxe piece. 

UPDATE:  We now sell Sugarluxe Limited Edition pieces and Artist’s Proofs online at www.sugarluxe.com.  Every piece is hand signed and numbered (with a special note on the back…because that makes it even sweeter!)

Q:  What if I bought a canvas from Z Gallerie, but I didn’t get to come to one of your art signings, will you still sign my piece in person?

I will always sign your piece in person, if at all possible.   Also, all of the associates and executives I’ve met at Z Gallerie have been GREAT.  Let them know next time you’re in your local store so that the POWERS THAT BE over at the Z Gallerie headquarters can decide when/where they might book another event.

Q:  Are you really rich now that you have products in all these big stores?

Licensing as a visual artist is tough business. I’ve experienced bitter disappointments, so much so, that sometimes it seems unreal.  But I guess that’s what makes the small victories so much sweeter.

The Suits (as I like to call them) stand to make the most money off of any successful creative, aka The Talent.  The business is quite similar to that of the music industry.  Basically, the goal for both is to put out multiple best-selling hits. 

If you don’t do that consistently, no matter how great your first big chart-topper, your life in the limelight could very well go the way of Chumbawumba.  And who would want that?

Z Gallerie Unveils Exclusive Sugarluxe Collection

I can’t believe it’s been less than 3 years since launching Sugarluxe from my small loft.

Having already outgrown two studios and earning my stripes as a real risk taker (trust me I have the entrepreneurial scar tissue to prove it) – I’ve arrived at a marker in my career that I’ve been dreaming about for years.

This particular dream started when I walked into Z Gallerie.

Over a decade ago, my mom discovered this great home decor store and thought it was the perfect place for me to find things for my first home. By nature, I tend to be pretty eclectic, so she knew I’d love it. The moment I walked in, it was more than love. I was overcome with a feeling, that to this day, I can hardly describe.

I muttered to my mom, “My stuff will be in this store someday.” After all – born July 22nd, I’m on the cusp of Cancer & Leo, which might explain why I thrive on the duality of business and art.

But the feeling, or vision, or whatever it was that day has remained crystal clear.

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