WE'VE MOVED.

It's been fun writing "The (Almost) Daily News" for the last few years, but it's time for the blog to move on to a more mobile-friendly platform. So, from now on you can follow all of Napkin Art Studios' antics and news HERE. FYI, occasionally you might find some NOT SAFE FOR WORK (NSFW) content while scrolling through. Just a heads up, y'know.

Additionally, if you've also been following my music review blog, Classic Waxxx, it has moved, too. Find Classic Waxxx HERE.

See you on the other side.

~Jonathon Kimbrell
March 2012

New Studio Space! (A Work In Progress...)

So, that working vacation I mentioned a while back? Yeah...not much of a vacation. It's been all work and little to no play, lately, but I'm not complaining in the slightest.

The workload hasn't let up since the end of December 2011, obviously, since the lack of updates, but I'm extremely thankful and grateful for the work. The start of 2012 has produced a wealth of creativity.

Aside from various print and painting projects, the biggest news to share is the new studio space! I'm totally excited to have finally moved out of the small, cramped loft studio (for which I lived in, as well) into a spacious 1,000 sqft warehouse space. There is more than enough room for all of may painting, printing and art storage needs, not to mention plenty of space for some killer additions.

The studio space is currently a work-in-progress, obviously (as you can see from the photos), but I'm enjoying seeing it all come together from the very beginning. So far, it still very much looks like a large storage unit, but that'll change over the next few weeks and months. Not only will the studio serve as my full art production space, I also have plans to incorporate some retail and lounge aspects. I'm wanting the space to be a full-on art production machine, as well as a swank spot for clients, friends and visitors to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere (the turntable and vinyl records are already adding much to the vibe going on!)

Some of the other plans I have in store include a dark room for coating and 'burning' silk screens, a fully stocked wet bar (for guests), new and improved bathroom (complete with vanity sink and fresh wall paint) and comfy seating area. I'll be in the space for at least two years (according to my lease) so I might as well make it feel like home. Like the cardboard rugs? They really tie the room together.

Until the retail displays and what-nots get built you'll still be able to find much of my hand printed goodies in the Etsy shop, and afterwards, as well.

My hope is to have most, if not all, of the additions finished out by the beginning to mid-summer, as I want to throw a fun open house party to ring in the studio's opening. In the meantime, work and build is all I can do. Don't want to break the bank on additions just yet. Besides, it means I have something to look forward to as time marches on.

I do have to thank my awesome studio neighbors, Dowdy Studio, for telling my about the space. I couldn't have planned timing like this any better. It's moments like this where I wish I had the studio sooner, but things happen when they are supposed to. I definitely feel like a big boy business owner now, hahaha.

I'll post more updates and pics of the studio as things progress. Alternatively, feel free to stop by in person and see for yourself. I'll pretty much be there everyday. Although, studio hours are by appointment only, so just give me a heads up if you want to come by so I know to expect you. New studio address is: 10025 Garland Rd. Suite H - Dallas, TX 75218.

Now, for some much needed R&R for the weekend...

On (Work) Vacation...

How 'bout that...the first month of the new year is just about complete. Time sees to go by faster and faster the older and busier you become. But, don't let that stop you.

Thought I'd take this opportunity to say a few things before I disappear for a little while. First of all, THANK YOU EVERYONE who has been a part of or has had some kind of influence/impact on my 'little studio that could.' I know I've said it before, but I can't say 'thanks' enough to those who have brought me to where I am now. My insufficient gratitude will never equal the blessing I feel to make a living as an artist. Those who are and have always been in my corner, you know who you are...

Secondly, 2012 started in high gear. In all honesty, I'm busier now at the start of a new year than I have been since becoming a working artist with a day job or not. I not only see it as a sign of progress, but there is definitely a sense that the economy and perhaps, prosperity is on the mend. There is certainly something in the air that feels good, and for that I'm happy and confident that things will continue to grow for the better.

I'm finding myself becoming more and more ambitious with my art, design and creativity abilities, as well as those other mediums I've always been interested in working with, such as film and sound. I have some interesting tools at my disposal, currently, and I'm anxious to see what I can do with these things. So, with that said, my web presence is going to decrease for a bit, until I can either A) afford a web person to handle all of the studio's internet stuff, or B) find the time to do it myself and still get some decent sleep every week. Since neither is an option at the moment, the studio's social media pages, blogs, etc. will be quiet for a while. Call it a mid-season hiatus or a working vacation. I'll still pop in on occasion and see what's going on in the world, but there won't be much in the way of bountiful information I'll be sharing for a while. However, I can say to be on the look-out soon for info regarding upcoming art exhibits and such. There is a lot of goodies in the works right now, stuff I'm excited to share soon.

Again, thank you everyone who has been such a great supporter of my art and the studio these last few years, and to everyone who has been there from the beginning. It certainly means a lot to have so many great people behind me and my work.

The lights will be dimming down, but they won't be turning off...

New Adventures in Screen Printing...

Good riddance to 2011!

Ok, well let's be really honest here...2011 was ok. Wasn't the greatest year, wasn't the worst year. It could have been better. Regardless, it was a great year for artistic experimentation, creativity and progress on my end.

One of the last interesting projects of the year was designing and screen printing my friend Bryan and Claire's Ketubah, a special marriage contract between a Jewish bride and groom, outlining the responsibilities and promises to each other in their marriage.

I was pretty nervous designing and printing something so sacred and special for two people, not to mention close friends, as there is always that additional pressure not to screw things up. Thankfully, I did not, and made delivery just in time...the day before the wedding. But hey, the wedding party knew I'd get it done in time.

The only thing I wasn't able to design myself was the text in both English and Hebrew, as I don't know how to read or write Hebrew. The English text was written by the bride and groom, then translated to Hebrew by another party. Thanks goodness for Photoshop, otherwise it would have ben a real challenge to set up all of the type. (Speaking of, I bet this would look great as a letterpress print.)

My favorite parts of the Ketubah, aside from the choice of colors, is the yellow dots representing fire flies hovering around the tree and soil. Without using an under base of white ink, I hit the yellow spots about six times with process yellow ink to really make them pop (see below.) I also love the "I Am My Beloved's and My Beloved Is Mine," line, in both English and Hebrew, just below the space where the rabbi, bride, groom and witnesses sign.

This beauty is truly one of a kind for some special friends, and I'm happy to have been a part of something this special. My friends Bryan and Claire are two people who definitely and obviously love each other, and their Ketubah is now proudly displayed in their home for all to see, in a swell silver ornate frame.

The Ketubah measures 18" x 24", printed in three colors (white, process yellow and custom hand mixed blue) on French Blu Raspberry Pop-Tone 100lb cover stock. Just to be on the safe side I ended up printing six copies just to make sure I had one copy that was usable. The remaining copies will be tucked neatly away in the archives for future reference. (In case anyone is wondering I guess I am now in the Ketubah business. Apparently, not many people make these things. Just one more nifty thing to add to the list of services.)

Though 2012 is just barely underway the year is turning out to be fantastic. The project list is already filling up with commission paintings and more gig posters. The band The Polyphonic Spree has been keeping me quite busy over the last few weeks with poster designs, and from the looks of things the following weeks will look more of the same. They've been quite a thrill to do work for.

And on a side note...the studio will be relocating to a new address the middle of February. With all that's left to do work wise I have no idea where I'll find the time to pack. Needless to say, if you don't see any news posted to the blog for a while it means there is work being done!

Hope the new year is starting out swell for you. Keep creating!

Goodbye 2011...

I'll be honest. I really dislike 'end-of-the-year' top ten lists and 'best of' reviews, especially when news and media outlets start posting them weeks before Christmas. Don't they realize the year doesn't officially end until after December 31st? Guess not.

Thankfully, this isn't one of those 'best of' lists, but more so a reflection on the year that was 2011 for Napkin Art Studios.

It was an exciting and magnificent year on the whole. Despite the scary moments of a depressed economy and crappy job market, there were still many things that brought bright spots here and there, not to mention many 'firsts' that made the year special.

For starters, my "We Are Modern" exhibit was such a thrill to plan, produce and exhibit this year. I feel the paintings from the series were (and remain) my best to date, and it showed through the attendance of the exhibit, sales of the original work, as well as the opportunity to publish my first book collecting images from the series. It's always been a dream to self-publish a book of any kind, and I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to do so. (In fact, I now have the 'self-publishing books bug', which means I have at least two more books planned for a 2012 release.)

Another first I had the pleasure to experience was my first official 'gig poster' job, courtesy of The Old 97's. I was able to design and screen print three posters for their Spring and Summer tours, as well as a one-off gig with the band Those Darlins that helped me survive a dreadful Dallas Summer. Since then, I've been fortunate enough to have done some other awesome gig poster work for the likes of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ray Manzarek (of The Doors), Austin-based blues artist Ian Moore, and Swedish pop/new wave band The Sounds, as well as The Polyphonic Spree, just to name a few. The new year will bring about a few other gig poster opportunities, to which I'm really looking forward to! (Will share those projects soon enough.)

One of the most enjoyable 'firsts' this year was being a part of Etsy Dallas' "4th Annual Jingle Bash" handmade craft show in November. I've never participated in an art/craft show before, so initially I felt a little unprepared. Thankfully though, since it was truly a DIY kind of event, I managed to wing it, and made a pretty good day out of selling original prints, gig posters and a few of my own t-shirt designs. Most of my monetary success was attributed to the sales of my scratched, dented and/or misprinted art prints and posters. It was a valuable lesson in 'another man's trash is another man's treasure.' I'm really looking forward to the 'Spring Bash' in May 2012, to which I hope to be a part ofand have as much success as my experience with 'Jingle Bash.'

Its been a relief to take a break from the art and design for a bit, and focus on my other passion: music. When I have the time I've been keeping a music blog called Classic Waxxx, featuring vintage vinyl of all music genres. Since vinyl records have seen a huge comeback in the recent years, I though it would be great to turn people on to the stuff I really enjoy, especially the kinds of music you can't find to download. Unfortunately, I don't get to write for my blog every week as I'd like, but I'm hoping in 2012 I'll make more time for it. Additionally, I also break up the music reviews for Classic Waxxx with a Tumblr blog featuring photos of vintage vinyl records and album covers, sort of as a visual survey of vintage vinyl from around the world. The goal for both blog pages is to also be able to include audio samples of the music I feature, just as an added perk to my readers and followers. Keep posted for that in the very near future.

Of course, that mentioned above isn't the only highlights of the year, but they are pretty substantial. Over all, I think the biggest thrill was being tapped to be Artistic Director for Arts+Culture Magazine Houston, a new arts magazine in Houston, Texas that was launched in September 2011. My job is to essentially create the layout design for each monthly issue. The job has had its challenges, as any job would, but it's been an exciting and educational experience, so far. As Houston's art market and audience continues to grow so will the magazine, and I'm excited to see how 2012 will unfold.

On a personal note, 2011 also saw the end of my 20s, something I don't look upon as terrifying or catastrophic in any sense. No, I've actually been looking forward to the start of my 30s, since most of my good friends are now in theirs. I've been told they only get better as you go along. So far so good, it seems. I feel as though I've entered into a new phase of adulthood, and surprisingly have a new and sharpened focus on my career and personal life. Though I will always feel like an 18 year old at heart, I like walking around in my own skin and feeling like a successful adult. If the last couple of weeks are any indication of what the next 10 years holds I'm going to be in for a thrilling ride.

I hope everyone out there is looking forward to the new year as I am. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there seems to be something refreshing in the air, lately. Perhaps, there is a new sense of optimism brewing for those who have it tough right now. Maybe more people are counting the blessings they have, and not worrying about what they don't. Whatever it is, I hope this sense continues. Might help bring a great start to 2012 for those who really need and want it.

Thanks, 2011. See you in the history books...

The End is Near...

It's not an 'end of the world' kind of thing. It's an 'end of 2011' and 'end of my 20s' kind of thing. The last decade was ten years of much learning about myself, the world, what I'm capable of. My 20s have felt like an extended version of my teen years, and now that I approach 30 it's time to be a grown up and hope that one day I'll be taken seriously.

So yes, another year quickly coming to a rapid close. Where did all the time go? It was this time last year I began working on the "We Are Modern" series, a body of work I continue to be proud of and has pushed my talents and ideas into another level. It felt great taking time to really dissect and decipher the work, shuttering any kind of pressure to deliver according to someone else's standards, as I constantly feel tremendous pressure to 'do this' or 'create that' in the midst of such a social media-ridden world.

There are many things I want to do in 2012 (if the world doesn't end before then.) I've already started working on those goals, but you never know what will happen in life. All you can do to be prepared is to be willing to accept what gets thrown your way, good or bad. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I should get that saying tattooed somewhere. It's become a mantra. Anyhow, no matter what happens I'm thankful for what I've accomplished so far, thankful for those who have come before me, and for those who have brought me to the point of where I am right now. All I can do is be grateful. And be hopeful. Thank you 2011. You've been a great year, so far.

Jingle Bash 4 Happening Saturday!!!

So...Etsy Dallas' "Jingle Bash 4" is quickly quickly approaching, and I'm getting a little nervous to be honest. It's the first time for me to represent the studio in an art/craft/trade/what-have-you show and I'm feeling a little unprepared. But, somehow, someway I'll get it all together, even if it's at the 25th hour.

What should you expect to see from Napkin Art Studios this year? Well, it's been quite a year for the studio producing prints and gig posters, so mostly you'll see a healthy assortment of said posters and prints, not to mention some small original works on canvas and other nick-knacks for the art fan in you.

Jingle Bash will essentially serve as a litmus test to see how this trade show business works, so please forgive me in advance if I don't look like I know what I'm doing, haha. (I honestly have no clue...) Rumor has it there will be a bar or three on site in case anyone gets a case of severed nerves, but I'm thinking it won't be as bad as I think. It's the sometimes 'Nervous Nelly' in me.

What else will be on display, you ask? Hrmmm...that is a good question. Essentially, I have three days to scrounge together a few other essentials, since stuff like this always seems to gel at the last minute for me.  Napkin Art Studios' booth will be located in the middle of the market hall floor, just a tiny 6' x 8' booth for your art print and poster needs. I thought it would be better to have a small booth with too much stuff than a large booth with not enough. If Jingle Bash ends up being a total bust for the studio, at least I can take mental note for future reference, and see how other people's booths and goods are on display. Until I can grow the print studio end of things, this year's Jingle Bash may just be a nice detour from the regular deadline schedule I've been keeping, lately.

Wish me luck! I'll see everyone again after the show.