Special giveaway: A spot in our class!


Posted by Amy on Saturday August 28, 2010

I think a lot of people are already informed about the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp — Fall classes will be in session in little over a week and we’re getting ourselves ready for the mind-blowing sessions ahead!

For those who are new though, the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp will enable artists to cement their personal style and also help them thrive and have fun as an artist online – with weekly exercises and personalized, constructive, one-on-one critiques to help emerging artists find their footing and ways to set themselves apart from others in the vast online world. No matter if you’re just starting out, or have been doing this for a long time, all are welcome!

Since we’re going to be running three classes in the span of more than two months, we’d like to offer ONE reader a very special chance of winning a spot in the class of their choice (see the full listings here)!

All you have to do, is to head to the Pikaland Facebook page and comment over on this post!

For more chances of winning a spot, you can retweet this Twitter status as well: I want to go to Pikaland’s Artist Bootcamp! http://tinyurl.com/29rs7l8 #pikabootcamp — we’re going to pick a winner on Wednesday, 1st September Thursday, 2nd September — call for entries will close at 12am PST Thursday!

Have a lovely weekend and I’ll see you back next week!

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Big, fun plans


Posted by Amy on Saturday July 31, 2010

Big plans!

I’m going off for the weekend, but I wanted to let you know that in addition to finishing up the last week of our second Pikaland Artist Bootcamp course (I’m going to miss you guys!), I’ve been busy behind the scenes, working on a secret project that’s set to launch in August.

I can’t tell you what it is at the moment, but it’s going to be the start of something wonderful. Won’t you come along to find out? :)

———————-

Also, new classes for Fall are already available for the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp, so if you’ve missed our first sessions, book your spot early to avoid disappointment!

Have a great weekend!

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Summer Camp: Movie Haus


Posted by Amy on Wednesday July 14, 2010

Movie Haus

Movie Haus

Summer is upon most of us and if you’d like to take this opportunity to explore and create, we’d like to invite to you join me and Jamie in Summer Camp: Movie Haus!

From set design, to costuming, framing and narrative, movies are a great source of inspiration. We don’t know how many times we’ve come out of a film recalling certain compositions, feelings or ideas we’ve wanted to share and express. Movies make you feel, so why not express those feelings with your art!

Movie Haus

For this course, we’ll view and be inspired by 4 specific movies to create new works of art! Each week we’ll watch a different film and tackle specific themes expressed by that movie such as composition, sensations, fears and narrative devices. Not only will you get to meet new people (make new friends!) and network, but you’ll also have the opportunity to get feedback on your artwork from not only both Jamie and I, but also from your classmates as well! It’s an incredible opportunity to find out how others perceive and interpret your work.

Assignments are structured for all levels of artistic ability and anyone from all over the world can join in (you just need a computer + internet connection!) Read up more on the course, and see a complete list of new courses available that’s going to set your creativity soaring here!

Summer Camp starts 1st August, so grab a big tub of popcorn and settle into your seats!

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School's out!


Posted by Amy on Tuesday June 29, 2010

We’ve come to the end of our very first Pikaland Artist Bootcamp: Making Your Mark, and boy was it a fun 4-weeks! Both Jamie & I were thrilled to see the progress made by our students in such a short time. There were explorations, discussions and a lot of ideas bouncing off the walls, all of which made for a very interactive experience throughout!

I’m so sad to see the class end, but we’re excited that we’ve helped our students explore the endless possibilities out there in creating their art (read what some of the graduates of the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp had to say about the class!) We’re continually adding new classes as we go along, and we already have some cool ones planned for August!

Next up is part #2 of the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp: How to Survive & Thrive as an Artist Online and we still have about 4 spots left. This four week course is structured for those just developing their online presence to those who need a good critique or want to make their existing persona better – if you’d like to join in, you’d better hurry because there’s only two days left before it begins!

{To receive notifications when new classes are available, join in the Pikaland mailing list!}

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Spring PikaPackage giveaway winners!


Posted by Amy on Monday June 28, 2010

Remember the Spring PikaPackage giveaway we had two weeks ago? Well it’s time to announce the winners, courtesy of random.org:
#121 Penny (Pocket Carnival)
#132 Diana

Thank you so much entering the giveaway! I’ve received so many enthusiastic emails and support that it’s been a crazy-wonderful two weeks here at Pikaland HQ! This round of the PikaPackage Project was aided by Jean Cui, our intern. She was in charge of the photography and sent off packages to the participants!

For those who weren’t lucky enough this round, fret not — you can start your collection by heading to our shop, and if you’re an artist, head over to our galleria page to see how you can be a part of the fun!

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The Spring PikaPackage giveaway!


Posted by Amy on Thursday June 17, 2010

Ah, don’t you just love spring? The sound of birds chirping, the flowers are blooming, and also, the return of the PikaPackage Project – the Spring edition no less!

A year’s hiatus, plenty of emails and requests for the PikaPackage Project and I’m so happy to announce that we’re now on track to bring you more lovely items from our favourite illustrators and artists! For the newly initiated, the PikaPackage project is a fun marketing tool and swap meet for illustrators who are currently selling their wares online. There’s a giveaway (this post is it!), and also very limited edition packages for sale in the shop!



We have 23 participants in total, and here they are:
1. Allison Cole
2. Amy Blackwell
3. Angel D’Amico Bauer of AD Love
4. Carla Sonheim
5. Cloudery
6. Cristina Amodeo
7. Donna McKenzie of Corella Design
8. Fonfique
9. Jen Collins of Hellojenuine
10. Jordan Grace Owens
11. Jo Cheung
12. Juan Diego of Machintoy
13. Katie Green
14. Lucy Davidson of Peas & Needles
15. Lydia Nichols
16. Michelle Cavagliano of Myzoetrope
17. Nancy Mungcal of Pretty Little Thieves
18. Papirmasse
19. Roseau
20. Sam Wedelich of Dwell Deep
21. Samantha Battersby of Matou en peluche
22. Sarah Anderson of Petit Reve
23. Pamela Tobler of Zoetropa

Best of all, you can read all about our participants in this little nifty Spring PikaPackage zine – there’s a short little Q+A in there with each artist and you may just find a new favourite to love!

Spring PikaPackage

We have TWO 8-item Spring PikaPackage for grabs (valued at about $50 each!), and TWO lucky winners will get to take home a large loot of lovely items in the mail! All you have to do is just head on to any of the websites above and tell us which one is your favourite artist & why. Drop your note in the comments section by 23rd June and we’ll email the winners after!

For those who want to get a Spring PikaPackage of your very own, you can head over to the shop to pick up a package!

UPDATE: Commenting has closed and we’ll announce the winner on Monday!

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Stop the spill


Posted by Amy on Wednesday June 9, 2010

The recent week of BP’s oil spill has captured the attention (and anguish) of many quarters – including artists. The oil spill not only harms wildlife and the ecosystem, but the long lasting impact of such a disaster will be detrimental to the livelihood of those who depend on the affected waterways. Here’s two ways you can help:

Julianna Swaney

Julianna Swaney of Oh My Cavalier is offering a limited edition print entitled Night Demons where a 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Audubon Society’s Oil Spill clean up effort.

Jen Corace

Tiny Showcase is offering a Jen Corace print entitled “Down, Down, Down” from June 8th till June 18th, where 50% of the proceeds will go to the Gulf Restoration Network (there’s a nifty counter to see the tally of the sales so far!)

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my milk toof update


Posted by Racheal Anilyse on Thursday June 3, 2010

Remember this post from back in November where I asked the Gods of Publishing to please make a book about Inhae Renee Lee’s little milk teefs named ickle and Lardee?

Well, all of that chanting, sage burning, and ritualistic pilgramages to the Milk Toof blog did not go in vain because I’m happy to pass on word that Chronicle Books will be publishing a Milk Toof book in Spring 2011.

Praise be to teef!

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Outside the box


Posted by Amy on Thursday May 27, 2010

outside the box from joseph Pelling on Vimeo.

I love this video, especially how excited the both of them are towards the end!

On another note, this is exactly how Jamie and I want the participants of the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp to feel — there’s going to be a lot of honest opinions, constructive criticism and most of all, valuable feedback and discussion about work.

The bootcamp isn’t just for beginners – it’s for artists of all stages in their career; those who are looking to explore new ways of seeing, and also those who would like to fine-tune their online presence. We won’t be teaching you how to set up an Etsy account, or how to befriend more people on Facebook – but rather discuss how you can use these vehicles (because that’s all they are) to push your work out there.

The Pikaland Artist Bootcamp starts next week, so isn’t it time you got yourself into gear?

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The Pikaland Artist Boot Camp!


Posted by Amy on Tuesday May 18, 2010

The Pikaland Bootcamp series!

I’ve been running the Pikaland blog for two years now and throughout this time, I’ve had the privilege of working together and learning more about the contemporary art + illustration community through YOU, the readers of this blog. While for the most part I’ve received lots of wonderful works, I’ve seen a few that made me go, “I wish I could tell him/her what I feel about this, and how they can improve just that little bit so they can shine brighter,” but I always hold my tongue and be polite instead.

So while I think politeness is all good and proper, I am one who thrives on constructive criticism – both on the giving and receiving end. So with this in mind, I’ve come to realize two major problems faced by artists and illustrators who are working predominantly online:

  • Lack of confidence + the hesitance to just begin; and
  • How to effectively set yourself apart from others, and have fun doing it!

To solve these problems, I’ve teamed up with the ever fabulous cat drawing lady Jamie Shelman to offer the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp so that we can teach those who really are keen and interested to whip themselves into virtual shape. If you’ve ever joined Jamie’s online courses (I have!) she offers great insight into artists works and points out to you what story you’re telling with your work — even if you aren’t aware of it yet.

Divided into two modules, the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp will enable artists to cement their personal style and also help them thrive and have fun as an artist online – with weekly exercises and personalized, constructive, one-on-one critiques to help emerging artists find their footing and ways to set themselves apart from others in the vast online world. No matter if you’re just starting out, or have been doing this for a long time, all are welcome!

So are you ready to bring out your inner artist and not only survive, but thrive as well? If you are, then head over to the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp page to find out how we can help you be the best you can be!

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