DRAWING 101

Trying to start a screen printing business without having any real graphic design or art skills is not the most ideal way of doing things.  It's kind of like trying to run before you learn how to walk.  Eventually you will get the hang of it but it will take you twice as long to reach your goal and you may not learn the proper running technique.

Over the last couple years I have continued to work on all the skills needed for my business; such as, computer graphics, drawing, screen printing, marketing etc.  I've tried learning everything by the "self taught" method even though I know I learn mostly from the "hands on" method.  Learning from a book has never been a strength of mine and I know that.   Stubbornness is also a trait of mine and I've been very stubborn about taking the step to get the proper training in the areas I need help.  As much as my skills have increased, I know my skills should be far more advanced, even with the limited time I have to work on those skills daily.  So I set my stubbornness aside and signed up for a drawing class. Drawing 101!!!

I started the class 3 days ago and I'm amazed how much I've learned already.  It's all about getting the proper foundation.  I'm so excited to finally get some technical training.  I've had a few, "Oh, that makes sense", moments already.  Since the class is only 6 weeks long, I'm going to share my progress on here as much as possible.  It will be interesting to see my progress throughout the weeks ahead.  Hopefully I won't be too embarrassed to post my drawings.  Some of them are kind of "yikes" but I will share anyway.  You have to start somewhere, right.

Jeanette

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Life sure has a way of keeping you on your toes, which is definitely not a bad thing.  Being able to overcome life’s little challenges is what helps us grow and learn as individuals.  Having those little challenges also helps us put things into perspective and reevaluate our priorities.

I have had a few of those little challenges over the last year, as most of us do. Some were business related; others were not.  At times, I wondered if I would ever get through the rough patches.  A few times, I wanted to give up but I kept pushing forward.  When a challenge is in your way, you do not realize you are in the middle of learning something important.  You get so frustrated all you want is for the challenge to end.  You are not thinking to yourself, “Hmm, what deep seeded life lessons am I supposed to learn from this?”

When I first started this blog, all of my time and energy had focused on my goal of launching a business.  I was in the midst of learning how to draw, learning computer graphics, learning to screen print, learning this and learning that.  I also had, and still have, a full time job that took up my days.  All I did, day and night, was work on my business in some form or another.  What I did not realize is I started neglecting important things in my life.  The time I spent with family and friends decreased.  The quality time I spent with my dogs decreased.  The time I spent taking care of myself physically, spiritually and emotionally decreased.  Having other little challenges thrown in the middle of everything else, made me realize these things.

My business aspirations are still intact.  I have slowed them down a bit but I am still making progress and pushing forward.  I have learned to balance myself  more.  When my dogs come in the computer room and want some love, I get down on the floor and give them love.  I am back to working out again and feeding my body the right stuff.  I spend as much time as possible with the ones I love, whether it is on the phone or in person.  It is all about balance.  I am not sure what direction this blog will take.  Life is a constant evolution.  We live.  We learn.  We grow.  Who we are today may not be who we are tomorrow.  I think I will let this blog follow its own course of evolution. 

Jeanette

I'M BACK!!

I am finally back from a much needed break.  It was a little longer then expected but it was a nice to have some time from blogging to concentrate on some things that really needed my attention.  I stayed away from screen printing because of some back issues so now I am ready to go at it again.  Yippie!!!

The first job I am doing is a 4-color chest logo with a 2-color back design.  My neice wanted two shirts for a group she is in with another woman.  It might seem like a lot of work for just two shirts but it is giving me LOTS of experience.  I had to redesign two logos from scratch.  I thought it was going to be a real challenge but I was able to do it in a few hours.  Not bad considering I am still relatively new to CorelDraw.

I spent yesterday reclaiming screens and then coating them with emulsion. Things went just wonderful.  I just finished burning the screens and then are in the rack drying.  I won't have time to print today so that is on the schedule for tomorrow.

It feels good to be back.

Jeanette

QUICK UPDATE

Just a quick update!  I am taking a short break from blogging to concentrate on my e-commerce site.  It is coming along great.  Not only have I had to learn screen printing but web design as well.  I have enlisted the help of a professional though.  It would take me forever if I tried to do it all my self.  But I am picking up lots of knowledge on the way.

I am hoping to launch with 4-5 designs and adding more each month.  I have so many design ideas, it's been hard to decide which ones to put out first.  I am happy with the choices I've decided to go with first.  They will definitely give everyone a feel of what The Pondering Pooch is all about.

A new Facebook Fan Page is on the way as well, so be sure to pass it along to all your dog loving friends.

Thanks again for all your support.  I am so excited for The Pondering Pooch to finally go live.

Hang tight!  We are on the way!
Jeanette
Ginger, Mandy, Rocky, Maverick (my canine kids)

A FEW CHANGES COMING SOON

I'm in the process of making some changes to The Pondering Pooch blog.  Over the last year I've had the opportunity to blog about my experience being a new screen printer.  That opportunity was given to me by Ryonet and silkscreeningsupplies.com when I entered their "Pick Me Contest". 

Since then the majority of my blog posts have been about screen printing itself.  I shared all of my trials and tribulations with you.   It has been a blast!  I absolutely LOVE screen printing and will continue to share my screen printing experience with you.  When I learn a new process I will share it!  When I get frustrated with a process, I will share that too.

But now my blog will be more focused on The Pondering Pooch brand itself and the reason The Pondering Pooch exists...DOGS!  My first love is of course my dogs.  Without them I would not be here sharing this adventure with you.  For many years I searched and searched for a career that would fill the emptiness I felt.    I can't believe it took me so long to realize it was right under my nose the whole time.

My dogs have made me laugh, made me cry and helped me get in shape.  They have been by my side during the good times and the bad.  They have taught me to not take things so serious because no matter what happens things will get better.  They are my friends, my family, my furry children.

Whether you love hikes with your dog, long road trips, sitting on the beach, playing fetch or are a couch potato together.  The Pondering Pooch is dedicated to that special bond we all have with our dogs.   I look forward to sharing it with you.

As always, thanks for reading!
Jeanette
Ginger, Rocky, Mandy and Maverick (my canine kids)

"TIME FLIES WHEN YOU ARE HAVING FUN"

I can't believe a year has passed by so quickly.  It sure is true that "time flies when you are having fun".  It seems like it was just yesterday when I made the video to enter Ryonets "PICK ME CONTEST". 

Being able to share my screen printing experience with everyone has been incredible and it has definitely shortened the learning curve.   I have met some fantastic people through my blog, YouTube videos and my Facebook fan page.  Receiving comments and suggestions from experienced screen printers as well as new screen printers kept me motivated to learn more.  It hasn't all been peaches and cream.  Starting a business is tough and there are many ups and downs.  Sometimes I would do a post expressing my frustrations with something but I was able to keep my chin up because there would always be a positive comment that helped me get through the problem.

My friend and fellow blogger Ethan, owner of MOYA TEES, has been a life saver.  I don't know how many times I emailed him with an issue.  How do you do this?  How do you do that?  How come this happens?  He always came through for me.  His help was definitely appreciated. You can check out his apparel on Zazzle, CafePress and he has a new website coming soon.  Click here to follow his blog!  He is a great guy.  Thanks Ethan!  You Rock!!

Bob Reigle of EMPOWERED APPAREL has also inspired me to keep going.  My challenges seemed to mirror the challenges he went through when starting his apparel line.  His positive comments and suggestions were a true blessing.  Be sure to check out his Christian apparel line.  He also does custom printing.  Thanks Bob for all of your support!

My biggest help and knowledge base is of course RYONET.  I would not be here if it weren't for them.  Having a company believe in you so much they are willing to give you FREE equipment and monthly motivation is something you do not hear of often in the business world.  They definitely went above and beyond anything I could have imagined.

I also teamed up with RYONET to make a "SCREEN PRINTING FROM HOME - DVD" to show others how easy and inexpensive it is to start your own screen printing business.  The DVD was released in May of this year (2011)  This too was something I could NOT have imagined.  I am still kind of awestruck by the whole thing. 

After a year of hard work, I am getting ready to finally launch my dream business, THE PONDERING POOCH, featuring my apparel line dedicated to our canine companions.  This would not be possible without the dedication and support of RYONET.  Thank you for everything!

Jeanette
Ginger, Rocky, Mandy, Maverick (my canine kids)

Ryonets New ERGO FORCE SQUEEGEE

I just did a post last week about the Constant Force squeegee by Newman and I was disappointed that silkscreeningsupplies.com did not carry it in stock.  It is funny how things work out sometimes.  Ryonet just posted a video about their new ERGO FORCE SQUEEGEE!  The handle is made of aluminum and has screws that keep the rubber squeegee in place.  You can easily change out the rubber if it has defects.  Now you can change out the rubber instead of having to sharpen the edges if they get nicked.  Having it made of aluminum helps with clean up too.  It has so many other cool features I can't even remember what they said on the video. 

My favorite feature is the shape of the squeegee.  The squeegee is flat on one side and the top which make it easier on your fingers and the palm of your hand.  Hopefully no more cramped fingers.  The other side is angled so there is less pressure on your thumbs. 

At the moment they have one size handle (which is expandable for long length squeegees) but they are planning to make larger handles for those people with big hands and also a small handle for women.  What a fantastic idea.  Having something specifically made for us women is terrific.  Anything that makes printing easier for me is great news.

Here is a couple videos on it!







Jeanette