Hi family!
Just a note to let you know that a lot of my stocks have been temporarily disabled by Deviant Art -- i have since moved them to photomanipulation category and have my attorney looking into the matter now.
The last time I went through this - i was offered a public apology by DA - and it seems it's happening again.
How many stockers here on DA use purchased stock to create pre-mades?  COUNTLESS of us - yet I am the one to have deviations removed.
I think to say i have to fill out forms for some 100+ deviations - when others are not having to do this laboursome chore is ridiculous.
I have stuff purchased from renderosity, shutterstock, istock, on and on -- most of them are given to me through the studios i freelance with -- since they have bulk subscriptions.....
Please note I do not allow my premades  to be used commercially - and state so very clearly on each deviation.  I even went so far as to disable downloading and posting in small sizes due to the amount of people breaking the rules...

Just wanted to update you as to why the stocks are not showing....
DA has bigger fish to fry and this is what they spend their time on... amazing.

They had best start lining up a long list of other stockers doing the same thing -- i know I am...

if you had your eye on something that isn't here let me know -- if i start getting a lot of notes, I'll probably create a place offsite where you can come and grab them.  Sound good?

Peace,

Claudia
xoxoxoxoxo
my art account is


Phatpuppy Creations

Promote Your Page Too

Random Acts of Kindness -  Don't we need them???? I know I do!

How many of you practice "Pay it Forward"?

It's where you do something random for someone - like for example - you're going thru a toll road - it costs $3.00 -- when you get the tollbooth, you give the person collecting tolls $6.00 and offer to pay for the person behind you...

Or.... you go into a restaurant, see a couple of little old ladies or men sharing a meal and nice conversation -- you take care of their bill anonymously....

It doesn't have to have money involved either - just any kind of random act of kindness is what counts.

So...I want to try something fun.  

Each month I'm gonna ask for images... the first 50 to answer - I will pick one maybe two - from them and do an artwork for you.

It's gonna be a Phatpuppy Gift Away every month.... sometimes I'll do more if I can find the time.

So...let's start today - the first 50 replies with linked image - will be considered.

I will let you know by note if you are chosen.


Love,

Claudia

HAPPY MONDAY and here's to a grace filled week!!!!!


PLEASE ONLY SUBMIT TO MY OTHER JOURNAL ACCOUNT

[link]




DO NOT SUBMIT HERE - I don't check frequently

I need your help!

Now I need a 14 year old boy - but action shot - either running, biking, (no helmet or sports stuff in the shot, i.e, baseball, football -- just the action portion)

I need preferably full body (no smile) or half-body shot...

PLEASE if you think you can get for me - this would be great and if chosen, your photo will be on a paperback in booksellers worldwide.

This is for a MAJOR publishing house....

Contemporary look, medium build, medium hair length - not too short not too long.

So moms and dads, sisters, brothers,  if you have a fourteen - fifteen - and maybe sixteen (I'm pushing it)  relative you can grab and go outside and get me high res image - give it a try.

For the winning shot I will gift a 6 month subscription....


This is URGENTLY NEEDED!!!

Thanks!


Claudia

IF YOU HAVE THE PIC - don't note me here - go to my my other account where I'm sure to see it



If the pic that is chosen is really great - I will pop for a year's sub...

Kiriban winner for 25,000 pageviews on my other account


Congrats to

for winning my first kiriban on my other account...

He got a screenshot right at 25,000!
You can check it out here:

[link]



Back into the Wardrobe
Reader's note:This is kinda a follow up story on the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. It's what I imagine Edmund doing even after he has been told over and over that he can't go back into Narnia through the Wardrobe . . .

Edmund Pevensie was sick and tired of doing nothing all day. Ever since he and his siblings, Peter, Susan, and Lucy, had returned from Narnia, nothing was fun.
He was sitting alone in the room he shared with Peter, and was reading a book. Well . . . he was supposed to be reading a book, at least that's what he had told them he was doing. It was his excuse for not having to play tag outside with Lucy. Really he was just

Congrats!


Reminder - my next kiriban is set for 100,000 pageviews - and this one gets 3 month sub and feature - on my OTHER ACCOUNT.
Part of the prize is to be featured on this account too.....



Claudia

xoxooxoxo





Updating Journal to remind everyone to please ASK BEFORE POSTING  OUTSIDE OF DA any work with my stocks.   
I keep seeing my stocks appearing on flickr,  facebook, shadowness, etc... with NO PERMISSION and NO DIRECT link placed (don't just put, "Check my da page for stocks - i want link please)
I am a moderator on Shadowness now and if I see my stocks, or others used there without direct link, I will scrap them.... that's a promise.





Please Note :  I'll be leaving my stocks here -- feel free to use - just link back to me.  Thanks!

Also I'm starting a kiriban on my new page - read my journal at so you can participate!


Today my email and facebook message center were full of people looking for me...

My new DA page
[link]



leaving my DDs here -- so many of you wrote and asked me not to forfeit my DDs and pageviews -- however I am not going to be here - but will leave it simply as a placeholder for letting you know where I am.

If however I should continue to get harrassed, threatened with hacking, personal threats, etc... then I will once again deactivate.


This is about art for me... and the art alone.

Apparently, I'm not the only one going thru this - and for those of you who are having a similar situation - my heart goes out to you.

Again my new DA page

[link]:


Believe me, if you're rude or unkind, I plan on using the block button liberally.
It's my perogative.

Funny too  - the people that are harrassing me the most are the ones with either only 100 pageviews... or other  artists who feel threatened and don't like anyone to have popularity.
Don't know what to think about that.

Anywhoo....that's the deal --

Peace,

Claudia

befriend me on "Facebook"
[link]

Happy Monday!

I've been getting so many emails from many of you wondering how to break into doing cover arts....so I figure it's best if I just do a journal.

First off, I've never solicited my work to publishers/authors - not once.
They have always approached me for the work... and it started a couple of years ago with my very first cover being "Light Beneath Ferns" by Anne Spollen.

I do not wish to discuss my rates - because it truly depends on many factors - i.e., where you are at your level of proficiency, the client, the kind of publication -- a lot of factors.
You have to charge what you feel is right for you.  

Also, I've been asked how I've gotten so many...
I've been very fortunate in that I've done the covers of some very well known authors - they kindly refer me to other writers for my work...and things have taken off from there.
I also do freelance work with film studios (a lot of you know this already), so i am in a circle of individuals that know who I am and can access me rather easily....this also helps.

I do this to support my family.  As many of you know my husband lost all of his employment and has still not found anything close to what we were at to keep things normal for us (and not luxurious - but merely as i said, "normal").
It's very expensive for a family of 6 in southern California.
So all of my work has been going to provide for us.... and still I am not doing enough.... but all I can do is try and keep going forward with the various projects I have.

Some of you who read this journal are the authors who have hired me - and to you I say, "Thank you".  There is not enough thanks in this world for the opportunities you have so graciously given to me.  I am deeply appreciative and honored.

The book covers have opened many doors to me as an artist - and I hope to continue growing and doing better works in many new directions - some of which include but not limited to, greeting cards, posters,  gift items that will be sold in stores starting here in the United States.  

I hope this helps to answer some of your questions....

Have a beautiful week everyone!

Claudia

edited to add that brought up this point:
One thing you forgot to mention in your journal though is location. You live in California, which is a MAJOR boon for people wanting to make a living at graphic design for books and movies. For the pee-ons out here in the boondocks of Vermont, we can waste away forever doing under-paid graphic jobs here and there, but we'll never make a living at this in the leagues of people such as yourself. If someone really wants to "go big" they gotta make sure they're living in the right place - NY, CA, Boston, Chicago.


Facebook and my personal site Phatpuppy Art

If you are wishing to contact me regarding work - you may write to me care of

Email Me Directly

My facebook info below.  

Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge


My works are registered and protected
by My Free Copyright and Safe Creative
All materials in my gallery may not be reproduced, copied, tubed, uploaded, edited, published or transmited without my prior written permission.
©Claudia McKinney 2011 - Phatpuppy Art

I'm in a happy mood today - one of my biggest heroes in the world was beatified - one step closer to becoming a saint.
A man I had the honor of talking to for 10-15 entire minutes - a short time that forever changed my life.
Pope John Paul the Great!



An incredible day in my house today!  



Anywhoo - for the first five who reply to this journal - I'll feature one of your works. (No profanity or obscene works will be accepted).

Love,

Claudia
xoxooxxoox

ThereseFlame Haired Beauty
Soul of flame and dancing shadow
Blossom into adulthood
Eyes that see beyond their years
Carry more tears than yours
Burning bright out of sight
Passions deep and true
Hidden from casual eyes
Words not spoken held so close
Slipping out of childhood chains
Creating art in emotions
Drawing love and fear   :thumb206845192: :thumb206611491:

an extra one.....


And two SPECIAL extra for   - my dear friend from Poland and another who loves Pope John Paul II.  
:thumb207044130: :thumb153406155:




Facebook and my personal site Phatpuppy Art

If you are wishing to contact me regarding work - you may write to me care of

Email Me Directly

My facebook info below.  

Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

Happy Monday!!!

Can you believe it - 5000 page views in a few days - and another tie!   and caught it!!!  Congratulations on the three month subscription!
They caught it right at 500,000!  (I think won last time too)

  :thumb205359620:

A sample of their wonderful work!


  



:thumb204182599:  :thumb200407964:


Remember - now we go to the next 50,000  --
I will make it a six month sub for that one...
So on to the 550,000 page view Kiriban!!!




(Below is my last week's journal re: the Poetry Project)


As some of you have now noticed I had to move my works from Visual Poetry back to manips -  - I really thought it was allowable - mainly because I saw several other manip artists using it over the past few weeks - but then I also noticed they were moving them back to photomanip category after 24 hours. That is what confused me.
I had kept mine there -- because I really thought of my work as such although it didn't fit the exact meaning of "Visual Poetry"...
But my friend here best explained it - and he did so nicely - no nastiness or sarcasm... he gave me examples and a crystal clear understanding....so he suggested I post stuff in regular poetry... so that's what I'm doing now.  Not exclusively mind you - but definitely more often. I will still ocassionally post in mixed media and manip categories.

Since my full time work now is doing cover arts -  both freelancing and for publishing houses - I felt it would be cool  and more enjoyable for me to do my work with the writers themselves.
So I'm asking for the poets at this point in time - those of you who don't mind me uploading your work (with links back of course) as a lit category accompanying my digital work....(you may post too - as it would be a collaborative effort)

i realize this will result in probably less views for me - but i'll be happy being smaller and more fulfilled with my work....
doing the work i love with the wonderfully talented writers on and off of DA... which I also think are terribly overlooked.


I won't be able to sell prints on DA this way - however, if you note me wanting a print, I can discuss that with you.
Also my image size will be smaller - that's okay too...
I have larger size on my Facebook - so if you want to see any of my works bigger, just befriend me there and you can see them.

I'm excited to announce I just finished some new covers... among them is my fourth for Amanda Hocking...
Thanks, Amanda -- you're the bestest.  

In the meantime, if you'd like to submit some poetry - feel free to note me.  
I hope we can inspire eachother!

Sending you all my love and thank you for being such good friends

My latest work   is inspired by Anne Rice's Claudia character and dedicated to (his "Claudia" is my favorite)-- a deviant with a lot of class and helped me yesterday to have a better understanding... I  did not understand why the other deviants were putting in visual poetry.  Now I know.


Have a beautiful weekend!

Claudia
oxoxxoxoox




Facebook and my personal site Phatpuppy Art

If you are wishing to contact me regarding work - you may write to me care of

Email Me Directly

My facebook info below.  

Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

Happy Sunday everyone!

I've been getting asked why some of my pieces are being "stored".

I am opting to not post everything here - doing work for clients and not wanting to post right away on DA.

So for those of you who want to see each work that I do daily -- (sometimes two or three), I am posting everything on Facebook --

no longer flickr either - but definitely my Facebook and my personal site Phatpuppy Art

If you are wishing to contact me regarding work - you may write to me care of

Email Me Directly

My facebook info below.  

Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge


And when you have time - check out the new book my daughter had made of my work - the First Volume!   is on the cover
Phatpuppy Art Volume I

A Deviant who left and came back
please go and look at
gallery and watch her stuff.

She was a member a while back but took everything down and even her old DD which she reposted this morning.

I hope she gets it back!!!


Tell her Claudia sent you over - her work is incredible!

Here are a few items from her gallery:




I think this one should get a DD



and the pretty face behind the camera




Go her please!



My Model Release form is here: [link]


Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

Please watch the new video trailers for the books "Tree of Life" by Elita Daniels
[link]

and "Honalee" by Amanda Hocking
[link]

I'm honored to be a part of them!!!


To buy "Tree of Life" you can go to Amazon

[link]


"Honalee" will hopefully be released end of this year although the trailer says it was released in Dec. 2010.


Peace,

Claudia





My Model Release form is here: [link]


Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

I haven't forgotten and don't want you to either!

I'm at around 469,000 now -- so the winner who comes closest without going over wins a 3 month sub and feature.

Thanks for all of your wonderful love and support!

Claudia


two of my recent works

"To Hell and Back - for JAPAN"
  

and "What You Do to Me"


My Model Release form is here: [link]


Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

Hi family,
I am posting my Phatpuppy Model Release here: [link]

If you are stock model who has previously been in my work or would LIKE to be in my future work and considered for possible book covers, please download this form and get it back to me as soon as possible.

Rather than do this individually, felt it was better to just include the link here...

I realize that most of you noted me here with permissions - but I think it's wiser to do it officially.

Thanks so much for the willingness to help - I'm really happy about the positive feedback.


Peace and All Things Good!


Claudia

again the link for the Model Release is

[link]

Let me know if you have any trouble downloading it.

You can email it back to me phatpuppyart@yahoo.com (note me when you are sending it)


Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

Hi all - posting another query - last week I was fortunate to use in the cover I submitted -- will know more next week.

I've been retained for another two covers -- this time I need PROFESSIONAL STOCK PROVIDERS ONLY....

1. Strong female character - futuristic - and who fights zombies....beautiful type --  (you will get credit on the book for being model)

2. Need strong backgrounds - like on another planet -- think very otherworldly --  and something that would suit a female warrior character.

If you have these... please let me know.

I won't necessarily answer each post I receive but I promise to look at the links and get back to you privately if I think its a good fit.

Thanks in advance for your help and support.


Love,

Claudia
xoxoxox
















Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

Edited to let you know I am probably going to be using
Let you know if I need to change.


Hi all,
I've just been hired to do a new cover  (young adult book by well known publisher) -- but I need a 13 year old girl that will fit this description:


YOU are a girl with long, dark, tendriling hair, 13 years old but with maturity, wisdom, and a sense of humor.  YOUR face can be seen, especially in a partial view.

Waist up only - but close enough to where it's not too close and I can put a cool background in place. So not too far away and not too close.

I would prefer if you were looking at the camera -- and I can shadow the face as needed - just have good lighting for me.



If you have a shot that can fit this - and are willing to do this for your resume/portfolio, let me know immediately.
I need high quality shots and will need by Thursday at the latest.

Please HELP!

For privacy, I cannot release publisher name at this time but will do so upon completion of the work.

I hope someone out there has a pic that will fit this that will allow me to use.

Thanks in advance!

Love,

Claudia



Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

Having so many wonderful friends here!  

Thanks everyone for your support!!
Here is to a beautiful weekend for all of you...

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxxoxo


Phatpuppy Art | Create Your Badge

I am looking for photos to fit a medieval theme - they must be classic and have optimal lighting.

This will give you an example:
[link]

I have a publisher that would like me to do some variations of this theme -- in this kind of style, dress, etc..

The problem is that the stock usually lacks - i.e., the guy looks too modern, short, old,  in other words - not authentic --

If you think you can get me something similar to the photo - I will do the artwork and gladly give you the final version for framing, etc..
Also, if chosen for the cover, I will do my best to get you credited on the book - usually for self-published authors this is not a problem - but for the bigger names like Random House, no....  but I always link you here and wherever the image is posted.

I would try to take the images myself - but simply don't have the time to locate the clothes, the right models, etc...



If you have ANY other stocks that have a good medieval theme - not necessarily this pose, let me know and I'll take a peek. Okay?

Thanks everyone!

Love to you!

Claudia

P.S.
I have a new fan art up of Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia and Letters to Juliet fame)  i hope you'll like it.....can't post these on DA.
[link]

new works
and

Just a small journal to give some love to people that I think very highly of....and I want them to know that although some of them I don't speak to regularly - I treasure their friendship and kindness - and admire them deeply as artists.


1.
:thumb196532182:

2.


3.


4.  


5.




A little self-promotion  



My newest work with not posted yet to da - but soon

[link]

Hi family.  Starting another kiriban for 500,000 pageviews (I don't care about views really - but it's fun to do this to see how people screenshot at the exact moment!)

One prize and it will be a 3 month sub for the person who comes closest WITHOUT going over.

second and third prize will be to have a piece featured in my journal.  


Also - so many letters asking if I'm back - I guess I am since I've been posting continuously for two weeks!

I've been working non-stop -- bookcover for Random House in Spain (trying to get the cover now from the publisher so I can share with you)
one in Italy - and a bunch of self-published authors.

Please get ready though for these two - I've promoted them before, but they are getting ready to hit the shelves within the next 30-90 days
I'll put their "Good Reads" and Amazon links too.

1. Amanda Hocking's "Honalee"
Good Reads -- [link]

Amazon link will be coming shortly -

2. "Watched" by Sharde Richardson

Good Reads --  [link]
Amazon -- [link]


Thanks everyone for all of your support -- I will probably come and go around here - some months busier - like this past one - and some months will be less.

Thank you for my last DD too for "My Day in the Sun"   
what an honor and surprise!  

Love to all of you!

Claudia
xoxoxo

skin shared with me by my dear friend