A few days before the deadline for MAiLmeART. The project got mentioned in Computer Arts and Coral Painter Magazine, so along with the online promotion promoting the deadline - I got slammed with submission. Around two and half weeks after the deadline… Today is the first day I’ve not had any mail art arrive on my door step. 
Although the project is no longer accepting submissions the mail art is still coming in. Not that this is a problem, it is just that the constant promotion of the illustrators on Hire an Illustrator and the mailing of the mail shot packs takes up most of my time. So now that I’m trying to compile the mail art and my thoughts into something that can be used and published as a book I’m starting to lose track of what sleep is and coffee is slowly becoming my best friend. This situation isn’t such a bad thing as I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Although I have been considering for a while now hiring additional staff to aid with the work. Email me if you’re a UK (Or international with excellent communication skills) based illustrator looking for a little extra cash.
Here is one of the recent mail art submissions from the excellent Junichi Tsuneoka.
If I drank I would like meet up and have a chat with…
Bob Dob, but not to share a drink. He would be part of the band on stage. Nate Williams because I’ve chatted with him on a couple occasions but it was all work related. It would be nice for a change just to chill out and talk about films, comedy or even illustration. Dan May because there’s this game you can play on a scrap of paper where the first player draws two dots on the paper and then the second player has to join the dots without the pen leaving the paper or going over any lines. The second player then draws two dots for the first player to complete. The loser is the first person to take their pen off the paper or draw over another line without joining the dots. I would like to see if I could beat him.
I would like to buy a drink for…
Jim Brashaw because he’s a really nice guy, and his illustrations are great. Last year when he contributed to the MAiLmeART project he included in one of his submissions a small illustration of a chimp for me. As soon as I sort out my office/studio the drawing is being framed and put on the wall. Alex Amelines because he makes my life that little bit easier by being the co Senior Editor of the Little Chimp Society. He also suggested the recent redesign for the banner area of the LCS. I implemented the change as soon as he suggested it. I hope one day he feel the site is a much his as it is mine, although in reality it will always belong to the LCS members. Von Glitschka because of his good nature and the fantastic logo he created for the LCS. My wife Jane because she deserves one!
People I would like to throw a drink over…
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Well I’ve been working none stop for the last five weeks due to a very intense website I’m working on! I can’t give anything away, but the project is slowly coming to a close.
I’m halfway through compiling a free PDF showcase for Hire an illustrator! There’s still time if you’re quick to join up and be included.
The other day I received a fantastic advent calendar which can be seen above illustrated by the one and only Beach (who I consider to be a friend although I’ve never meet him. We have tried on a couple occasions to meet up for a beer, but it is still to happen). The calendars are available through Beach’s site and all profits go to charity!
I’m also currently putting together a book for the MAiLmeART project which will be being published by HOW Books. The MAiLmeART project is still open for submissions follow this link to find out how.
Just after I sent out an LCS newsletter this morning - the morning mail got delivered and wedged in-between the bills was possible the coolest mail art ever! I had recently interviewed Beano comic book artist Nigel Parkinson, and after the interview was posted on the LCS I mentioned to him that my son was a big fan of the beano, and that I was running a mail art project. He told me he would send a signed copy for my son, but I didn’t expect him to draw a real Dennis and Gnasher on the envelope. Wow!
