Hello from an arty newbie!

[drawn2theweb]

Hello folks, I'm new to the board.
Based in Merseyside, I'm "Drawn2theweb", not least because I'm an illustrator who uses the Web to showcase my portfolio.
The power of the internet has a special significance for me, as I took up my career as an artist following an accident in work which left me unable to work in the "conventional" workplace.
Having made a little headway in the greeings card industry, I'm hoping to eventually find a suitable business partner.
I'd welcome contact with anyone with experience of the greetings / giftware industry.

[blackcatz]

Welcome to the forum

Do you have a link to your website as I enjoy seeing portfolio websites and would like to see your work.

I am sure you will find a business partner in time, maybe also join some forums which are geared towards the specific industry your potential partner works in.

[drawn2theweb]

Hi Blackcatz,
my URL is
[url]http://www.artsquirrel.com[/url]
Hope you like it & thanks for asking!

[blackcatz]

drawn2theweb - I have just been browsing your site and I am impressed with your work, especially the oil paintings and greeting card themed illustrations. The illustrations are very elegant and cute, they remind me of greeting cards I used to purchase in WH Smith for family members.

You say you are looking for a business partner, is this for financial reasons or do you want a partner to help you explore different avenues?

You obviously have a lot of talent so I hope you are successful!

[drawn2theweb]

Thanks for the compliments, Blackcatz, it's always a boost.
My current position is that I sell designs for a flat fee(less 50% if I sell through an agent).
I'm looking for partner(s) who can provide finance but mainly marketing and a certain amount of creative input; the chief cost of a new greetings card venture is licencing enough original designs to launch several ranges of cards at one time, which I can cover. However, I wouldn't be adverse to raising the finance with the right person/people.
My chief problem is that I'm disabled and not particularly mobile, so I tend to avoid conventional networking / marketing.
Cheers

[wornout]

Hi drawn2theweb-welcome aboard look forward to your Q&A,s.I,ve got a crazy idea for a cartoon type site if your interested in discussing it through PM
steve