Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Friday, July 30, 2010
Just A Thought
So Kanye West is on twitter now right, and yesterday he was tweeting some...what seems to me, uber apologetic stuff about the bad decisions he made in his career. Me as a hipHop head I remember when he first came out and the stuff he was doing behind the scene before his first single. We all seen the best and worst of him...So I tweeted him like, dude get past that, we all make mistakes, and your extremely talented, you can't make your mistakes bigger than your accomplishments. I'm no Kanye West, as far as accomplishments go or even mistakes for that matter, but I know what it is to make out of character decisions and foolish mistakes. Don't ever let your mistakes out weigh your accomplishments and when they seem like they about to....step it the fuck up!
Friday, July 23, 2010
That's Life
Euripides is quoted as saying “Circumstances rule men and not men rule circumstances.” The irony…we are victims of our own circumstances, the reason, is because we do not assert the type of control over our lives that we so boldly proclaim to have.
Just the other day I was telling a friend that if I never reach the level of success that I want in my career, it won’t be because I didn’t try. Things go wrong along the way (circumstances) but they are more of a nuisance that a ruler, I can deal with that.
As circumstances had it I was away from my social networking for a while and my website (rca-media.com) went down. Things were slow for me as it was but I couldn’t afford to miss out on any potential opportunities so I created raisincanearts.biz, a mirror site to rca-media. Eventually I will be bringing the original domains (raisincanearts.com and rca-media.com) back, but for now the dot biz is home.
The final quarter of 2009 and first quarter of 2010 was pretty good to me, much better than that of ’09 but business seems to have cooled down as summer warmed up. Part of that has to do with me not being on top of my marketing and promoting which is going to be my focus for the next 6 weeks. I have a few things that I have been holding back on that I am going to launch, if you follow my blog and site you will hear about them as they come. One project in particular is my e-store, featuring original artwork, clothing, books, videos, music, accessories and more. Something else I really need to focus on is my promotional sales and referral program. I realize how design services can take the back seat sometimes, even for start up businesses. What I try to stress is that presenting your services and product to the world is a critical part of your business. 90% of my business comes via referral and I want to shout out all the folks who have supported me from day 1, you know who you are…At the same time, 75% of my actual work is marketing and promoting more so than an actual contract. I’ve quite a bit of sweat equity placed in Raisin Cane Arts & Media….I’ve been an artist all my life but wanted to be a designer since 1991. In 1993 I had my first published work, one piece in a small local magazine another in a nationally published one. I remember designing T-Shirts and selling them at Freak-nik in 1994, then in 1996 I did a TV commercial for WB-36, I may still have the VHS tape, I don’t know. I can also, still remember my first business card design job in 1997…I got burned. In 2000 I created my first websites, one was a Hip-Hop e-zine type and the other was my online portfolio…GOD they were cheesy LOL, but I designed them all hand coded no Dreamweaver, I still have some of my ancient design work…think I might post. Oh, and I can’t forget all those years of graffiti writing, this one night I did an art show and decided to go paint trains after. I parked my car…wasn’t even my car was my girlfriend at the times car, anyway I parked in an alley way. I came back to find the car window busted and my portfolio gone…That was it, just my portfolio, her wallet with credit cards and ID still there, stereo still there just my portfolio gone….still an oddity to me till this day. Lot’s of up’s and downs between them then and now, I left a few things out but point is, I’m still here doing what I do best. Circumstances knocked me around a bit and sometimes recovery takes longer than others but you will never see me throw in the towel due to circumstances.
I rambled on a bit but that’s life is in a way. We start some where we stumble through and at the end of the day we’ve made our point…hopefully.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Be A Prospector
"Dig where the gold is, unless you just want some exercise. God is Love"-Rev Run
It has been a while since my last blog and I've finally taken the time out to get back to it.
With the above quote in mind, we all want to be successful in whatever challenges we choose to take on in life, and sometimes we have to work real hard to hit that paydirt, even in the face of others that seem to make achievements effortlessly. Well, first off nothing worth having is achieved without effort. Also, it's all about mental attitude and fortitude when facing obsticles, having the right one is what makes challenges seem effortless.
"Stick to your roots" and "stay in your lane" are popular phrases used for guidence on our journey through life, they are the caution signs to keep us away from the dark unknow and the ever dreaded failure awaiting those bold enough to cross that line.
Now I'm not the one to rip a hole in a safty net that's worked for myself and many others but sometimes we have to cross that line if that's where we are drawn, or were we see that twinkle of gold on the horizon. Failure is not the end, it's a setback that we all can get back on our feet from, dust off and move forward from with the ability to make more informed decisions. Cronic failure on the other hand is a clear sign that something ain't right...such a situation calls for us to lean on a popular phrase or two and rethink our stradegy.
I am not much of a religious man but I believe in the spiritual notion that, what god has for you is only for you. This is something that cannot be dictated by your demographics, tradition, or any of the other lables that society seems so inclined to slap on our ass. What's for you is for you and there is nothing more beautiful than the realization that.....Thar's Gold in Them Thar Hills awaiting you. Often we are discouraged to follow our dreams and except a medeocre lifestyle in place of a full and enriched life. Other times it's for a more honorable act such as taking care of your family so that they can follow their dreams...and ain't a damn thing wrong with that.
When it comes to your personal goals and dreams, I do want to say this......Take a moment to look at your surroundings, take note of everything. Now, realize that everything that you just catalogued from the clothes on your back, the technology that you are using, the room that you are in and the job you are working at are all manifestations of someone elses dreams. I guess you can say you are fulfilling the dreams of others in a way....but what about yours? Are you in anyway proactive in the fulfillment of you heart felt goals?
You ever have one of those dreams, nocturnal/sleeping dreams, where you are running but not getting anywhere? Life can be like that sometimes....You wake up in the morning tired and ready to jump back on that hamster wheel only to dream like your on one when you go to bed at the end of the day......Yo, there is gold in them thar hills waiting for you. Get off the hamster wheel and Dig where the gold is, unless you just want some exercise.
ONE
It has been a while since my last blog and I've finally taken the time out to get back to it.
With the above quote in mind, we all want to be successful in whatever challenges we choose to take on in life, and sometimes we have to work real hard to hit that paydirt, even in the face of others that seem to make achievements effortlessly. Well, first off nothing worth having is achieved without effort. Also, it's all about mental attitude and fortitude when facing obsticles, having the right one is what makes challenges seem effortless.
"Stick to your roots" and "stay in your lane" are popular phrases used for guidence on our journey through life, they are the caution signs to keep us away from the dark unknow and the ever dreaded failure awaiting those bold enough to cross that line.
Now I'm not the one to rip a hole in a safty net that's worked for myself and many others but sometimes we have to cross that line if that's where we are drawn, or were we see that twinkle of gold on the horizon. Failure is not the end, it's a setback that we all can get back on our feet from, dust off and move forward from with the ability to make more informed decisions. Cronic failure on the other hand is a clear sign that something ain't right...such a situation calls for us to lean on a popular phrase or two and rethink our stradegy.
I am not much of a religious man but I believe in the spiritual notion that, what god has for you is only for you. This is something that cannot be dictated by your demographics, tradition, or any of the other lables that society seems so inclined to slap on our ass. What's for you is for you and there is nothing more beautiful than the realization that.....Thar's Gold in Them Thar Hills awaiting you. Often we are discouraged to follow our dreams and except a medeocre lifestyle in place of a full and enriched life. Other times it's for a more honorable act such as taking care of your family so that they can follow their dreams...and ain't a damn thing wrong with that.
When it comes to your personal goals and dreams, I do want to say this......Take a moment to look at your surroundings, take note of everything. Now, realize that everything that you just catalogued from the clothes on your back, the technology that you are using, the room that you are in and the job you are working at are all manifestations of someone elses dreams. I guess you can say you are fulfilling the dreams of others in a way....but what about yours? Are you in anyway proactive in the fulfillment of you heart felt goals?
You ever have one of those dreams, nocturnal/sleeping dreams, where you are running but not getting anywhere? Life can be like that sometimes....You wake up in the morning tired and ready to jump back on that hamster wheel only to dream like your on one when you go to bed at the end of the day......Yo, there is gold in them thar hills waiting for you. Get off the hamster wheel and Dig where the gold is, unless you just want some exercise.
ONE
Monday, December 28, 2009
As we end 2009.......
“In life you may not get second chances but you can ALWAYS get a FRESH start!”
-CANE
It's been a bit since I last blogged but I am back on my business. This will be my last blog for 2009 too, so I will drop a little something special for you guys. Shout out to all my readers and I am just a little surprised that I don't have any followers yet...guess no one is interested in 20% off on graphics, well you just might be after this.
I want to thank all my regular clients and everyone else that used my services in '09....In the words of a stripper whose name I can't remember, "thanks for supporting the hustle." I love what I do and not many people can say that about their jobs so I consider myself truly blessed. In 2010 my only resolutions will be to continue to develop as a whole and channel that energy into my talent, to get back to my creative roots sketching, painting and graff...yes graffitti art and bring it back to the table. Also I need to , not so much work on, as be more disciplined when it comes to my professionalism. My biggest lesson learned of 2009 is that if you don't treat what you do with the upmost value, it's a good chance neither will anyone else.
So, in celebration on a.....not so bad year and a better one to come, I am offering prices that I have not since back in the day. The sale is a short one but you are only required to be under contract before it ends. You may also combine your 20% off with the sale prices if you follow the blog and join mailing list which will keep you updated on other promotional coupons and savings. How many designers offer you that?
In early January 2010 I will be updating my services, pricing and payment methods so this is your best opportunity to get it in for the "low low". Also, members of select sites that I am also a member of have a promotion code that they can use for 25% off of design...You can find those sites on my links page, just mention the code in your email or place it in the corresponding field on the rca-media questionnaire form under contact page on rca-media.com.
Wishing you guys a safe end on 2009 and NYE, may 2010 bring you all that you want. Wayne Dyer said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” And on that note, I am out....
-CANE
It's been a bit since I last blogged but I am back on my business. This will be my last blog for 2009 too, so I will drop a little something special for you guys. Shout out to all my readers and I am just a little surprised that I don't have any followers yet...guess no one is interested in 20% off on graphics, well you just might be after this.
I want to thank all my regular clients and everyone else that used my services in '09....In the words of a stripper whose name I can't remember, "thanks for supporting the hustle." I love what I do and not many people can say that about their jobs so I consider myself truly blessed. In 2010 my only resolutions will be to continue to develop as a whole and channel that energy into my talent, to get back to my creative roots sketching, painting and graff...yes graffitti art and bring it back to the table. Also I need to , not so much work on, as be more disciplined when it comes to my professionalism. My biggest lesson learned of 2009 is that if you don't treat what you do with the upmost value, it's a good chance neither will anyone else.
So, in celebration on a.....not so bad year and a better one to come, I am offering prices that I have not since back in the day. The sale is a short one but you are only required to be under contract before it ends. You may also combine your 20% off with the sale prices if you follow the blog and join mailing list which will keep you updated on other promotional coupons and savings. How many designers offer you that?
In early January 2010 I will be updating my services, pricing and payment methods so this is your best opportunity to get it in for the "low low". Also, members of select sites that I am also a member of have a promotion code that they can use for 25% off of design...You can find those sites on my links page, just mention the code in your email or place it in the corresponding field on the rca-media questionnaire form under contact page on rca-media.com.
Wishing you guys a safe end on 2009 and NYE, may 2010 bring you all that you want. Wayne Dyer said, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” And on that note, I am out....
Monday, September 21, 2009
Artist on Artist Short Interview
Good Day People! For some of you it is Monday and for others it’s just Monday. Either way you go in and approach it as a new day with unlimited possibilities.
Today I want to introduce you to an associate and talented artist Siona Marques via Artist on Artist - part I, the first installment in a series of brief two way artist on artist interviews. Siona is a very expressive and passionate artist that primarily works in oils on canvas.
Soulmate Part I, 24x24, oil on canvas by Siona Marie Marques
Soulmate Part II, 24x24, oil on canvas by Siona Marie Marques
To learn more about this artist and view more of her work, visit http://www.sionamarques.com/.
This is the first installment in a series of brief artist on artist interviews. In the future, some will be in audio format. Antonio "Cain" Smith is a versatile artist stationed in Miami. He works in a variety of mediums and also does web and graphic design work.............
Siona: What motivates you as an artist?
Cane: What motivates me as is artist is that, I love to create. Sounds, colors, dreams, shapes, textures, words, touch. I can be triggered by anything at any time. It's kind of weird but for an artist I guess it's not. My creativity is not turned on 24‐7 but experiencing anyone of those things at a moment can spark it.
Siona: If you could change the world, what would you do first?
Cane: I think educate people, not just "book learning"/school stuff but attempt to rid the world of ignorance. As the cliché goes, "the more you know, the further you go." I have found that our limits are not based on what we know but actually what we don't know.
Acrylic on Canvas (24x16) Art By Cane
To see more of My work, you know where to go….http://rca-media.com/
Today I want to introduce you to an associate and talented artist Siona Marques via Artist on Artist - part I, the first installment in a series of brief two way artist on artist interviews. Siona is a very expressive and passionate artist that primarily works in oils on canvas.
Cane: When did you KNOW you were going to be an artist?
Siona: After taking an art class. I remember the smell of the oil paints and they still ‘do’ something to me. There was a whole lot of drama in that class, so I had to check out early...But I learned a few things before I did, such as learning to stretch canvas. I have never bought a pre‐made canvas, I stretch all my own. And I think this adds to the nuance of the artwork, the fact that it is totally and completely handmade.
Cane: Do you feel that art has a social relevance other then aesthetics? And if so what?
Siona: For sure. I think art has the power to move and to change, which is why I like graffiti art. It expresses a lot more than just beauty, or at least some of it. Those artists have no other way to express things such as grief, the death of a loved one, etc. I’ve seen more than one graffiti memorial and they can be very deep. The Harlem Renaissance is another example, a period when disenfranchised folks began to receive creative recognition for expressing their pain in a form that was palatable and empathetic.
Soulmate Part I, 24x24, oil on canvas by Siona Marie Marques
Soulmate Part II, 24x24, oil on canvas by Siona Marie MarquesTo learn more about this artist and view more of her work, visit http://www.sionamarques.com/.
This is the first installment in a series of brief artist on artist interviews. In the future, some will be in audio format. Antonio "Cain" Smith is a versatile artist stationed in Miami. He works in a variety of mediums and also does web and graphic design work.............
Siona: What motivates you as an artist?
Cane: What motivates me as is artist is that, I love to create. Sounds, colors, dreams, shapes, textures, words, touch. I can be triggered by anything at any time. It's kind of weird but for an artist I guess it's not. My creativity is not turned on 24‐7 but experiencing anyone of those things at a moment can spark it.
Siona: If you could change the world, what would you do first?
Cane: I think educate people, not just "book learning"/school stuff but attempt to rid the world of ignorance. As the cliché goes, "the more you know, the further you go." I have found that our limits are not based on what we know but actually what we don't know.
Acrylic on Canvas (24x16) Art By CaneTo see more of My work, you know where to go….http://rca-media.com/
Monday, September 7, 2009
A Pencil Saved My life
"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once they grows up."-Pablo Picass
I say that I was born an artist....prolly* true, ask anyone that really knows me. I often think about the state of the misguided youth and how f#@ked up it's lookin'. The youth have been reprogrammed under the guidance of mass media bullshit on the screen and radio plus you have parents that are simply not fulfilling that role.
I see some folks look at their kids and say, "they learn so fast these days" it has less to do with these days and more to do with the distribution of information and how it's basically being absorbed. With that being said, I feel that creativity being encouraged at a young age teaches a child independence and how to use what’s around them and give back, not just take away. Whether it is through, music, dance, visual arts or writing. A child that can immerse themselves into something creative and nurture that into a craft and discipline as they develop in age has a better chance of staying away from the heartbreaking garbage that we have allowed to plagues our youth. Not to say creativity is the only way to keep kids in line, a good ole fashioned ass whuppin' can do the trick too, as some of us may have learned.
My point is....well there ain't no real point per se, I was digging the quote and decided to run with it. Also, I know that, if it wasn't for art I am uncertain what I would be doing or decisions I would have made in my life and looking back at the ones I could have made.....thank god for that pencil.
*prolly=probably, relax it's just slang/phonetics
DON'T FORGET!
• 20% OFF YOUR NEXT DESIGN PROJECT FOR ALL BLOG SUBSCRIBERS
• FREE 1000 BUSINESS CARDS WITH WEB DESIGN (you just pay shipping if needed)
• WEB HOSTING $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS, PAY $25 @ SETUP, CONTACT ME FOR OTHER DETAILS. HOSTING PKG INCLUDES, 3 FREE DOMAINS, 250 GIGS OF STORAGE, UNLIMITED BANDWITH AND EMAIL, PLUS EASY SHOP/E-COMMERCE.
I say that I was born an artist....prolly* true, ask anyone that really knows me. I often think about the state of the misguided youth and how f#@ked up it's lookin'. The youth have been reprogrammed under the guidance of mass media bullshit on the screen and radio plus you have parents that are simply not fulfilling that role.
I see some folks look at their kids and say, "they learn so fast these days" it has less to do with these days and more to do with the distribution of information and how it's basically being absorbed. With that being said, I feel that creativity being encouraged at a young age teaches a child independence and how to use what’s around them and give back, not just take away. Whether it is through, music, dance, visual arts or writing. A child that can immerse themselves into something creative and nurture that into a craft and discipline as they develop in age has a better chance of staying away from the heartbreaking garbage that we have allowed to plagues our youth. Not to say creativity is the only way to keep kids in line, a good ole fashioned ass whuppin' can do the trick too, as some of us may have learned.
My point is....well there ain't no real point per se, I was digging the quote and decided to run with it. Also, I know that, if it wasn't for art I am uncertain what I would be doing or decisions I would have made in my life and looking back at the ones I could have made.....thank god for that pencil.
*prolly=probably, relax it's just slang/phonetics
DON'T FORGET!
• 20% OFF YOUR NEXT DESIGN PROJECT FOR ALL BLOG SUBSCRIBERS
• FREE 1000 BUSINESS CARDS WITH WEB DESIGN (you just pay shipping if needed)
• WEB HOSTING $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST 6 MONTHS, PAY $25 @ SETUP, CONTACT ME FOR OTHER DETAILS. HOSTING PKG INCLUDES, 3 FREE DOMAINS, 250 GIGS OF STORAGE, UNLIMITED BANDWITH AND EMAIL, PLUS EASY SHOP/E-COMMERCE.
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