There is so much to appreciate in Ken Wong’s art, especially the dreamy and childlike adventure stuff like this one. But don’t be lured into a false sense of security just yet… ’cause he’ll leap out and get you!

I’m overjoyed to have true blue illustrator Douglas Jones join Thumbtack Press. When I first saw these images I was blown away. It’s words and images like these that fortify me through, what I consider to be, a graceless age of man.

His talent is indisputable. If we’re lucky Douglas will give us more in the series - encourage him - buy a print!

I’ll get right to the point… Cancer sucks. I lost my brother to Leukemia in 1985. On a more hopeful note, Bob Dob was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma of the knee in 1987 and - thankfully - recovered. It’s really impossible to describe the heartbreak and helplessness felt from these devestating illnesses.

In 2006 Thumbtack Press raised $1000 for St. Jude Childen’s Research Hospital with a giving challenge, but that was a “drop in the vast sea” when it comes to cancer research. This year we are going to donate over $3500 with your help (no, we aren’t asking you for $3500). Bob Dob has graciously donated all of his commissions for “Lonely Day” for the cause, likewise, Thumbtack Press will donate all proceeds of this print run to St. Jude… Every single penny.

Here’s more good news: YOU get a Thumbtack Press-quality, hand signed limited edition print from Bob Dob for $75. It’s really a Win-Win-Win-Win situation. Want to help but don’t have the money? Please blog, e-mail, talk to everyone you know about this. Thanks.

A little about St. Jude:

“St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility anywhere. Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. We are where some of today’s most gifted researchers are able to do more science, more quickly. Where doctors across the world send their toughest cases and most vulnerable patients. Where no one pays for treatment beyond what is covered by insurance, and those without insurance are never asked to pay. We’ve built America’s 3rd-largest health-care charity, with a model that keeps the costs down and the funds flowing, so the science never stops.”

College for Creative Studies instructors Don Kilpatrick and David Chow invited me to assign a project for their students last Winter. The assignment was: Making a Great Image for the Print Market. I helped guide the discussion and gave feedback during the process. The problem, it turns out, is I couldn’t pick just one winner when it was over. That’s why there are three great images by three very talented students here.

I’ve raised our flat shipping rates for International customers. I didn’t want to but, unfortunately, I’m not immune to the recently raised transportation costs that have been adopted by our U.S. Postal Service.

On average an international shipment costs us about 14 bucks, that’s because our prints are secured in a large box, shipped flat, and protected with shock absorbers for the journey - all the added weight makes our shipments a bit pricey.

We could save a bundle by shipping our prints rolled up in a tube or in a stiff envelope like the other guys, but we are 100% confident that our customers would rather receive their Thumbtack Press prints crease-less, ding-free, and damage-free. Plus, our prints are too rigid to roll anyway.

So there you have it, I know when you receive your print you’ll agree that the added expense is worth it.

How do I sum up Gianluca’s brilliance? Easy. I just post his work.

Wanna see a fresh face? Caia Koopman joins Thumbtack Press and offer three beautiful (and surreal) prints. I don’t have a favorite - I love them all.

About a year ago I submitted a rather smug and seemingly-learned post to the uproar surrounding the Orphaned Works Amendment to our U.S. Copyright Law on IllustrationMundo.com. There was a fine article by Rob Dunlavey explaining the issue - and I posted a rebuttal that was hasty and mis-informed. I’d link you to the evidence, but frankly, I’m pretty embarrassed by it. Now that the bill has reached Congress, I’ve delved deeper and read the fineprint. This is never easy but…

I WAS DEAD WRONG AND I APOLOGIZE!

The Orphaned Works Bill (S.2913) is deceptive Trojan horse legislation that is designed to hi-jack the ownership of visual works by their creator - truly. This is serious.

I’m not talented enough to summarize the treachery to you in a few lines, but if you would please spend just a few minutes listening to an mp3 interview that Brad Holland gave last month I think you will see (and seeth) like I have over the last couple of hours why this is clearly a mistake.

At that time Brad didn’t have a “call to action” because - rightly so - the final language of the bill had not been introduced to the Senate floor - but now that it has it is crucial that you (especially you California constituents) contact your Senators and Representative and tell them you OPPOSE the Orphaned Works bill.

Now that Thumbtack Press has a studio space, we done put up a sign!

Shane was a big help! But it was Grandpa — the photographer here, and the most recent employee of Thumbtack Press after retiring from his job of thirty-four years!!! — who got this sign into place. Thanks and congratulations Dad!

By the way, did you notice the “MASSAGE THERAPY” sign under ours? /sarcasm