I didn't win the fresh produce t-shirt design contest. But, I am a winner.
I'm a winner because I have the BEST friends and family and fans EVAHHHH!!!! I am overwhelmed by the support, sweet comments, votes and cheerleading by all of you...those of you I know and those of you whom I have never met. So many of you forwarded on a request for votes to your circle of friends and family, too. You are all in my heart. My "peace+love+sun" was in first place (100+votes ahead of the 2nd most voted design) for the entire duration of the online voting. Wow...that's something! Prior to the online voting, the powers-that-be at FP had to narrow down all of the submissions (i think there were 75+ submitted artworks) to the final 16 that people voted on. They must have seen marketing potential in peace+love+sun to choose it as a finalist. Ultimately, they decided to go with 2 other designs for the winners and that's okay. The two they picked are really nice and really do look like fresh produce and I'm happy for those artists. I am sure they are over the moon! My design stayed true to my style and i'm proud of that. Fresh Produce holds these contests several times a year, and I'm sure I will try again. I do LOVE fresh produce and own many of their tshirts and sundresses. They are so comfy and beachy. I love that. I had originally submitted 3 pieces and here are the other two:
I did have so many people tell me that they would LOVE to have a tshirt with my peace+love+sun design on it, that i'm going to seriously look into making that happen. Personally, i'd love to see it on a beach bag or beach towel. We'll see. What I did learn from this entire process is that my ultimate professional goal is to license my artwork. I have no idea how to make that happen yet, but I do believe my style is marketable and current. I am going to work toward that goal. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for your encouragement and well wishes during the contest. My inbox was full of "good lucks and go get 'ems" and i was stopped countless times around town by friends and acquaintances telling me that they voted for me and asking me if i knew the outcome. Once again, I am humbled and feeling the love.
I want a tee shirt PLEASE !!! XXX
Posted by: Sue Atkins | June 18, 2009 at 11:52 AM
My sweet Lori,
I hope you Mark and the kids have a wonderful vacation in our little piece of heaven. I do miss it so.
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Vincent Mercuri | July 07, 2009 at 11:11 PM