The Long & Whining Road - Thoughts of a Freelance Graphic Artist

Test Gif

2010-02-14T16:47:00.002-06:00

Outer Limits

2009-07-18T00:06:00.001-05:00

Coolest show ever made.

New Blog: "Freelance Artist"

2009-02-12T09:53:00.003-06:00

Beginning in 2009, I will be posting professional news and commentary at my new Blog, "Freelance Artist". But less-serious stuff -- which ironically is much more important to success and happiness -- will always be welcome here.

Job Loss Can Mean New Beginning

2008-08-03T09:01:00.003-05:00

I was recently interviewed for an article in the Appleton Post-Crescent, in connection with a massive paper company lay-off. It is my hope that many of those affected would consider self-employment and other entrepreneurial options. Taking control of the "job search" by networking and capitalizing on a career's-worth of experience is the best way to turn this thing around. When updating your resume and getting the word out, be sure to emphasize not only where you have been (i.e, the "Previous Experience" list), but what you have accomplished — and where you want to go. This will help you to put your best foot forward and energize your efforts.

The brief article is online thanks to the efforts of Journalist Maureen Wallenfang and several regional P-C affiliates:

The Post-Crescent

The Oshkosh Northwestern

The Fond du Lac Reporter

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Old Man

2008-07-07T12:41:00.004-05:00

Decided to scan this self-portrait done while a student. A long, long time ago in an art school far far away, the Illustration students were assigned a self-portrait looking 10 years into the future (said future now being itself 10 years in the past!). Well, ok, I had to lower my sights a bit, especially on the hair. Less is more, right? I do still drink milk, and I do still have that picture frame. And who really wants wallpaper like that anyway?

Thoughts on Logos and Branding

2008-06-06T18:37:00.005-05:00

Just completed! With simplified one-color version for smaller, black-and-white or limited-color items. Soon to be displayed at AssemblyVision.com. Best of luck to Owner/Genius Tim Stevenson!

"I don't know much about art, but I know what I like!" Your future customers will be making the same aesthetic judgment about your brand. Will you be able to make a positive and memorable impression at first glance? Will you be noticed AND taken seriously?

Your business launch is the culmination of a lifetime of expertise, planning and passion. This is not the time to "pay your dues" as the newcomer. Rather, you want to step out with a mature, professional image that says you mean business. We'll work with you to create a unique brand image that immediately communicates what you're all about. Let Alberts Illustration & Design help you develop a clear, consistently-designed brand image to use in your advertising, on your business signs, website, and packaging — every visible part of your business.

For your convenience, your logo and graphics files are archived in one place, ready to use in advertising, websites, video, or print. Let us deal with the "techies" directly. providing your images to each media outlet at the exact technical specifications needed — Instantly!

Frozen Tundra Indeed

2008-02-20T08:29:00.003-06:00

More than you wanted to know

2008-02-02T23:55:00.000-06:00

This is in reply (retaliation?) to Shari Voigt's blog entry implicating me in a silly game of Blog Tag. Here's my Seven. Not that it's anyone's business!:

1.) I'm watching Ned the Dead right now, and I have always believed that you should Support Your Local Horror Movie Host. From my childhood (and beyond) in Ohio, I have a collection of autographed photos and memorabilia from Hoolihan & Big Chuck, The Ghoul, Ghoulardi, SuperHost, Sir Graves Ghastley, Fritz the Night Owl,....

2.) I am pretty much an expert on Funk, Jazz, and Acid Jazz music, and I have a corresponding aversion to Country Music, a.k.a. the AntiJazz.

3.) I spent two years attending Ohio State University taking a "Pre-Dentistry" curriculum, with the intention of making enough money to finance own Band.

4.) I seem to be hyper-flexible but only backward, regularly stretching with back-bridges and easily touching my nose and even chin to the mat.

5.) I have never learned to type, even though I have been working on the Mac since the mid-80s. This is all two-finger-typed, and takes me so long that Shari should be ashamed for making me do it.

6.) I have developed an addiction to spicy food, regularly polishing off a variety of hot sauces and powders that occupy a shelf of the refrigerator door. When I acquire enough money and/or programming skill, my website will have a Hot Sauce Links category. Yeah, I live on the edge.

7.) Someday I hope to get up the nerve to strike up a conversation with that guy (I assume it's a guy) who lives in the Men's Room stall at Wal-Mart. He's there when you get there and there when you leave, and some say he's dead and some say he never will be. The stuff of legends.

Well, there it is.

Want to Improve Your Image?

2008-01-02T14:37:00.000-06:00

These not-necessarily-real logotypes show how easy it can be to give your brand a boost. Let's work together in 2008!

One-of-a-Kind

2007-07-02T20:45:00.001-05:00

Original art for one of my favorite places, Aspen Coffee & Tea in Menasha, WI. Based on the original "Leaf" used in their logo. Pen & ink and watercolors; approx. 24" square.
Update July 5th: Just came from a business meeting at Aspen; the art is framed, matted and displayed -- looks great!

On the Air May 26

2007-05-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

I will be the guest on WHBY 1150's BizTalk on Saturday morning at 9.

Thanks for visiting!
In addition to the business site at scottalberts.com, I maintain a gallery of larger samples and works in progress HERE. If there is anything else you would like to see, email me and I can probably find it and post it.

(If any of these links give you a hard time, try the less-fancy but more reliable BLOG format.)

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Other news:

I was recently interviewed by Elizabeth Ries of TV-2 in connection with the Lion King festivities and my exhibit at the Art Center (see blog entry directly below this one). The video is still online as of today; click on "Art Center Displays the Lion King."

A number of us E-Seed grads were featured in a Post-Crescent "Annual Report." The news item is HERE, as well as the entire supplement featuring cover girl Gail Giese of Dinner Helpers.

World's Largest Business Card?

2007-05-04T11:33:00.000-05:00

NOW ON DISPLAY!

through June 30th

My "Midnight Express" scenery, created for the Christ the Rock Community Church performance of Four Tickets to Christmas, is being featured in the Appleton Art Center's "StageCraft" exhibit.

Along with the original art and sketches, the Center's Director, Tim Riley, has included the FULL-SIZE 32-foot long train! The Exhibit features theater-inspired art, including creations from The Lion King.

VERY SPECIAL OFFER!

2007-04-21T05:53:00.000-05:00

NOTE: We got 5 and THEN some -- the $50 Special is no longer available.
Please call or write; prices are still at introductory rates. And a new "Pet Gallery" page is under construction.

I need your help in building a portfolio of pet portraiture.

This includes not only a finished portrait of your pet in a style of your choice, but a high-resolution scan of the art for printing or for use on your computer.

Please click HERE for a few samples and contact info. At least 50 percent down is needed to secure a portrait.

Beauty Eh?

2007-03-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

Not an action shot; I just like looking at it. The original is black-and-white pen and ink, and is now available in prints. It frames very well at 8.5 x 11 inches -- although I didn't measure it when I started it! An action drawing of an Eagle is almost completed, and will be posted soon.

Also: We've been adding to the Anastasia Khitruk site. She has just completed recording a new project featuring the works of Miklos Rozsa.

The Newer Older Logo

2007-02-28T11:32:00.000-06:00

It won't always be depicted as a beacon in the sky pointing the way to a brighter tomorrow, but this is the basic design. I think it fits me: a bit retro, drive-in theatre/service-station (no gas jokes), a-brand-you-can-trust, ...I'm still trying to figure out if I can add tail fins to it. But I will be producing a hand-drawn version, as well as other iterations that will provide for endless tinkering and experimentation. Your comments are welcome!

Oh -- and I re-named Canada.

Testimonials, Part 2

2007-01-23T06:45:00.000-06:00

"Scott gave life to my brand when he created the illustrated logo. It went from just a flat name on paper to a living, breathing, exciting image. Now everybody loves TaxxDog and wants his protection!"

JeanMarie Hinds, Owner
TaxxDog, Appleton, WI
www.taxxdog.com

Mr. Alberts created for us an intricate, artistic and exquisite set panel for our 2005 Christmas musical production. Our audience rated it one of the higher elements of the production this year. It was professional in all aspects, eye catching and drew people into our show.
Mr. Alberts was a true professional in our working relationship. He presented his personal vision and was also willing to work with us to help the design be a true team effort. Thank you Scott for your wonderful contribution!

Peter Leschke
Creative Arts/Worship Pastor
Christ the Rock Community Church
www.christtherock.org

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Portfolio Gallery Updated frequently with larger sample images.

2007 -- Bring It On!

2007-01-01T14:54:00.000-06:00

In the final hours of 2006, I had the opportunity to read a great book that helped equip me for 2007.

Art & Fear: Observations On The Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking

"Art & Fear" not only tells you "what you already know," but provides much-needed encouragement to insecure artists (pardon the redundancy). After addressing, debunking, or commiserating with our worst fears, the authors conclude that we have the CHOICE:

"...[B]etween giving your work your best shot and risking that it will not make you happy, or not giving it your best shot -- and thereby guaranteeing that it will not make you happy. It becomes a choice between certainty and uncertainty. And curiously, uncertainty is the comforting choice."

A Closer Look

2006-12-15T12:45:00.000-06:00

Please browse through this gallery of larger images, accompanied by explanatory notes. The gallery has an interface that allows me to add and edit items without using html. I will continue to maintain this page and its sub-galleries, posting requested items as well as new works in progress.

(besides, there seems to be only a 1-in-10 chance that images placed into the Blogger blog actually display properly in the re-published blog on my own site!)

See Anastasia This Saturday!

2006-12-05T09:26:00.000-06:00

If you are in New York City, there is a great opportunity to see Anastasia Khitruk on Saturday, Dec. 9th. Only $25, too! Tell her Scott says Hi from Wisconsin.

Can you see me now?

2006-11-21T14:47:00.000-06:00

It appears the image linking works fine everywhere but in Safari on my Mac.
Here's a sentimental favorite, an older painting of my sister's pets, Bullwinkle and Rocky (Rocky is the one getting ready to run for it).:

Experiments in blogging

2006-11-10T13:48:00.000-06:00

Still trial-and-errors with blog formatting. Let's see how images carry over:

-- I am putting together a pdf of renderings in graphite and pen & ink. Write me if you want a copy!

Testimonials, Pt.1

2006-11-03T12:08:00.000-06:00

D**n it, Jim! I'm an artist not a programmer! Meanwhile, this blog will be the best way for me to add news or other content to the site. So imagine this on the "Things I Forgot to Add to the Site" page:

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"I am writing today to thank you for the great creative work you did on the logo for Career Works Fox Valley. After listening to the description of what I wanted to convey, you were able to create something that speaks to optimism, sensibility and the promise of a better tomorrow.

I have shared your images with a number of clients, prospects and business associates and they all unanimously agree that this art work carries the right message. I promise you that this will be the basis of all of my marketing and collateral material.

Thank you so much for being a great listener and a creative genius. I hope too, that this letter might become a recommendation in your portfolio and I would also be pleased to be a reference for your work."

Sincerely,
Tom Sather
Career Works Fox Valley
www.cwfv.com

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"Due to the creativity, flexibility, and patience Scott exhibited throughout the design process, we have the perfect image to represent our business."

Andrea Hogan
Home Things!
www.homethings.biz

Well, we can draw....

2006-10-27T16:49:00.000-05:00

[Welcome to my blog! If you watch a lot of movies, most of it should make sense. I tend to lapse into movie quotes, literary and pop culture references (or whatever the kids are into these days with the big pants and the walk-mans and the break dancing and the I-don't-know-what). If I seem to jump around from one topic to another, it's because I'm making it up as I go along, and I advise you to approach life in the same fashion. And besides, I wasn't at the computer the whole time. Read a book! But he to-day that watches old tapes of Mystery Science Theater with me, shall be my brother, be he ne'er so vile,....]

When job hunting, you may be advised to fit in, to find out what is available and say "I can do that, too." But when starting a business, you are better off defining what makes you different -- what do you offer that the others don't? After exchanging a few sidelong glances with my fellow citizens of Santa Poco, I was ready to offer, "We can sew!" But then it became clear: WE CAN DRAW!

That is what this business of mine will offer that a graphic designer may not: I can draw and paint. So I can enjoy working WITH graphic designers and marketers and web developers. And I hope that this will become a useful forum for creative, um, stuff (as soon as I learn how to work the blogger thinger better).

Go For It! (-- I mean, I can always take this down later, right?)

2006-04-23T11:42:00.000-05:00

My first blog entry! It seems so "committal;" maybe I should stay to the message boards, and the comfortable anonymity of screen names like Torgo and Guy Habanero. No, I'm definitely going to do this -- if that's okay.

I first want to acknowledge the writer who has most inspired me lately:
John Stanko. His blog is at http://www.johnstanko.us/
and it will be a permanent link elsewhere on this page,
once I get around to customizing it.

Then another, less contemporary guy named Melville:
"...But as in landlessness alone resides the highest truth, shoreless, indefinite as God -- so, better is it to perish in that howling infinite, than be ingloriously dashed upon the lee, even if that were safety!"

[If you have no need for functioning eyesight, you can read Moby Dick online at, among other places, http://www.electronpress.com/freebooks2/moby_dick.pdf
(Chapter 23 -- The Lee Shore)]

The adventure begins....